Spinoff: Alternatives to Ariat dress boots?

[Scribbler]

As Ariat seems to have evaporated in Canada and we are in a dress boot drought, I am considering my options. There are currently no dress boots in my size for sale in the entire metro area. If a local shop could even source them, it would likely be a prepaid special order no returns. So I am considering shopping online.

The comparable quality off the shelf brands that I know of include Mountain Horse, Treadstep, Schockemohle, Ego 7, Pioneer from Equizone (read about that on COTH!) , and maybe Ovation. Surely there must be more?

Also interested in British or European online sites as US tack stores usually won’t ship to Canada. I know Rideaway and Equizone.

For reference, in Ariat I am a reliable 8.5, full calf, and would like to try a short calf. My first pair of regular height Ariat field boots were perfect, the second too tall behind the knee because of the Spanish top. I need the Ariat foot bed cushion and support. I haven’t yet measured myself to see how I compare to the various size charts.

Anyhow, looking for feedback on quality, footbed, longevity, and whether the boots run true to stated size.

I’m also mulling over the phenomena that while most US tack stores will not ship to Canada, there are outlets in Britain and Germany that offer free shipping to Canada, and where the prices are 30 to 50 per cent less than in Canada. I suppose they have access to discounted or overstock European brands and are set up for international shipping everywhere.

[joiedevie99]

I’ve been wearing Mountain Horse Dress boots for a long time. They fit me well, and hold up. To me, they run true to the size chart if not ever so slightly large in the foot and calf.

[CanteringCarrot]

I switched from Tredstep to Mountain Horse and I love them. I have the Opus model. The measurements were true and I think they fit better than my custom Cavallo boots. The quality is nice too.

[js]

I have an older pair of Mountain Horse dress boots (Victoria) that I love and they fit perfectly (8.5 W). They are worn out and I’ve been trying to replace them. Tried the new MH dress boots Serenade but had to go up to a size 9 (even though the 8.5 was kind of big) and XW calf to get a good fit, unfortunately they only offer one height and that was way too tall for me, plus the boots fit very big at the top. Seems many boot makers think when you go to XW calf you also have big knees and ankles, which for me the opposite is true. I ended up with the Ovation Mirabella, which fit nicely and correctly. I had found an older pair of Ovation Circuit Gold dressage boots that sadly didn’t fit but they had the inside zipper which I like and the Mirabella have the back zipper.

[Scribbler]

Ah yes, what are the pros and cons of different zipper placement? I’m used to back zipper. I feel like front zipper might feel odd. Thoughts?

[js]

I have both, I don’t notice any difference in the feel, just find the ease of getting on boots with the inside zippers easier. I will say that the inside zippers get wrinkled at the ankle as the boots drop and break in, the MH boots I have are a bit difficult to zip because of this, I’ve never had that issue with back zips.

[CanteringCarrot]

My Cavallos are front zip and the Mountain Horse back zip. I don’t feel a difference. I have no preference either way.

[Willesdon]

Have a look at www.robinsonsequestrian.com

[atr]

As far as footbed comfort goes, you know you can buy the Ariat insoles separately, don’t you?

I put them in my Mountain Horse dress boots, that have held up to three or four years of daily abuse, and are now starting to wear into holes on the inner calf, but the zippers are still going strong (back.) I’m contemplating replacing them with a pair of Ariat lace-up Caprioles when they become too disgraceful, but as they are comfy as bedroom slippers, I’m going to try and milk a bit longer out of them!

My “best” dress boots are a pair of pre-zipper Ariats that will have to be pried from my cold, dead hands.