Tall boots: Reviews and thoughts on Tredsteps?

[cswoodlandfairy]

So I am in the market for new tall boots. I love the Ariat Volants but their new version, the Vortex, are far to narrow in the ankle and thus not doable. I saw the new Tredstep Medici’s and like the look, I was able to try on a pair where my foot size was correct but they didn’t have my calf and was surprised at the comfort. So I am curious to know what peoples thoughts are on their tall boots overall?

I ask because my only experience was a pair of paddock boots and half chaps and the paddock boots started to chip ( the leather peeled off!) and the half chaps would rip in the elastic and this was through 2 pairs. So I returned all and stayed away but this was 5 years ago so curious if it’s better!

[luckylion]

I have a pair of Tredstep Donatellos. I only use them for showing. I have a pair of Mountain Horse Venezias that I use for everyday riding. They are fairly similar boots, with the Mountain Horse being cheaper and the Tredsteps appearing much nicer. They fit pretty similar. I got the talls in the Tredsteps and they are a little too tall for me (I didn’t even know that was possible). The regular height on the Mountain Horse are a bit shorter than I would like, but fine. I think I now seem to fall in between the tall and regular heights. The Tredsteps have been harder to break in and are not quite as comfortable as the Mountain Horse. I think it is because of the nicer leather. I would definitely buy either of the boots, again, especially on clearance, like I got them.

[Lusoluv]

I have a pair of the Tredstep DaVinci, zip ups. I think the style is discontinued because many places have them on sale for $150 down from $300. I found a new pair on Ebay for $99, so figured why not?? They are soft, required no break in and fit well - I’m good at measuring myself. I use them only 2x/week (for jumping) and after 2 years of use, they still look show ready. No wear spots or quality issues so far, but again, they’ve only had light use.

[NorthernHunter]

I’ve had the Tredstep Donatellos for a bit more than 3 years now. I’ve used them for hacking, lessons & showing. Didn’t find them difficult to break in, they look good, and I’ve been happy with how they’ve held up. About 1.5 yrs into having them the zipper won’t stay completely zipped up all the time, despite putting the zip through the leather keeper thing… which means I might have to zip one up during a 1 hr lesson (it’ll unzip a few inches occasionally). I’ve heard someone use spray adhesive on the zipper before doing it up to prevent this issue, but I have not put it to the test. Nonetheless the quality of the boot has otherwise been very good, they clean up well and look new with a bit of polishing, and I plan to continue to use them for lessons and riding at home.

[RodeoHunter]

Agree with everything that has been said. I love mine but the zipper has started to drop after 3 years of 4 times per week. Thank you for the heads up Lusoluv, just found an awesome deal at Dover!

[Showbizz]

I purchased some Donatellos on clearance last year and only use them for shows. After 12 shows with virtually no break-in period, I’m sold.

[Fiona_785]

Tredsteps hold up from what I’ve seen with other people’s boots however, for me and a couple others, they never broke in enough and murdered my ankles.

I could never walk in them ever. They dug in and rubbed in a few places as well. I wore gel ankle wraps which helped but ultimately it wasn’t worth it for me to deal with all that and I just exchanged them for a pair of my tried and true Ariat tall boots.

[BC95]

I had some Tredstep tall boots (don’t remember what model) and I can honestly say I hated them. They stretched out a ton and the zipper broke twice. I have heard of similar occurrences with other users! And I can also say that Volants, although very comfortable, probably wont last.

[CanteringCarrot]

I have the Donatello’s because I was looking for a reasonably priced field boot. They are 3 years old and going strong. I ride at least 5 days a week and sometimes neglect them or wear them for longer than I should around the barn. They clean up nice and I have had zero zipper problems so far. They are comfortable, break in easily, and they were the best “off the shelf” fit I’ve had in awhile. I’ll definitely buy Tredstep again.

[Ladylexie]

I bought some Parlantis but I didn’t care for them so I just bought some treadsteap Donatello II and like them better.

[ParadoxFarm]

@Fiona_785

Tredsteps hold up from what I’ve seen with other people’s boots however, for me and a couple others, they never broke in enough and murdered my ankles.

I could never walk in them ever. They dug in and rubbed in a few places as well. I wore gel ankle wraps which helped but ultimately it wasn’t worth it for me to deal with all that and I just exchanged them for a pair of my tried and true Ariat tall boots.

I COMPLETELY agree. I have a pair and I cannot walk around in them. I kind of hate them for that. My Volants are night and day with the Tredsteps as far as comfort. I can walk around all day in the Volants.

I’ve had my Volants for probably over five years and they are still holding up well. I wear them for schooling and lessons, but since they are the red-trimmed model, they don’t see the show ring other than an occasional schooling class. But overall, I am happy with the quality. I would love to get an all-black pair next.

[hairystockings]

I had a pair of Tredsteps and HATED them. I always thought I was too short for them and that was the problem but I’ve heard of others who has the same problem. They fit well, looked fine, rode well, but DESTROYED my ankles if I walked in them. I couldn’t even wear them to walk a course, they were that fast to put holes in my ankles. I got rid of them after a year and cut my losses and bought off the rack Parlantis and have never looked back.

[RyeHard]

I do not recommend. They fall apart way too quickly. First the buttons got screwed up, next thing I know you couldn’t even zip the dang things. Save your money for a different brand. Even with the lower pricetag, they are a total pain in the butt.

[Fiona_785]

They gave me scars on my ankles that took months to fade and I never even made it past the break-in period.

[Nevada10]

I love mine. I only use them for lessons and shows. No problem around the ankle for me but the zippers do fall down occasionally.

[foursocks]

Tredsteps seem to be hit or miss. I had a pair that fell apart in as few months with only light use. Another friend went through two pairs and gave up- one had the zipper break within a few rides, and the second rubbed her ankles so badly they bled.

My favorites are Mountain Horse Venezia for daily use. They are classy, break in easily, and last longer than other brands I’ve tried. Plus, you can often find them on sale. I have a pair of custom show boots, but I’ve worn my Mountain Horse to show in and felt nice and neat.

[BroncoMo]

I have a pair of both Donatellos and DeVincis. Pretty much hate them both. As many have said above, they have murdered my ankles. They’re both broken in but have dropped so much that the wrinkles continue to chew my ankles up if I’m on my feet much. The DeVincis had a snap break after very little use, the Donatellos have a zipper coming apart. Not like broken zipper, but the stitching is coming apart from the boot. I think the foot and ankle fit a little better in the Donatellos, looks a little more elegant. But both have dropped so far that they look cheap and sloppy at the top as they’re too short. The DeVincis have stretched so much, I used to have trouble zipping them (even after break in) but can now fit my hand (nearly a fist) down the top of them. I’m just going to let themselves fall apart through schooling, try to keep them clean for showing, until I can afford two pairs of Deniros (have horses at home, and one across the country in training, so need boots in both locations).

[PaintedHunter]

THose saying that they didn’t like them because they hurt their ankles - it’s a personal conformation thing. They fit skinnier in the ankles than some other brands, which is precisely why I like them. if you have a narrow ankle, you likely won’t have any issues.

I had to replace my zipper after 3 years, and I’m not on year 4 of using them. It’s about time for me to get a new pair.

[luckylion]

@BroncoMo

the Donatellos have a zipper coming apart. Not like broken zipper, but the stitching is coming apart from the boot.

I have had the same zipper issue with my Donatellos on the right boot at the heel. I hadn’t had them for very long when it happened. I had it restitched and it looks like it might be trying to come loose, again. A girl at my barn said the same thing happened to hers.

[BroncoMo]

@PaintedHunter

THose saying that they didn’t like them because they hurt their ankles - it’s a personal conformation thing. They fit skinnier in the ankles than some other brands, which is precisely why I like them. if you have a narrow ankle, you likely won’t have any issues.

I had to replace my zipper after 3 years, and I’m not on year 4 of using them. It’s about time for me to get a new pair.

I don’t have the skinniest of ankles in the world and they do not fit me in the ankle. The several-year-search continues for a boot that is skinny enough in the ankle. Mine have dropped 2 inches or more and all that drop is in the ankle.