Semi- and Custom boot suggestions and pricing

[GreystoneKC]

One of my students has had some trouble finding boots that fit that she likes. She's had zippers in the past for convenience, but after 2 sets of Ariats with broken zippers and one with torn inner leather within two years, I think they may want to try pull-ons and something that will last a little longer. In the custom world, I've only ever had full custom Vogels, so I could only give them advice on what they ran and what I thought about them. However, I know there is a wide range of custom boot makers out there these days. My student has a bit of a tough-to-fit leg (she's short with a tiny foot - 7.5 i think - and a wide calf) and seems to think she may end up needing something that is not just off the shelf.

Which companies have semi-custom as well as full custom? Approx. how much do they run? Have you been happy with the quality/service?

[Angel Undercover]

The last pair of boots I bought were Der Daus. I also have a small foot (5.5) and fairly wide calf, and all of the boots in my foot size are made for miniscule legs! Mine were around $600 I think. I've had them for about 4 years now and they're holding up very well.

ETA mine don't have zippers. I've known too many people that have broken a zipper 5 minutes before they had to be in the ring. Not to say I will never get them, but for now I like mine w/o.

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

I always wonder what it is with broken zippers... I've had the *crappiest* pair of "dover pro" field boots for 8 years- they were about $450 new, but are discontinued, I think- with zippers, and they are in superb shape. I purchased these boots after a pair of custom der daus that didn't have zippers and they fit exponentially better. I wear these boots about 5 times per week, and I've yet to have an issue with them.

I hear a lot of terrible stories about ariat zippers. I've also heard some pretty big nightmares about vogel zippers. Unfortunately, I think this has made a lot of people weary of buying boots with zippers, which is a shame because a boot with a zipper is going to look better 99% of the time.

[Blue Star]

Sorry to report that we have bought three pair of custom boots from three different makers here and abroad in the last 4 years....they have not worn any better than the store bought ones....zippers break and come unsewn...it is a rule!:cool:

[LovesHorses]

Der Dau pricing: Full custom $1400+. Semi-custom $850+. Stock boots are around $650 in Dover. The zippers have a lifetime warranty. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions! -Lara

[mvp]

These were the traditional custom alternative to Vogels before there were so many decent off-the-shelf semi-customs to choose from.

They are slightly coarser-looking and more stout than Vogels, and for that reason was the preference of many. They also cost a bit less.

If you are forced to spend in excess of $900 or so anyway, you might consider these. They are well made, fit well when measured by a skilled person and will last for decades.

[hijumpin1]

I just returned Ariat Monaco's for a refund. Two popped zippers on new, very minimally used boots. I'm sticking with my old Vogel's until someone can engineer a zipper that is durable!

[PlantersPunch]

I don't know if she would be able to find a pair to fit, but my semi-custom Sergios (with zippers) have held up amazingly well. I've only had them for a year and a half but I wear them a lot and never had any hint of a problem with the zippers. I've even gotten socks stuck in them and had to rip and pull etc and still no issues.

[GreystoneKC]

which is a shame because a boot with a zipper is going to look better 99% of the time.

Uhg, can't agree with you there. I can spot zippers from a mile away and HATE the look. If they could make a pull-on boot that fit the leg shape as well as a zippered boot, they'd finally have it made!

Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming! Any more pricing info for semi-customs? I'm worried that full customs just won't be in their budget right now...

[findeight]

If you have a calf muscle at all, the zippers will look better because the upper can be snugger. If you have to pull it on, it has to be wide enough to get past the calf and not take the bottom hem of your breeches up with it to bunch and dig in...also the zippers provide a little more flexibility and give if you are older and get the old feet/ankles swelling a little on a hot day when you have them on for awhile.

I do not miss the struggle with my now 15 year old Vogles. Cost about $60 to add the zippers last year...OP can consider a semi custom boot then do a little modification with a quality shoe repair place, including adding a GOOD zipper.

BTW, have boot size 6 feet, high arches, wide toes (D), narrow heel and a calf muscle. No choice but custom.

[mvp]

Same confo here as findeight (nice not to be alone!) and customs have long been the only pretty option for the "not typey" person like me.

That having been said, elastic gussets at the top work well for an actual calf. I have 9 lace holes (not 7) put in my field boots and that works for the high instep/dinky ankle contradiction. As to wide feet in front and the narrow heel, custom made boots rock. Every pair of shoes should feel so good.

Zippers, IMO, are for the birds. You can get a pretty nice profile with well-measured, pull on field boots. Dress boot will be tougher for the ankle situation. But the advent of zippers have helped change our aesthetic tastes: We now seem to want to see riders wearing leather socks rather than straight tubes. If you didn't look like you had a calf back in the day, you probably look like you have one now.

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

Uhg, can't agree with you there. I can spot zippers from a mile away and HATE the look. If they could make a pull-on boot that fit the leg shape as well as a zippered boot, they'd finally have it made!

Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming! Any more pricing info for semi-customs? I'm worried that full customs just won't be in their budget right now...

I have world's most freakishly high instep. I had custom Der Daus without zippers that fit me perfectly everywhere- except the ankle. The ankle in any pull on boot is going to be baggy on me, regardless, which is a look I think appears sloppy. It quickly made a very expensive pair of custom boots look off the rack on me. The only solution to this common problem is zippers.

[chawley]

Uhg, can't agree with you there. I can spot zippers from a mile away and HATE the look. If they could make a pull-on boot that fit the leg shape as well as a zippered boot, they'd finally have it made!

Thanks for all the info so far, keep it coming! Any more pricing info for semi-customs? I'm worried that full customs just won't be in their budget right now...

While I don't mind the look of zippers, I do believe a properly fitted pull on (on most people) looks just as nice and will most likely last much longer. I have pull on Vogels with a tapered ankle and spanish top and they are beautiful boots. That being said, there are many excellent custom and semi-custom boots available, including Dehners, Der Dau, Vogel, Sergio, etc., etc. Most of the people in our barn have Dehners and they seem extremely durable. My Vogels haven't been as durable because they are calf skin and cuff lined, but it's nothing a good repair shop can't fix for me, and I know I'll get plenty more years out of them. Another option if budget is a concern or your student is still growing is the Young Rider boot from Vogel, which I believe runs around $650. Also, here is a link to Fox Hunting Tack Shop, which carries a good selection of custom and semi-custom boots at a good price. I've never purchased from them, so maybe someone here can weigh in on them.

http://www.foxhuntingshop.com/catalog/page36.html

[mbarrett]

I finally broke down and purchased a custom pair of Dehner boots. It was the BEST thing I've ever done. My boots fit me like a glove. I don't struggle to get them on and off, and they fit my foot and leg. I love them.

I suggest your client save up and buy a pair of custom boots. (I like Dehner, but pick the company you like the best.) You won't regret it.

I struggled with off the shelf boots that didn't fit right for years. If I had just bought customs in the first place, I would have avoided a lot of headaches (and leg aches!)

I bought dress boots (I do eventing and dressage) with NO zippers. (I hate the look of zippers and they will break, usually at the show.) I did get the gusset put in and it does help getting the boot on and off. I have high insteps. The leg fits me great.

I know the hunter crowd likes field boots and a more fitted look. But spurge and buy customs!!! You won't regret it.

[BAC]

Uhg, can't agree with you there. I can spot zippers from a mile away and HATE the look. If they could make a pull-on boot that fit the leg shape as well as a zippered boot, they'd finally have it made!

I'm with you, I don't care for the appearance of that very tapered ankle, I prefer a straighter look in my boots and my customs are without zippers. I can understand why zippers are popular with those who have foot/ankle/swelling issues though.

[magnolia73]

I have very ancient semi custom der daus. You can get pull ons that are snug throughout the whole leg. They are fitted from ankle to top, the elastic gusset at the tip 2-3 inches helps the boot expand over the widest part of your calf, yet still be fitted at the top. The field boot laces allow you to fit the ankle and still get your foot in the boot. I have big calves, but don't have ummm. cankles. No, they aren't that easy to pull on, but then they have lasted close to 20 years. With no busted zippers.

The point of paying for semi customs is that they fit with a perfect contour and height through the leg. If your customer goes custom or semi custom, they should get the great fit, with or without zippers or someone measured wrong.

[LovesHorses]

Yes, the main difference with a semi-custom versus a custom is that the foot bed will be a standard size. If both feet are the same size, I'd say go for it.

[hellerkm]

These were the traditional custom alternative to Vogels before there were so many decent off-the-shelf semi-customs to choose from.

They are slightly coarser-looking and more stout than Vogels, and for that reason was the preference of many. They also cost a bit less.

If you are forced to spend in excess of $900 or so anyway, you might consider these. They are well made, fit well when measured by a skilled person and will last for decades.


LOVE Dehners!! great boot excellent fit and long life!!