Seeking opinions on Der Dau's

[talkofthetown]

I did quite a few searches on custom boots, but didn't really find what I was looking for. Sorry if this has already been covered! I'm seriously looking at spending quite a bit of money on boots, so I'd LOVE to hear your opinions, good and bad!

Long story short, I have extremely weird feet and legs. I've tried getting boots altered, and I've never had good results. I need to break down and buy at least semi- if not fully custom boots. I've been looking at Dehners and Der Daus. I'm not really familiar with other custom companies. From what I've read on COTH, some people LOVE their Dehners, other people HATE them. I have a pair that I bought used but were still in pretty good shape. Not a huge fan. They look beautiful but aren't that comfy. (I realize that this could be because they were customs for someone else, but it's not the fit that's uncomfortable, just the overall quality. Hard soles, small toe box, etc.) I've never worn a pair of Der Daus, but have always drooled over their ads. I know someone that has a pair that I looked at, and then I drooled some more over them. I tried looking at the website, but I found it very difficult to get a feel of all the different custom options, as well as any idea of the prices. I realize I'll have to drive to a dealer eventually to be measured, but I'd like to have a better idea of what to expect before I take a road trip.

1) Do you like the overall comfort, quality, and lifespan of the Der Daus?

2) Roughly how much do I need to prepare myself to spend?

3) Can I find more ordering info online, or is there a number I should call?

Any other boot recommendations are welcome. Thanks!!

[LexInVA]

They are very nice boots but your mileage will vary. Some people have the occasional horrible experience with having them customized and quite a few have complained about the overall quality of the newer vintages while many praise the older ones for their quality of build and the materials used. It's very difficult to get them "just right" unless you have access to their shop and can get quality fitting.

[sisu27]

Well I have them and have not worn them out yet (a couple years of lightish use). I like them. I think you spend around $1000 for customs that are fairly plain/traditional. My only complaint is that I find the leather is almost too soft for a boot.

[talkofthetown]

Well I have them and have not worn them out yet (a couple years of lightish use). I like them. I think you spend around $1000 for customs that are fairly plain/traditional. My only complaint is that I find the leather is almost too soft for a boot.

I did notice that the leather was really soft. She unzipped the backs and literally folded the calf down to her foot. I tend to like the softer feel though, as I'm way more comfortable and secure in my half chaps than my tall boots.

[ESG]

My husband has the most gorgeous pair of DerDaus in the world, IMO. It took three different tries and nearly a year to get what he wanted, but when they got it right, man! Did they ever get it right! The leather isn't too soft, because he chose a leather that was between heavy-duty field hunter grade, and ultra-soft French calf. Absolutely everything is optional on DerDaus, from color to leather to trim to zippers to foot, to shaft, to bling! Spouse actually had them combine the bottom of a polo type boot (complete with western style stitching across the top of the instep) with a H/J shaft with medium high Spanish tops, full zippers, and spur rests on either side of the zipper. The heel is slightly higher than a regular hunt boot, but lower than some western boots. Very unusual, perfectly fitted, no break in period at all, and he looks gorgeous in them. But I'm prejudiced. :winkgrin:

If I ever get custom boots, you can bet they'll be DerDaus. Nothing else comes close, IMO.

[Bayou Roux]

1) Do you like the overall comfort, quality, and lifespan of the Der Daus? Comfort & quality-- absolutely! Too soon to tell, perhaps, about lifespan yet.

2) Roughly how much do I need to prepare myself to spend? $1,000-$1,200

3) Can I find more ordering info online, or is there a number I should call? Not sure-- had mine custom-fitted at the tack shop, so I'm not sure how you'd go about, or what more info you'd need, from an online/phone source.

Any other boot recommendations are welcome. Thanks!!


I took the plunge last April ('08) for my weird legs/feet, and I love my custom Der Dau's. I keep giggling at myself when I say "they fit like they were made for me!"

No break-in period to speak of, they fit perfectly, and they're out of the bag ready to go every time, whereas some friends who bought off the shelf around the same time are still breaking theirs in to fit them.

One weird thing-- one boot sole is wider than the other (to match the foot that goes into it), so sometimes, if I'm riding in someone else's saddle, the right stirrup will get stuck, where the left one has all the clearance in the world. That takes some getting used to; ie, I have to remember to test the right stirrup, not the mounting stirrup, for fit before I ride, and change out to a safer fit.

[vbunny]

I got a pair of Der Daus and I find them tight in the toe and to have too hard a hard sole for me. Some people don't care and do fine in them but I can't walk much at all in them. Very pretty though. I also have Dehner's which I like a lot better. They also have hard soles but I can fit a tiny gel insole in them and I am fine. I like a little support in my ankle. They are 10 years old and going strong.

[mvp]

The one pair I have seen is, indeed, made of very soft leather. Besides being fragile, it really doesn't hold a shine well at all. There are different options. In other boot companies, most show ring people want either Calf or Baby Calf (for more coin). Do ask or look at swatches and ask about how they take polish. I think the finer the grain, the better they respond to polishing. But there's no point in spending custom dollars for a dull-looking boot.

[giddybiddy]

The one pair I have seen is, indeed, made of very soft leather. Besides being fragile, it really doesn't hold a shine well at all. There are different options. In other boot companies, most show ring people want either Calf or Baby Calf (for more coin). Do ask or look at swatches and ask about how they take polish. I think the finer the grain, the better they respond to polishing. But there's no point in spending custom dollars for a dull-looking boot.

Yeah...I literally JUST polished my boots (in my hotel room LOL) and while they have a little luster to them, they certainly don't shine like my old Vogels used to. It's a very fine grain though, so I don't know if maybe it's just me.

I love them in every other aspect though! I have a VERY hard combination of a size 4 foot, the world's skinniest ankle, and a skinny leg, but I'm too tall for kids boots. I went with the Der Daus and I'm SO happy with them. They're the comfiest boots I've ever worn, and instead of dreading having to wear them before a show, they're now all I ride in. I hate my half chaps and paddock boots now! I got them for Christmas ('08) and have worn them pretty much every day since April. And they're holding up beautifully!

[tcgelec]

I got custom Dehner dress boots in March. Took two tries and seven months to get them right. French calf, fully lined. VERY comfortable. Two week break-in. $850 and well worth it.
I think that who does the measuring is really important.

[sisu27]

The one pair I have seen is, indeed, made of very soft leather. Besides being fragile, it really doesn't hold a shine well at all. There are different options. In other boot companies, most show ring people want either Calf or Baby Calf (for more coin). Do ask or look at swatches and ask about how they take polish. I think the finer the grain, the better they respond to polishing. But there's no point in spending custom dollars for a dull-looking boot.

I forgot about that part....they don't gleam like my other boots. They do get a bit better with every polish though. I don't question the quality of the leather but I think the softer leather is never going to shine like a sturdier leather. The best shine I get is off my 15yo schooling boots....cheap Devon Aires!!

[Come Shine]

Wow - that's funny about the shine. I get comments on mine all the time about how shiny they are. A wipe with one of the little boot polishers seems to do the trick.

I lucked into mine at a consignment store. They fit beautifully. Mind you, I may have been lucky because someone custom ordered them and they didn't fit. I have heard a horror story about that happening.

The leather does seem a bit soft (compared to my Vogels) and it will be interesting to see how long they hold up.

Good luck boot shopping!

[Posting Trot]

I have Der Dau paddock boots, not custom just off the rack. I've worn them now for almost two years. I wear them every time I ride (about 4 times a week) and for doing barn chores, chasing the horse in the field when she decides that she'd really rather just eat grass, etc.

I don't take care of the boots at all. I mean I think I have properly cleaned them maybe 4 times. They still look and feel great. Very comfortable.

I will second those who said that it matters who does the measuring for either customs or semi-customs. I have a pair of Effingham semi-customs, and when I was measured for them, the store owner made a big deal about getting the measurements right (she re-did them at least twice just to double-check). And do discuss with the tack store (or whoever is doing them for you) what the procedure is if you are not happy with the fit when you receive the boots.

Best to know that in advance.

Have fun.

[talkofthetown]

Thanks, this has been really helpful!! :yes:

[LovesHorses]

Answers to the questions...

Regarding the shine- The Italian leather is softer, but the leather is more porous and thus doesn't shine up as well. The French isn't as pliable, but shinier. Both should hold up the same, 6 to 8 plus years, depending on how well you take care of them. They will need to be resoled at some point, but the cost is minimal and Der Dau's office in Brooklyn, NY, does all that.

Measuring- The best place on the East Coast will be with either Jose or Joseph Der. They do the customs. You can get stock and semis through a dealer. Call the office at (718) 336-4513 to find out where you can catch them next.

Pricing- The boots run around $1500 plus tax and shipping. That is pretty on par with everyone else of similar quality.

Fit- If they don't fit when you get them, call the office and send them back!!! I get the horror stories too, about any and all brands, but the consumer never bothered to call and have them refitted. The company can't fix a problem they don't know about!

Comfort- You can add an arch support for $250.

I have a cool pair with green python trim along the top and full toe cap. All their exotic leathers are real. They can get in whatever is legal. People seem to have fun adding small trimmings to dress them up, yet keep it tasteful. Enjoy!

[LaBonnieBon]

1) Do you like the overall comfort, quality, and lifespan of the Der Daus? Yes to all. They are the most comfy boots I have ever worn!!

2) Roughly how much do I need to prepare myself to spend? I paid $1,000 a few years back

3) Can I find more ordering info online, or is there a number I should call?
I would not even consider spending the money for custom boots unless you have Mr. Der or his son measure you. I would not settle for a tack store worker to measure you. I am very hard to fit and he did an awesome job!!

I would not recommend the zips.... I'd go with the traditional lace boots. Also, spend the extra $$ to get the fully lined boot.... it's well worth it!

[LovesHorses]

The zippers now are much better. They sell what is called the "Contour Boot". They use a single piece of leather from top to bottom in order to get that sleek tight in the ankle look. Also eliminates all the wrinkles, though some people do like that. Ask for the strapless zipper. It is very small in the back and not a bunch of extra wide stitching like they made a few years ago. The zippers have a full warranty. -Lara

[LaBonnieBon]

Forgot to add..... I took mine out of the box and into the show ring at Upperville. I thought for sure it was going to be a horrid decision... but after I had been on for 5 minutes I totally forgot they were brand new. No sores, no blisters, nothing.... they felt like I had ridden in them for years! :yes:

[LaBonnieBon]

The zippers now are much better. They sell what is called the "Contour Boot". They use a single piece of leather from top to bottom in order to get that sleek tight in the ankle look. Also eliminates all the wrinkles, though some people do like that. Ask for the strapless zipper. It is very small in the back and not a bunch of extra wide stitching like they made a few years ago. The zippers have a full warranty. -Lara

Good to know!!

[LovesHorses]

LaBonnieBon- Glad to hear it! Had a trainer a few wks ago that did that same thing.

[LaBonnieBon]

My husband has the most gorgeous pair of DerDaus in the world, IMO. It took three different tries and nearly a year to get what he wanted, but when they got it right, man! Did they ever get it right! The leather isn't too soft, because he chose a leather that was between heavy-duty field hunter grade, and ultra-soft French calf. Absolutely everything is optional on DerDaus, from color to leather to trim to zippers to foot, to shaft, to bling! Spouse actually had them combine the bottom of a polo type boot (complete with western style stitching across the top of the instep) with a H/J shaft with medium high Spanish tops, full zippers, and spur rests on either side of the zipper. The heel is slightly higher than a regular hunt boot, but lower than some western boots. Very unusual, perfectly fitted, no break in period at all, and he looks gorgeous in them. But I'm prejudiced. :winkgrin:


I am DROOLING!!!!!! These boots sound awesome!!!!!!!!!

[baytraks]

Add me to the Thumbs Up list for Der Dau. I have custom dressage boots 5 or 6 years old now that have held up to lots of riding!

[talkofthetown]

So it sounds like these boots get a thumbs up all around. Off to sell myself on the corner to come up with the rest of the money....:lol:

[kzagoria]

Beware before buying Der-Dau boots. You cannot return them and they don't stand behind their product. I bought a pair while at the world cup. They measured me and then when I got the boots, the measurements were all wrong. The calves were enormous. I returned the boots at my expense for correction. When I called to find out the status of the correction, they told me they were too busy with other repairs and that someone would contact me when they got to mine. Instead weeks later the boots were mailed back to me without correction. I then sent them back with a request for a refund as I am not sure what your time limit waiting for boots are, but several months is not cool. Two months after sending them back, the Customer Service Director called me and said she was informing me of their no refunds policy. Here I am 6 months later, out $1500 and still no boots! Der-Dau sucks.

[Ride2Dreams]

I got a pair of Der Daus and I find them tight in the toe and to have too hard a hard sole for me. Some people don't care and do fine in them but I can't walk much at all in them. Very pretty though. I also have Dehner's which I like a lot better. They also have hard soles but I can fit a tiny gel insole in them and I am fine. I like a little support in my ankle. They are 10 years old and going strong.

Sorry have to comment on this one. Der Dau has semi-custom then full custom. Full custom you actually get these foam boxes which you step in and it saves the shape of your foot and they mold the foot of the new boot around that. If you get those they are absolutely the single most comfortable boots you will ever put on.

Semi-custom has a "stock" foot bed which is a true B width foot (Regular width standard in show sizing no guess work involved. If you do not know if you are a solid B or C or in between go to a shoe store and pick up one of those metal sizer things you step on) A standard foot bed does have minimal padding however you can put gel insteps in. For the toes to be "tight" typically means a true B Width is just slightly narrow for someone and that they went the semi-custom (or got one of Der Dau's fashion boots which has no custom work period) in them.

[LexInVA]

Over the last few years, lots of people have reported problems with incorrect measurements being used for boots that they bought at the circuit events. Unfortunately, due to the expansion of the brand, Der-Dau has had a lot of issues with the people they send in their name to events so the best thing to do is go to the actual store if it's an option for you. It seems like the satisfaction rate is generally higher if you deal with certain people who are the core of the company while the others leave a lot to be desired.