[runNjump86]

I think this is my third (or fourth) post on my Hunt for Perfect Boots.

So...Spanish tops? What's the verdict? I'd like to cross over into some dressage shows, but I'm sticking with field boots until absolutely necessary. I've got it narrowed down to these:

http://www.marystack.com/ariat-crown...pper-sale.html

http://www.marystack.com/ariat-herit...or-ladies.html

http://www.smartpakequine.com/mounta...RecentlyViewed

http://www.smartpakequine.com/mounta...RecentlyViewed

I haven't been able to try any of them on, but hoping to make a Mary's run sometime soon. However, the reviews of the Mountain Horse boots have me intrigued. They sound pretty awesome!

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Go with the Spanish tops.

I will say I love these boots:

http://www.bitofbritain.com/Raphael_...tep_p/3861.htm

They have a look of both field and dress. Great cross over boot. But a more expensive than perhaps you want to spend.

[ACMEeventing]

Definitely Spanish top, even on field boots. The Tredstep are better quality (IMO) than the Ariat, and aren't horribly expensive.

I had a pair of Ariat Crown Pro probably 10 years ago and loved them, when I went to replace them the newer models were sh*t. I indulged in Der-Dau's at Rolex, they are the cat's meow. But I digress . . .

Spanish tops - yes.

[yellowbritches]

Spanish tops. They make even my legs look long and elegant (ish).

I ADORE my MH Venice boots. They are super, duper comfy (I have to remind myself to take them off at shows if I'm going to be out of the saddle for a few hours so as not to trash them), and look really nice. My biggest complaint is they don't get a high gloss shine when polished, but they do still look spiffy.

[purplnurpl]

Spanish tops.

be careful and don't go too cheap.

the Rapheal boots look best.
Of the boots you posted the last pair of MH look the ok. I think MH always seem to be a bit clunky though.
The other 3 look gross with odd angles and very little contour.

Best to spend a few extra pennies and get something of good quality and high elegance. In theory they should last quite a while! (10+ years)

With the issues Ariat has these days--best to stay away from them.

[kkindley]

I personally don't like spanish tops, well not high ones. A tiny bit of contour is all I want. I am kinda between medium and short height on boots. And I am very short, the spanish tops look wierd on me, and pretty much cover the whole side of my knee. Try them on, see what's comfortable, and see what you like. At a show, no one's going to notice/care, except you if you don't like what you get.

[scubed]

I have the same experience as kkindley. I am getting Sergio Grasso's (due to an incredible deal that allows me to afford them) after my long search and much sadness about the deterioration of Ariat quality. I do still consider Ariat Volants as everyday boots. I have a pair of the paddocks that are the most comfortable things ever.

[deltawave]

A little bit of a curved top is all I like. What you look like is so very much less important than how comfortable and effective you are, so I would say go with the ones that fit the best and will give you trouble-free rides and as a bonus, are tolerable to walk around in between phases.

[Janet]

I am another one who would prefer NOT to have Spanish tops if I could find decent boots without them.

But fit, function, and ability to last many years are far more important, so I put up with the annoyance of the Spanish tops.

[runNjump86]

Thanks all. I was just wondering if I would get horrified looks from the judges either way.

And I would love to spend the extra pennies (or couple hundred, same thing) and get some super nice boots, but that's not in my budget. I plan on buying these boots for shows and making my current ones last as my daily boots as long as I possibly can.

[ako]

Curved or not high Spanish tops. Definitely need some curve and height there, but not a fan of the mega-high Spanish tops.

Crowne Pros!!

[dreaminOTTB]

I have the MH Richmonds and LOVE them. Extremely comfortable and easy break in. Shine up nice too.

[purplnurpl]

that's so strange because my Spanish Tops aren't any higher than the curved tops from my last boots.

The difference is that I have the height without needing to put gauze sponges during break in with boots that have Spanish tops.

To get regular boots high enough they have to dig into the back of my knee.

I honestly thought that was the genius reason for "Spanish Tops". They are contoured so you don't have bloody legs from break in.

[wildlifer]

The judge doesn't care. Wear the boots that fit you and you are comfortable in. Can we just have a note at the top of the forum that says "THE JUDGE IS BUSY JUDGING!"