Middleburg winter (!!!) boots?

[00Jumper]

It doesn't say explicity on Dover's website but I was wondering if they're waterproof? I'm assuming so, but I want to make sure. If not, can they be waterproofed? They look heavenly - I'm thinking I might run by Dover tomorrow to see if they fit.

[Mags]

There is a sz chart in my lastest Dover catalog. It says that a sz 10 has a 16" calf width & is 17 3/4" tall. Bummer for me my calf is to big. I'd love a pair if they had a wider calf.

[deltawave]

I just got mine, and although I like them, I don't think I love them. First of all, the snap on the top of one is RUSTY and a bugger to open. Not worth sending them back, I'll just use a little WD40 or something. The other problem is they're a bit tight in the calf and will need to be stretched before I can get them on with winter breeches. I have a totally average-sized calf and every other off-the-shelf boot I've ever tried has been perfect. Again, not a deal-breaker, but a mild PITA.

[ExJumper]

There is a sz chart in my lastest Dover catalog. It says that a sz 10 has a 16" calf width & is 17 3/4" tall. Bummer for me my calf is to big. I'd love a pair if they had a wider calf.

I just got mine, and although I like them, I don't think I love them. First of all, the snap on the top of one is RUSTY and a bugger to open. Not worth sending them back, I'll just use a little WD40 or something. The other problem is they're a bit tight in the calf and will need to be stretched before I can get them on with winter breeches. I have a totally average-sized calf and every other off-the-shelf boot I've ever tried has been perfect. Again, not a deal-breaker, but a mild PITA.

Hmm... I'd like to try them, because technically the size 10 should fit me, but I really hate doing that because of the frickin' $30 it'll cost me in shipping just to try them on! Oh why can't I live somewhere that has tack shops!!!

I'll keep thinking about it...

Delta, how is the quality in general? Do they feel like they will be tough to break in?

[SarahandSam]

Wanted to resurrect this thread because I just got mine in. (: I really like mine, though admittedly I've only gotten to wear them around the house so far. They feel nice and toasty, and easily bendable--I think they'll break in easily. The snaps on mine are fine and so are the zippers. The calves seem to be average, fit me just fine and my calves are average-to-big for my size. I am wondering if they're waterproof, can't really tell... and don't want to experiment to find out. d; My guess though is that they are. I think they'll be easy to ride in and I may just wear 'em with a skirt tomorrow to work. It almost makes me feel ready for winter...

[deltawave]

The leather is nice and soft and supple and the quality overall seems good, although there is that one rusty snap that bothers me. Nothing a little lubricant and sandpaper won't take care of.

Still haven't stretched them, that's on my list of stuff to do. Hopefully we have a few days yet before the snow flies . . .

[Equine Adhesive]

I also ordered a pair and am waiting for them to ship. I have a Q - how much do they drop in height? Comparable to regular tall boots? Because I am a short in tall boots and I belatedly noticed these are pretty tall....

[SarahandSam]

I was worried about mine being too tall but they've already dropped a little. I actually really love mine now. I've ridden in them a couple times and they were comfortable for riding, and seem to be waterproof--it was icky this weekend and I was splashing along in them with no problem. In fact, they look really awesome once they get a bit weathered and dirty. (: Totally my favourite winter horsey purchase thus far.

[Equine Adhesive]

I just read your other post, too....so you can wear them, like...not to the barn, too??? Ooooooooooh!

[SarahandSam]

Well, I tried wearing them with a skirt the day after I got them, just because I couldn't wait until the weekend and going to the barn. They rubbed the heck out of the back of my legs wearing them with just thin dress tights. So, I don't advise them for that, though they looked way cool. d; Actually, I've worn them out in the city a couple times now over jeans, and I think they look awesome and were pretty comfortable to walk in (and warm). I had a woman at Starbucks come up and start petting my leg and asking me where I'd gotten them, because she wanted a pair just like them, and she was clearly not a rider... then again, I have people in the city exclaim, "Awesome boots!" when I'm coming from the barn wearing half chaps, so urban folks are strange when it comes to riding gear. (;

[deltawave]

Another update here--rode in them for my lesson yesterday. It was pretty tight getting the zipper up over my thick breeches, but I muscled them up and they stretched out very nicely within an hour. They are not quite as tall as my show boots, because the leather is so soft they "droop" just a bit more, but they're great for riding and I got compliments on their looks. Plenty warm, but of course it was only high 30s yesterday.

I'm very pleased that they stretched on their own. No rubs here, and I wore them for probably 2.5-3 hours.

[BAC]

I just read a review of them on Dover's website and although the person had very positive comments about their comfort and durability she did say that they are not "THAT" warm when the weather is really cold. I think I will stick with my Brit Riders despite their bulkiness.

[easyklc]

Bumping up to give my review

I've been wearing my Middleburg boots now for about 3-4 weeks. The fit is good in the foot (I wear a size 8), the ankle is too roomy for me , and the calf is snug (I do like that, but it won't fit a wide calf by any means). They are pretty warm, and I have trodded through mud and ankle deep water without any leaking issues. Big issue is that the snap at the top of the zipper is already rusty! I'm thinking about contacting Dover about this. Seems like a flaw to me. Other than that really nothing worth returning them over. For the price I'm sure they'll serve me well in the cold months. I hope they last at least a few seasons though...

Anyone else wearing theirs and have a report?

[vbunny]

I am waiting for mine to get here still they got a little backed up. I will definitely let you know. I wonder if I should WD40 the snap right away and see if it helps stop it rusting?

[easyklc]

WD-40 sounds like a good idea. I did use some bit polish on mine and it cleaned the rust off of the snap easily.

Like deltawave I wear mine for severals hours at a time and frankly they are pretty darn comfortable.

[SarahandSam]

I love mine. I've had no problem with the snap, but might try a little WD-40 just to prevent any from popping up. My only issue is that I got them in my normal size, and if I try to layer socks, it makes the boots too tight in the foot and cuts off my circulation and makes my feet cold. But a regular sock and the fleece lining is enough to keep me warm down to upper 20s. Below that, I'm going to have to wear tights or thermal socks or something that won't be too bulky but will let me layer.

[nightsong]

SandS -- try a sock liner made of something like silk. Really thin, and REALLY warm.

[SarahandSam]

That's a good idea... I love my silk undershirt for riding. I'll have to see what I can find... thanks for the tip!

[sharri13]

This was so helpful!

Thanks so much for this thread! I've been eyeing these boots for years now. Not for riding so much, but more for every-day, out of the office (suits only) wear.

[JBCool]

Size ?

I've kind of been wishing for these too but I wonder about the sizes, since there are no halves. I got a 6 in the mountain horse boots last year and they are just a little small. I'm just afraid a 7 would be too big. Any thoughts/observations from those that have them? Thanks.

P.S. My foot and calf are narrow, so no worries with that.