I joined the gaffer tape brigade... recommendations for wide calf riding boots please?

[Annagain]

I was so organised for my dressage yesterday, I even took a spare pair of boots as I knew my posh boots were on their last legs. When the zip popped on one of them I wasn't pertubed as I had a spare pair in the car. They were more casual, everyday, boots but they would do. They were also gleaming, having just returned from the cobblers where they'd had two new zips put in and they'd done a fabulous job of polishing them too.

So you can imagine how annoyed I was when the brand new zips on both boots just didn't do up - the puller went up the zips but the teeth just didn't bite together. After a bit of a flap I ended up being gaffer taped into my posh boots while on Saint Wiggy (we weren't sure I'd be able to move enough to get on if I did it on the ground) his first time at the venue, a really busy, buzzy atmosphere and he was his usual chilled self. We only had 8 minutes to warm up and he still pulled off a very respectable mid table finish in a big and very high standard class (the BRC area qualifiers, where the big guns usually come out!) only 5% behind the winner.

So now I'm on the look out for some posh riding boots for competitions. I have wide calves (hence the zip issues!) so am limited in my choices. I don't want to spend a fortune and am happy with "vegan" leather to save a few £££ as long as they look the part. I like them as plain as possible (my old ones were the Mountain Horse Firenze but they don't make them any more) and would rather have ones without laces but don't mind 'fake' laces (where the laces go across but are fixed, so no actual laces to tie in bows)

I've seen some called Busse Bondy that look quite nice for the money but I've never heard of them before. Does anybody know anything about them please?

 

[ihatework]

I’ve got Rhinegold for everyday riding but they would be plenty smart enough to compete in too

 

[Annagain]

I’ve got Rhinegold for everyday riding but they would be plenty smart enough to compete in too

thanks - these? Wide & Short Length Long Leather Riding Boots | Equine Essentials (equineessentialsdirect.co.uk)

 

[ihatework]

Yes, I’ve got the regular/longer length version but they are essentially the same boot.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Tuffa are the best for wide, i bought a pair and they fit perfectly ? only worn them twice? should sell them as they are going to waste

 

[Annagain]

Tuffa are the best for wide, i bought a pair and they fit perfectly ? only worn them twice? should sell them as they are going to waste

I like that what I think is wide is standard for Tuffa boots! They're pretty pricey though.

Anyone tried the Shires Moretta Gianna? They seem very reasonable.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Think mine were £179

 

[Annagain]

Think mine were £179

The 'smart' ones are £280.

 

[Barton Bounty]

The 'smart' ones are £280.

Crikey

 

[Barton Bounty]

These are the ones I got ?

 

[HelenBack]

I like that what I think is wide is standard for Tuffa boots! They're pretty pricey though.

Anyone tried the Shires Moretta Gianna? They seem very reasonable.

I'm going to be on the lookout for short, wide calf boots soon too. Last time I looked I found it very depressing as nothing seemed quite right or else it was very expensive. In Tuffa measurements I seem to sit slap back between standard and wide. I did try some Shires boots on and the wide was nowhere near as wide as it should have been from the stated measurements so they were no good. Not sure what model it was though.

I'm thinking I may try smart boots and chaps instead and do it that way. That will open a whole new can of worms but think it might be the easier solution in the end.

 

[Annagain]

I'm going to be on the lookout for short, wide calf boots soon too. Last time I looked I found it very depressing as nothing seemed quite right or else it was very expensive. In Tuffa measurements I seem to sit slap back between standard and wide. I did try some Shires boots on and the wide was nowhere near as wide as it should have been from the stated measurements so they were no good. Not sure what model it was though.

I'm thinking I may try smart boots and chaps instead and do it that way. That will open a whole new can of worms but think it might be the easier solution in the end.

I've ordered the shires ones I mentioned above but gone for the extra wide. Measurement wise they're a bit too wide but I'm obviously putting pressure on zips so I figured it was better to go a bit big than a bit small. They only do extra wide in certain models by the looks of it.

 

[jnb]

Mountain Horse Aurora are nice and go up to 43cm calf for a 6.5 foot size. Lots of Black Friday offers and one site has size 5.5 Wide ones for £150ish

 

[Annagain]

Mountain Horse Aurora are nice and go up to 43cm calf for a 6.5 foot size. Lots of Black Friday offers and one site has size 5.5 Wide ones for £150ish

Thanks, I’ll have a look if the shires ones aren’t any good (found them for £84, which seems a bargain if they fit and are as nice as the reviews suggest!)

 

[Snow Falcon]

I got some mens ones for my xxxwide ladies calves from HVS very cheaply. They fit a treat. ?

 

[Equi]

I have shires moretta, xl. Amazing sizing and good quality and cheap. Downside is they are incredibly hard to find in stock lol

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I like my brogini modena boots ? they come in a variety of widths ?

 

[peanutsmumma]

I had Tuffa Broadland.....soooo comfy!
I now have them for sale as I have lost 5stone so they no longer fit.

They are still in excellent condition as only bought this year.
If you are interested in second hand, let me know

 

[Annagain]

I have shires moretta, xl. Amazing sizing and good quality and cheap. Downside is they are incredibly hard to find in stock lol

That’s good to know, I found some for £84! They only had one issue and miraculously were my size. That never happens to me.

 

[norolim]

Anyone tried the Shires Moretta Gianna? They seem very reasonable.

I have these in extra wide. Lovely boots at a great price. Super comfy and took no time at all to break in

 

[Annagain]

I have these in extra wide. Lovely boots at a great price. Super comfy and took no time at all to break in

Mine arrived today, super fast delivery. They’re a tiny bit wide in the leg but I think I prefer them like that as hopefully the zips won’t be under pressure like my others were. They’re a bit tight over the top of my foot at the moment but new shoes often are. I have very wide and very thick (from top to bottom, I’m not sure how else to describe it!) feet. I’ll be off to buy two big potatoes to stretch them a bit tomorrow.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Mine arrived today, super fast delivery. They’re a tiny bit wide in the leg but I think I prefer them like that as hopefully the zips won’t be under pressure like my others were. They’re a bit tight over the top of my foot at the moment but new shoes often are. I have very wide and very thick (from top to bottom, I’m not sure how else to describe it!) feet. I’ll be off to buy two big potatoes to stretch them a bit tomorrow.

That should loosen off really quickly with wear, stuff them full of newspaper ?

 

[Equi]

Mine were like that too but now are perfect. takes barely no time. I’ve been keeping the leg stuffing in mine when not in use cause they are quite floppy.