I'm a weird size...small-ish size 7 feet, 16" calves no matter what my weight is, and oh yeah, I'm 5'2". There's no such thing as boots out of the box that are going to fit perfectly. I can go up a shoe size so the width is there, but then normally the height is a bit of a problem. I am getting to be pro at "making do" on a budget.
In that spirit, I ordered a pair of Mountain Horse Opus boots on a sale. (I paid $350CAD from the UK). The measurements said they should fit close enough, but I was skeptical and not excited about breaking them in.
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| So pretty. |
So, how'd that work out?
OMG THEY ARE PERFECT! Like almost custom, they fit so well. I pulled them out of the box, zipped them on, and walked out the door and went for a ride. Zero blisters, zero issues. Worth every penny, and pretty enough to look like I spent more than I did.
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| So comfy. Also, it's really hard to take pictures of my own boots, lol. The color is closer to the manufacturer picture above, kind of a dark chocolatey brown. |
I'm tempted to order a pair in black and live happily ever after, ignoring the shiny stiff dressage boot trend completely :)
I had a pair of Mountain Hprse dress boots for about 5 years when I was in my upper teens and those things were amazing, comfortable, and wore like iron. I’m also short and have large calves and I adored them. I also had their winter boots and had a similar experience. These are gorgeous, much prettier than my old pair, and I’m totally tempted to order a pair!
ReplyDeleteI had a pair a long time ago too, and they lasted forever too. These ones seem very well made, but are pretty soft leather so I'm not sure the longevity will be the same. But yes, so much more elegant and stylish than my original pair and just as comfy!
DeleteOooh... I need boots similar in sizing for my short fat legs. And I prefer brown.
ReplyDeleteWould you share where you bought them from? And the calf/width sizing (I'm a 16" calf also but you 2" of height on me). Does the foot fit true to size, comparing to your Ariats?
And would you be coming to Alberta any time soon and could throw them in your suitcase and meet up with me so I could try them on? 😁🤗
Derby House is great for shopping from Canada! They often have good sales, and shipping is free normally. Even if the border opts to charge customs, if I choose wisely I am always still well under what I'd pay here for things.
DeleteI wish I was coming to Alberta soon, I miss it there! :)
Never mind... the shorts are still 3 or 4 cm too tall for me. 😔 I guess I still need to save my nickels for custom.
ReplyDeleteAww, too bad. They're borderline too tall on me, so I'm pretty sure it's not worth chancing for you :(
Deletepretty pretty boots. I just have my cheap Ariats but I do love them (The tredsteps I hated for some reason) they were only about 200 bucks so if they last two years i am happy..BUT I would love a pair of brown boots those are gorgeous!! I am so glad you found ones that fit out of the box. I am 5.4 and have size 9 feet and short legs AND big ass calves (between lifting, kickboxing and so on my calves are not fat but are really reallly muscular. UGH I would wear those boots every day though they are very pretty. And will look good on a BAY AND a Palomino....just saying! HA
ReplyDeleteThe tredstep don't work for me either. I'm glad there is a fellow hater out there, I feel like everyone else loves them! Ha, need to plan for future coordination, I'm already thinking a navy dressage coat might be needed (not sure about my black one on a pally) :D
Deletei forget i have my Ariats on after a show. With the Tredsteps I usually had blisters and blood after JUST riding in them. They never fit correctly and were way too tight in my calves. At least the Ariats stretch some. I really like the look of your new boots (I DONT NEED ANOTHER PAIR OF BOOTS)..and yes Navy would look great on you new girl...:)
DeleteSo glad you finally found a pair! I hate tall boot shopping
ReplyDeleteTallboot shopping is the worst. Now i just need to find a saddle, it's really not been my year, lol
DeleteThose are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteThey're almost too pretty to wear at the barn :)
DeleteLove those! Who needs uncomfortable boots? Life's too short.
ReplyDeleteRight? :D
Deleteooooho they're lovely!!! so awesome that they're so comfortable too!! that's always my #1! i haven't personally had a pair of mountain horse tall boots, but they're definitely on the list. other shoes of theirs that i've had i've really really loved. also for the record, you and i may have fairly similar shoe and calf size dimensions and i was able to find a few off the rack options in euro brands. particularly, i bought a pretty economical pair of HKM tall boots about a year ago and they've really impressed me! so there are cost-efficient options out there beyond the typical ariats etc!!
ReplyDeleteOhh, good to know! I'd love a cheaper pair, the way one of the barns I'm at is set up it's very difficult to change boots between turnout and riding so my 'good' boots end up in the mud sometimes.
DeleteI am in the same boat as you. Small feet (size 6), wide calves, short legs. Basically, I'm looking for dwarf sized boots ;) The Ariat Heritage field boots work - thank freaking god, otherwise I'd be out a whole ton of money for customs. I might have to give Mountain Horse a try next time I'm out looking.
ReplyDeleteThey're worth a look I think - similar price points and quality, and quite a few fun styles. I do feel like my new ones fit me better than my Ariats do, but of course that's just me :)
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