Clotheshorse: Season of the Boot

By Renee Spurge April 8, 2011

With the continued infiltration of European companies into the U.S. market as well as advancements in technology and limitless options to customize, there truly is a boot for every type of rider. The question is, which kind are you?

The Athlete: Ariat Volant Collection

Many of you have probably already heard about this sporty new collection of boots from the ever-evolving Ariat, but here’s a closer look at the Volant collection, which hits stores this spring. Reminiscent of the boot Nike showcased during the 2008 Olympics but never produced, it’s sleek, techie and comfortable—basically your favorite pair of trainers converted into a riding boot. Available in a tall boot or a paddock-boot-and-half-chap combination, the Volant sports the most technically advanced of the Ariat footbeds: the Cobalt Quantum.

The tall boots come in the vented back zip and the non-vented front zip. They both feature premium European calf leather combined with a stretch mesh that allows for a more contoured and comfy fit up the calf. The inner calf panel is made with Ariat’s oiled leather, creating a nice grip between leg and saddle. The back zip model sports ventilated front intake port vents, while the front-zip Volant features subtle red detailing, giving it more of an Indy 500 feel. Either boot is a great buy for everyday schooling, especially for trainers who are on their feet all day at the barn. At the shows you’ll definitely see them in the jumper classes and perhaps on the cross-country field, but they’ll be slow to hit the hunter arena, especially with the equitation riders (the Sergio Grasso Imperia is a better match for them). The paddock boots and half chaps are also a great buy for trainers, new riders or for everyday schooling. They’re both designed with premium European calf leather, and the half chaps feature oiled leather on the inner calf panel, offering the rider the same amount of grip.

The Traditionalist: Sergio Grasso Imperia Field Boot

Classically elegant and timeless, the Imperia Field Boot by Sergio Grasso embraces the founder’s vision of joining world-famous Italian craftsmanship with the technology of a performance riding boot. Made from only the finest Italian nappa calfskin leather, the Imperia has a patented ProComf footbed ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and flexibility. The slender ankle, perfectly contoured shape and high Spanish topline all add to the refinement of this graceful boot. It’s perfect for the traditional hunter rider who needs a quality boot that will not only stand the test of time during training but will also complete their traditional look in the show arena.

The Dreamer: Tucci Custom Italian Boots and Ready-to-Wear Paddock Boots and Mini-Chaps

Women are drawn to these stunning Italian handcrafted custom boots the way middle-aged men are drawn to Italian sports cars. If you can dream it up, Tucci can make it! When the Franco Tucci representative came to our shop to showcase the collection, we practically drooled over the richness of the leather, the precision and attention to detail and the overall

artisanship that goes into each masterful creation. With numerous styles to choose from across all English riding disciplines, customers can personalize their boots with everything from Swarovski crystals and colored patent leather to designer stitching. The master craftsmen at Franco Tucci developed the Perfect Fit System that enables them to construct the leg and foot using exclusive anatomic wooden forms that not only replicate the customer’s measurements but also extends the life of your boot by holding their shape and absorbing moisture. They’ve also recently introduced the patented T-Grip system into several of their style options and their ready-to-wear half chaps. This innovative technology gives the rider optimal performance by creating that essential “grip” between leg and saddle. If you truly want to put your personal style into your riding boot, the Tucci is for you!

The Fashionista: Dubarry of Ireland

The love and lifestyle that comes with horses has been deeply embedded in the Irish people for centuries. The lush landscape and

picturesque terrain of the Irish countryside is the inspiration behind the Dubarry footwear collection. With its winning combination of textured leather, Gore-Tex lining and stylish design, it’s no wonder the Galway is the flagship boot of Dubarry Ireland. But don’t be fooled by these fabulous-looking fashion boots, because they’re built to be abused! The Galway comes in four different colorways, is completely waterproof and breathable and looks gorgeous with skinny jeans or breeches. Newer to the collections is the Carlow, which adds a beautiful twist to the complany’s classic boot. The Carlow is featured in three different plaids, each color palette reflecting the natural colors that belong to the Irish province of Connacht, Dubarry’s home. You can also spice up your classic Dubarry with one of their three synthetic fur liners. The Lynx is our personal favorite, but the Leopard and Chinchilla liners are just as chic. There are many more styles to choose from, and a killer clothing line to match… More to come on Dubarry in a future column!

The Realist: Tredstep: The Renaissance Collection

Known for their well-made and classically styled half chaps, Tredstep has finally entered the tall boot market with two reasonably priced and elegant field boots. The Da Vinci is the more refined and technologically advanced of the two; its signature Pro-Flex design eliminates break-in discomfort. It’s also made with supple Italian calfskin leather with full-grain lining and a high-performance outsole—and retails for under $500. The Donatello is the second tall boot in the collection, and while it doesn’t have all the bells and

whistles of the Da Vinci, it has a stylish and contoured design, full-grain nappa leather and a cushy foot bed. The Donatello is also extremely affordable, coming in at under $300.  Both of these boots are fantastic options for the new rider, the young rider or as an everyday schooling boot.

Finally the Renaissance Collection introduces a new paddock boot, the Giotto, which is a perfect marriage between traditional European style and high-performance comfort. The Giotto comes in a front zip model, as well as an elastic front lace with rear zip in both black and brown, and retails for under $100! Overall, this collection is accessible to all riders, especially those working within a budget.

Tabitha Knaub and Renee Spurge are the owners of LA Saddlery at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

 

 

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