Written by Kate Stone.

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About a year ago when I was getting ready to go off to college, I began my search for new tall boots to show in for IHSA as well as showing my own horse. I knew that I had wanted them off the rack and liked a square toe.

I tried on the Ariat Monaco Field Boot, and I really liked them but had heard that they do not hold up as well as other brands. Then I got fitted for Parlantis, and found out that I would be in between two sizes of which the tack shop did not have. I did not want to wait, nor did I want to be in between two sizes. This led me to try on DeNiro Salento Field Boots! They were sold at Big Dee’s which is only a 40 minute drive from my house so it was an easy drive to try them on.

Photo Credit: Kate Stone

These boots fit me BEAUTIFULLY off the rack. I seriously could not believe how amazing they looked. They were a good height, enough for a little bit to drop. The calf was tight but not restricting, and the ankle fit so nice! They were all around very comfy, and the leather was so soft and was not tough feeling like some other brands.

They were the most comfortable boots to break in, and they broke in so quickly and nicely. They did not drop too much and are still form-fitting through the ankle. After a year of wear (mostly just for show), they clean up well every time. I do suggest using the DeNiro polish/conditioner that comes with the boots. They have held up and still fit as well as they did when I purchased them.

The only setback really is the price. They are about $650 ($641.20 at SmartPak; click the link above), but if you are looking to invest more for a nice pair of off-the-rack show boots, I suggest them 100 percent. I also think they would be a good pair of schooling boots with proper care. I also have noticed that I have to unzip and rezip them if I have worn them for a while due to them dropping. But for me it’s not a huge problem, I just do it right before I mount!

Photo Credit: Kate Stone.