At Celeris UK we remain as passionate today, as we were the day we opened the doors to our little workshop in Felgueiras, Portugal, in 2009. Back then it was in the basement of the home of founder and master bootmaker, Artur who learnt and honed his craft traditionally from generations of bootmakers and leatherworkers in his family. From humble beginnings we have grown, yet we continue to work even more passionately to provide truly bespoke handmade riding boots. Read about how CEO and Founder, Cate (who also started in her garage, long before the studio became a reality) met Artur here.
As a family business we are committed to providing exceptional riding boots for every equestrian. Each and every single pair of boots are cut and prepared on the same table by the same hands and why every pair you buy will fit you very much the same bar how different models might feel and they do feel different. Incredibly, after all these years, they are the 'exact' same hands - using all 24 measurements to create a template and a unique pattern for every rider. We never use any standard sizes, which makes our riding boots truly custom made. We make a boot for your left leg and a boot for your right and rarely are they every identical.
It's all in the name.
During the very early days as a yet unnamed company, we knew we had to have a name closely associated with a horse, something quite magical, something to be considered a legend. Whilst researching historical horses Artur read the story of Pegasus, the White Winged Horse founded in ancient Greek Mythology. Celeris was the only winged son and stood second only to Pegasus in splendour and speed and in his star constellation his head is only visible alongside the full size of his sire Pegasus in the celestial race in the sky. Artur knew instantly this was to be his brand's name and the inspiration for our beautiful logo.
The first collection.
Initially we had three signature boot models; the Passage, the Bia and the Diogo. These are the foundation of all boots we now design. We then introduced the Polo and from these 4 models you can create the boot of your dreams. With 125 exceptional leathers, that never make the cut until they have been tried and tested for performance and longevity, 29 tops styles with the option to customise them further you can create your perfect boot, which will easily be totally unique to you. We are known as much for our diversity of designs, colours and customisation, as we are for our perfect fit.
In 2015, our iconic Bia boot became the most revered boot on the equestrian market and our best-selling model - outselling every other model. The Bia boot was first designed and created in 2009 by Artur, with the main inspiration based on historical Portuguese riding boots. By 2017, most major brands had a version of our Bia. However, we proudly maintain we own the best Bia - by far. Created with superior components and handcrafted by the most highly skilled craftsmen - it takes two to lace a pair, to this very day! Our Bia has laces for adjustment if required but a zipper for ease of use!
The Diogo collection: our signature jumping boot collection with a rear zipper. However, frequently used by dressage riders preferring the zipper at the back.
The Passage collection: a traditional dressage model with an off-centre front zipper and within this collection we have regular panels, reinforced panels and super firm panels.
The Bia collection: our full length lace up boots with either off-centre front zipper or rear zipper. Available with regular or reinforced outer panels.
The Polo collection: with a front centre zipper this model can have both straps at the top and ankle or just the top and is available with regular or reinforced panels.
What we're made of.
When we first began our journey, we made it our priority to source the best quality leathers and components. As a fledgling company it wasn’t easy, but that didn’t stop us. All of our boots are crafted from the finest leathers, the highest quality components and a fully patented sole. We will not compromise on the quality of our leathers or components and never will.
Since the beginning our sole hasn’t changed and it is without a doubt, the backbone of our boots. Our special sole starts as a fully stitched part and is then sealed with a second section that covers the stitched part, before being sealed air-tight in a machine designed by Artur and built in Italy.
Our patented sole withstands all the water, sand and daily elements a rider will encounter and everything that is thrown at it. In the process of rigorous research and product testing, we have never found anything comparable.
Details, all the little details.
An often overlooked, but vital component, our YKK zippers (made for celeris) are another source of pride. They are the strongest zippers meeting the demands and needs of every one of our riders and it is incredibly rare that our zippers fail. Our insoles are the most comfortable and supportive we could buy and clients with high arches are impressed with the support they provide. From sheepskin lining, new galvanised hardware for the Bia boots, water resistant suedes, diamanté detailing, swarovski fabric leathers and with the option to monogram your boots we think we have chosen the best of the little extra things too. Our buttons and pins have recently been upgraded to gold and silver coated with a crisp new logo branded onto them. We are an ever-evolving company and we will continue to improve, however small, in every single area that we can, whilst never compromising.
The fabric of us.
Our leathers are now supplied by the leading luxury tanneries globally, who also supply some of the world's finest designer brands. Our leathers are pigment dyed and will in some cases show grains and imperfections adding to the outstanding feel and appearance. Our leathers will vary in thickness as we choose not to use chemicals in the production process. Using chemicals is a preferred process by those who wish to ensure every bit of leather looks totally uniform and pristine, but in doing so makes the leather much thinner.
We are often asked if we can use vegan leather but unfortunately after extensive research, we decided that we would not compromise our unparalleled perfect fit and longevity. Vegan leather does not stretch or mould making it almost impossible to create the perfect shape that will be comfortable for the rider. Vegan leather is also not planet friendly nor sustainable, mostly made from pvc and polyurethane and this is something the currently we are not prepared to consider.
Leather is a by-product of the meat industry and thus there is a global responsibility to recycle into leather and can therefore be considered truly sustainable.
Where we are now.
In year one, we were just five people, which included Artur and his wife Maria. We now employ 25 talented craftsmen and women working in the workshop and a further 7 outside, all having learnt the art of bootmaking from our founding craftsmen. It is worth mentioning that almost everyone working with us is family or family friends, we are proud to work with and support our extended family. Having outgrown our first workshop, we moved to a new workshop two years ago - and out grew that even faster! Early in 2019 it was decided that we should build our own purpose built atelier and in September 2023 we moved in!
We are renowned for our funky styles but equally for classic and traditional designs which actually account for over 80% of what we do create. Whatever the colour or design, from pink and spotty to plain black, we have perfection for every equestrian and a guarantee of stunning boots. As a small business we can only produce a certain number of beautiful boots per month, which has meant that at times, specifically major holidays, there will been longer lead times. As our team grows and our workshop expands, we are working hard to reduce lead times considerably. That said perfect boots will always come first - before the time it takes to create them.
Where we will be.
The future is truly exciting for Celeris and our riders, and we hope you enjoy the journey with us. Our quality and attention to detail will only improve as we grow into our new workshop where we won't produce more boots but will be offering some new custom leather products and will introduce new services . When you buy Celeris you are investing in a company that will never cut corners and will always create the most perfect, beautiful boots - just for you.
WE ARE CELERIS
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