NEW BOOT GUIDE AND FAQ'S

We know how exciting it is to try your new boots on for the first time — but please read this guide first to ensure a perfect start!

Important First-Fit Advice

  • Wear the exact breeches and socks you were measured in. For the first fitting, ankle socks are recommended. 
  • Ask someone to help you — the first try can be tricky!
  • Make sure the zip is fully open before stepping in to avoid damage.
  • For Polo, Bia, and Passage boots: Sit down and extend your leg straight before zipping. These models have rear boning which makes them stiffer at first — this is normal. You may need to push your foot firmly into the boot. Don’t pull on the straps — instead, hold the back of the boot when putting them on.
  • For back-zipped models: Ensure the zip is completely open. Slide your foot forward and have someone zip you up gently. You might need to lean forward slightly as the zip goes past your ankle.

 

Tip: Use thin ankle socks for the first few wears to avoid zip snagging.

NEVER use tools or force to pull up the zip — this can cause permanent damage. Zip slowly and carefully.

How should they feel?

It’s completely normal for your boots to feel very tight the first time you try them on — so please don’t panic. Many clients initially think their boots don’t fit, but in most cases, they just need a little time to settle. In fact, within ten minutes of wear, most boots begin to soften and ease significantly.

The fit can be snug — sometimes very snug — especially if you’re used to off-the-shelf boots. But remember, these are made precisely to your measurements, and they’re designed to mould perfectly to your legs.

Why Are They So Stiff?

Different leathers behave in different ways. Some are naturally softer and will feel more forgiving straight away, while others — like those used in our Polo boots — are structured and reinforced, so they can feel much stiffer during that first fitting. This is completely expected.

We like to use a simple rule of thumb:
If you can get the boots on and zip them up, no matter how tight they feel initially — they fit. What you're feeling is the beginning of the break-in process.

During warmer months, it's also best to try on your boots first thing in the morning, especially if they felt tight after sitting or walking around later in the day. Legs and feet swell slightly throughout the day, which can affect the fit.

Breaking In: The First Steps

If you have the Bia model, don’t forget that the laces are fully adjustable — even over the foot. Loosening the laces during your initial rides can make a huge difference. You can always tighten them later once the boots have softened if necessary.

Once zipped up, we recommend walking around gently for about 10–15 minutes. This helps warm the leather and allows it to begin softening and shaping to your legs. You may notice the zip becoming easier to move after just a few minutes — this is the leather starting to adapt.

In the first week, be especially gentle with the zips. They’re high-quality, but they’re under more pressure before the leather has relaxed. After a few wears, they’ll glide much more easily and feel completely natural.

Made Just for You

Each pair of boots is handcrafted to your exact measurements using a precise moulding process. During production, your measurements are programmed into a last (a 3D mould of your legs), then the boots are heated, shaped, cooled, and laser-checked for accuracy. However, due to the natural properties of leather, there can be slight shrinkage during production — so when the boots arrive, they may feel tighter than expected.

But here’s the magic: as soon as you wear them, your body heat softens the leather. Within minutes, the boots start to reshape and return to your unique measurements.

Clients visiting our studio often comment on how quickly their boots begin to feel more comfortable — sometimes in just 5 to 10 minutes.

Why One Pair Might Feel Different From Another

If you’ve ordered multiple pairs with different models or leathers, don’t be surprised if they feel very different at first. Every design has its own structure, and every leather stretches and softens at a different rate.

We factor this into your boots during production, allowing for the expected stretch based on the leather type. So, while one pair may feel tighter than another, both are designed to end up feeling the same once broken in.

Still Worried? Let’s Talk.

If you have any concerns or questions about your boots, please get in touch with us directly before turning to social media. We’re the experts in our boots — every pair is unique, and only we have the full picture of your order, your fit, and how the boots were made.

While advice from fellow riders can be well-meaning, it’s often based on general experiences rather than the specific craftsmanship and details of your celeris boots. We’re here to help, and no question is too small.

FAQ'S

WHAT IS THE WARRANTY PERIOD?

Standard Warranty: 90 days from delivery.
Most manufacturing faults appear immediately or within the first few weeks.

What’s Covered:

  • Zips that fail early due to manufacturing defect
  • Press buttons or hardware that break within the first weeks
  • Stitching faults visible from new

Not Covered: Wear and tear, poor maintenance, or faults caused by misuse. The inner panel will wrinkle and mark naturally — this is normal and not covered by warranty.

Good News: Even after 90 days, we’ll repair genuine manufacturing faults at our discretion — though we’ll always assess first.

AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD HAS ENDED

Your boots are made to last — but they need care to perform at their best.

  • Clean and wax regularly
  • Avoid letting them get soaked or caked in mud without cleaning
  • Clear sand from zips often — sand is a zip killer
  • Boots returned to us in poor condition typically show signs of neglect — not defects

With proper care, your boots will go far beyond normal expectations.

Important Zip Warning

Thanks to the way we craft our boots — with a truly sculpted, custom fit — your zips are under minimal stress. In fact, many clients have slightly different leg measurements, and because each boot is made precisely to match, the fit ensures the zips aren't having to “do the work.”

We use exceptionally strong, high-quality zips, and zip-related issues are extremely rare — we can count them on one hand each year. This reliability is entirely down to the precision of the fit and the care taken during your measuring process.

With the right handling and regular care, your zips will serve you brilliantly for years to come.

HOWEVER ...

One of the most common zip issues we see is caused by clients attaching keyrings, string, or other objects to the zip pull to help pull it up. Please don’t do this.

Adding anything to the zip pull creates unnatural leverage, which can easily snap the pull or even damage the entire zip. This type of breakage is not considered a manufacturing fault and won't be covered under warranty.

Instead:

  • Make sure the zip is fully open when putting your boots on
  • Use your fingers only to gently guide the zip up
  • If it feels stiff initially, wear ankle socks and have someone help you zip them up for the first few wears.

Once the leather softens, your zips will become much easier to use — without any need for extra force.

FOLLOW OUR BOOT CARE GUIDE HERE

Common Questions

"The Colour Isn’t What I Expected"
Our leathers are natural and pigment-dyed, so small variations in colour and texture are normal. Lighting and screen settings can also cause colours to appear differently.

"There Are Marks or Texture on the Leather"
Each pair is handmade using high-quality leather. Small imperfections or grain variations are a natural part of the material and won’t affect performance.

"My Boots Don’t Fit"
If we measured you and there’s a genuine issue, we’ll resolve it. Let us know immediately.

If you measured yourself, follow these steps:

  • Try the boots on first thing in the morning
  • Wear ankle socks and your thinnest breeches
  • Loosen the Bia laces — many clients forget this key step

If you still can’t get in, you may need to remeasure and send the details for review. We only want perfect boots and can’t assess the fit without accurate measurements.

Please don’t adjust measurements or “round” them — even a small change can cause a poor fit.

"Will My Boots Drop?"
Yes, most boots drop around 1 cm as the ankle softens. Dressage models may drop less due to their structure. They really will not drop a lot due to our sculpted fit. 

"My Boots Are Too Tall"
We do not add height to account for drop. If you’ve requested extra height, we’ll ask you to sign off on this. Heel risers can help if your boots feel too high initially.

Buy heel risers here

"How Long to Break In?"
Most clients say their boots feel great quickly, but models like the Passage, Polo and Bia may take longer due to reinforced panels. Riding is the VERY best way to break them in — walking around won’t mimic your riding position properly. If you are super sensitive or not used to custom boots the breaking in period might be far more extensive than most. 

"How Long Will They Last?"
This depends on your riding frequency and care. A professional riding daily will wear boots differently than a weekend rider.

Most boots will exceed expectations provided they’re cared for correctly and regularly, used sensibly and not subjected to overly harsh or unsuitable conditions.

"Can I Return My Boots?"
As they are bespoke and made to order, we cannot offer refunds and per our terms and conditions of sale. However, we’re happy to discuss any concerns with you.

"Do You Offer Repairs?"
Yes, within warranty. For minor repairs outside the warranty period, we recommend using a local leather specialist.

"Issues on Delivery or Within Warranty?"
Contact us right away — most issues are resolved quickly with a simple call or email.

 

LINKS

Contact us

Boot care guide

Breaking in your boots

Buy accessories