Crafted by Hand. Measured by Heart.
At celeris UK, we are as passionate today as we were the moment our story began — in the basement workshop of a home in Felgueiras, Portugal, back in 2009.
That’s where our master bootmaker, Artur, first started crafting boots under his own name. He learnt his trade the traditional way — through generations of family bootmakers and leatherworkers. It was small, honest, and exacting from the very start. And it still is.
celeris UK was born in parallel — in the garage of our founder Cate. Long before the studio, the fittings, the name, there was simply an unwavering belief in boots that should be made properly. That belief brought Cate and Artur together — and now, years on, it has grown into something extraordinary.
Still a Family Business, Just Bigger
We are still a family business — not in name, in reality. Artur and his wife Flor still work alongside the entire team. Many of our 25 full-time artisans are family or long-time friends, trained directly by Artur himself. We’ve expanded carefully, purposefully — never compromising on what we’re here to do.
Every single boot is still cut on the same table, by the same hands, using the same 24-point measurement system we’ve used since day one. No shortcuts. No stock sizes. Every boot is built from scratch — one for your left leg, one for your right. They are rarely the same, and nor should they be (if your legs aren't).
It’s All in the Name
In the earliest days, we were unnamed — but Artur knew we wanted something deeply connected to the horse. Not just any name, but one with elegance, strength, and a bit of legend. It had to reflect not only what we were making, but why.
It was during research into equestrian mythology that Artur came across the story of celeris — the only winged son of Pegasus. A celestial horse, legendary in both beauty and speed, yet lesser known. In his constellation, only his head is visible, always in pursuit of his father across the sky. It was a perfect fit — elegant, enduring, just under the radar. That’s the spirit behind the celeris name, and the emblem we still carry on every boot.
Portugal’s equestrian heritage runs deep. The Lusitano — a source of national pride — is known for its power, nobility, and perfect balance under saddle. For Cate, who has spent much of her riding life with Lusitanos, that connection shaped everything. The horse — and particularly her love of the Lusitano — became a great source of inspiration. These horses are built with purpose. They move with intention. They respond to feel — not force. That philosophy became the foundation for how she wanted boots to be made: with precision, integrity, and complete alignment with the rider.
The First Collection
We launched with three models: the Passage, the Bia, and the Diogo — later joined by the Polo. These four form the foundations of every custom design we now create.
With 125 rigorously tested leathers, 29 top styles (all customisable), and countless design details, your boots will always be uniquely yours — whether you choose timeless black or something loud, bright, and entirely personal.
We are known for our style options, yes — but always for our fit. Fit is everything.
In 2015, our Bia model became a phenomenon — a bestselling icon, widely imitated but never equalled. Inspired by historic Portuguese riding boots, it remains a benchmark in the industry. Still handcrafted, still requiring two makers to lace each pair properly, still unmistakably Celeris.
Each Model, A Purpose
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Diogo – our signature jumping boot with rear zip, also favoured by many dressage riders
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Passage – classic dressage boot with an off-centre front zip; available in regular (softer but still firm), reinforced, or super-firm panels
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Bia – iconic full-length lace-up with front or rear zip; also offered with panel options
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Polo – centre front zip, available with top and/or ankle straps; sharp, bold, and incredibly comfortable
What We’re Made Of
From the beginning, we refused to cut corners on materials. Sourcing the best leathers and components wasn’t easy — especially as a small unknown brand — but we made it non-negotiable. We still do.
Our fully patented sole has remained unchanged since day one — fully stitched, sealed, and pressure-locked in a machine designed by Artur and built in Italy. It’s designed to withstand real riding life: wet yards, sand arenas, mud, grit, wear, and everything in between.
The Difference Is In the Detail
Zips, linings, pins, buttons — the things many overlook, we obsess over.
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Our zips are custom-made by YKK, built to take pressure, repetition, and weight
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Our insoles are designed for real support and supreme comfort — especially for high arches
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Our sheepskin linings are warm but breathable
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Our gold and silver-coated pins carry our signature logo — redesigned, precise, and crisp
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Our leathers are the finest, our suede is water resistant, our hardware galvanised, and our diamanté and Swarovski details built to last
We’re proud to be an official Swarovski Ingredient Branding Partner, which means all Swarovski elements used in our boots are 100% certified and traceable — part of their commitment to exceptional quality, and ours.
Nothing is chosen for show. Everything has a purpose. Even the aesthetics.
Sustainability Matters
Our leathers now come from the world’s leading luxury tanneries — the same ones used by elite designer brands. They’re pigment dyed, chemical-light, and often show natural grain and texture. That’s intentional. We don’t want uniform, paper-thin hides. We want character. Longevity. Integrity.
We’ve tested vegan leathers. We chose not to use them. Why? Because they don’t perform. They don’t stretch or mould. They don’t give you a proper fit. And they’re often made from PVC and polyurethane — which is not sustainable. Leather, as a by-product of the meat industry, is a far more honest and recyclable material. When used properly, it lasts. And that’s true sustainability.
Where We Are Now
From five people to over thirty. From a garage and a basement to a fully equipped, purpose-built workshop— completed in September 2023. We grew carefully, and only when the product was ready.
We still keep things personal. We still make a limited number of boots each month. We still won’t rush production just to hit a deadline. Yes, that sometimes means longer wait times — especially around peak seasons — but perfection will always come first.
From classic black to hot pink with spots — it all comes from the same hands, with the same commitment.
Where We’re Going
The future of celeris isn’t about making more. It’s about making better — and making new things, properly. We’re expanding slowly into custom leather goods, adding new services, refining every detail we can.
But at the heart of everything remains one thing: the custom riding boots. Still measured by hand. Still made with passion. Still built to last.
When you buy celeris, you’re investing in something rare — a company that still does things the right way, because that’s the only way we know.
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