TREDSTEP TALL BOOTS COMPARED
Tredstep Donatello III vs Medici II vs Sirani: Which Tall Boot Fits You
Three Tredstep lines, each in field and dress: which one suits your leg, your ring and your show plans.
Donatello III suits riders who want a flexible full grain boot that breaks in quickly. Medici II suits riders who want a calfskin boot with a curved calf fit. Sirani suits riders who want soft calf skin with stretch panels.
Donatello III
Medici II
SiraniTredstep Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani side by side
| Compare | Donatello III | Medici II | Sirani |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Riders wanting a flexible full grain boot | Riders wanting calfskin and a curved calf cut | Riders wanting soft calf skin with stretch panels |
| Upper leather | Refined full grain leather | Calfskin outer | Soft premium calf skin |
| Lining and comfort | Coolmax-lined insole | Full grain leather lining | Glove leather lining and Coolmax footbed |
| Fit and cut | Round toe, pro flex design | Curved anatomical calf fit, European toe | Stretch panels, flexible inserts |
| Zip | YKK back zipper | Back zipper | YKK back zipper |
| Field vs dress | Field: elastic lacing. Dress: Spanish top, clean front | Field and dress, patent piping | Field: lower back cut. Dress: traditional outsole profile |
| Tier ($ = the lowest-priced of these picks, $$$$ = the top tier) | $ | $$ | $$ |
| Look elsewhere if | You want calfskin or a curved calf cut | You want elastic lacing or stretch panels | You want a round toe in full grain leather |
Donatello III: the Tredstep that breaks in fastest
Tredstep Donatello III is the line to pick when a flexible, full grain leather boot that comes on easily matters most. The Donatello III Field Boot pairs refined full grain leather with elastic lacing, a round toe, a YKK back zipper and spur guards and guides. The Donatello III Dress Boot swaps the lacing for a clean front with a Spanish top. Both have a Coolmax-lined insole and a rubber outsole, and Tredstep's pro flex design is built to allow full rider flexion rather than a stiff, board-like shaft.
Look elsewhere if you want a calfskin outer, which is the Medici II and Sirani, or a curved anatomical calf cut, which is the Medici II. If you are unsure which Donatello size fits, start with the Tredstep sizing guide before you order.
Tredstep Donatello III Dress Boot
I have always struggled to find the perfect pair of tall boots. As a rider with small calves and long legs, all of my past boots have either been too big or too small; but these ones are perfect! I followed the size chart and ordered a XSlim and Tall, and these boots could not fit better. They do take a little bit of time to break in and are quite stiff when they arrive, but it is not too bad. Definitely recommend to anyone, especially those who have had the same problems I have had with past tall boots!
Tredstep Donatello III Field Boot
I am really impressed by the quality and fit. I have worn Tredstep in the past and have been happy with my boots but these new Donatello's are better again, they have a super stylish and comfortable sole and there was a perfect size match for me on their size chart. I am 5'7 and 135lbs with skinny ankles which have been hard to fit in the past. These are really neat on and looking forward to wearing them in the ring this weekend.
Tredstep Donatello III Field Boot
I had my eye on these Donatello boots for a while. They have a variety of slim and tall options, making these a good option for thin riders who have trouble getting boots which don't pool at the ankle or gape in the calf. I wear regular regular (width and height) and they fit splendidly, do not rub back of the knee or back of the heel. These broke in and dropped very quickly -previous show boots I had had took many rides to become bearable and I hated wearing them. These dropped in the ankle and were perfect. They have a sort of foam sole and thin leather, making them airy light to ride - I can feel my horse well. They additionally have a "heels down" cut, so they are perfect when you're in the saddle. I only wear them to show, and find them a bit odd to walk in (because they incline you to keep heels down, which cannot be done when walking). I can't speak to their durability, as I have only worn them a handful of rides. They are beautiful and lengthen your leg - you must try them in person. Cloud comfort in the saddle.
I also love my Tredstep Donatellos. Mine fit like a custom boots which I didn't think was possible since I'm tall with bird legs.
Medici II: calfskin and a curved calf fit
Medici II comes in 2 versions, field and dress, and it is the pick for a calfskin boot with a curved anatomical calf fit. The Medici II Field Boot and the Medici II Dress Boot both use a calfskin outer over a full grain leather lining, with patent piping, a European toe profile, a back zipper and spur guards and guides. Tredstep places it in its Renaissance Collection and describes curve patterns shaped to enhance the line of the rider's leg for close contact.
Look elsewhere if you want elastic lacing or a round toe, which are Donatello III details, or stretch panels for easier entry, which the Sirani adds. Check the Tredstep sizing guide for Medici II sizing.
Second Tredstep - they are well made and blissfully comfy! Ariats are good but always seem to crack over my toes - Tredsteps just don't seem to do that.
For a more modern model, I bought a pair of Tredstep Medicis about 6 years ago that I've been very impressed with. They've been used and abused and are now paper thin on the inner calf, but I'm nursing them along because they fit beautifully and I don't want to break in new ones.
Sirani: calf skin with a glove leather lining
Tredstep Sirani is the line to choose for soft premium calf skin lined with glove leather. The Sirani Field Boots add elastic lace ankles, flexible inserts, a lower back cut for jumping and two spur rest positions. The Sirani Dress Boots keep the flexible inserts and two spur rests and use a rubber outsole with a traditional profile. Both have a YKK back zipper, a cushioned comfort top closure behind the knee and a Coolmax foot lining.
Look elsewhere if you prefer full grain leather with a simple round-toe profile, which is the Donatello III, or a curved anatomical calf cut, which is the Medici II. Use the Tredstep sizing guide to confirm your size before you choose.
Have worn tredstep for years - original pair still going strong after 6 years and are used daily, albeit with one zip replacement. New pair are saved for best and are v smart! Only brand that I've found that caters for my tiny ankles and big feet without needing made to measure!
★★★★★
It didn't need breaking in time. Slip on and go. No blisters. Tredstep is the best of the best.
How to choose between the three
- Choosing between Tredstep Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani starts with the discipline: choose a field boot for jumping and cross-country, with the lacing or lower back cut each line adds, or a dress boot for the dressage ring, with its clean front.
- Pick the leather. Donatello III is full grain leather. Medici II is a calfskin outer. Sirani is soft premium calf skin with a glove leather lining.
- Pick the cut. Medici II has a curved anatomical calf fit. Sirani adds stretch panels for easier entry. Donatello III has a round toe and elastic lacing on the field boot.
- Confirm your fit. Use the Tredstep sizing guide for the measurements and chart for your line before you add a pair to your cart.
What riders say about Tredstep tall boots
Riders on Tredstep tall boots talk about how quickly they break in, how closely they fit and how many seasons a pair lasts.
I bought these as an upgrade from an older pair of Tredstep Donatellos that fit me well. I sized up one size from the Donatellos in the feet and am glad I did (I have wide feet) - the Vasari are more narrow in the footbed and very slim through the instep - they definitely would not have fit if I had not sized up - this is part of what makes them look so streamlined and elegant. I stayed with the same calf size and height and that runs true to size. They are obviously snug to zip right now but even after just one breaking-in wearing in the house they are starting to stretch a little. The leather is high quality with a nice finish that I think will take a shine well, the zipper is quite sturdy, and the Spanish top is quite high and gives my calf a nice elongated look. Very attractive boots and I am looking forward to wearing them in the show ring!
Overall I love this TredStep boot. They persuaded me away from the Ariat.
I have had a pair of these boots for almost two years. They are comfortable and soft right out of the box and clean up beautifully for the show ring. The zippers are holding up beautifully as well. I bought a second pair really just to have multiple boots in circulation in case a zipper does go someday! Just like running shoes! The sizing charts and measurements are extremely accurate.
I already had a pair and loved them so much that I bought these as an eventual replacement.
Shop Tredstep field and dress tall boots
Shop Tredstep tall boots
Shop all ›Browse Tredstep field and dress tall boots from the Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani lines, and open any pair to check its leather, closure and cut before you add it to your cart.
Tredstep tall boots FAQ
What is the difference between Tredstep field and dress boots?
A field boot is made for jumping and cross-country: Donatello III field adds elastic lacing at the ankle and Sirani field has a lower back cut. A dress boot has a clean front for the dressage ring, with a Spanish top on the Donatello III. Pick by the ring you ride in most, then compare lines.
CloseWhich Tredstep tall boot is the most flexible?
Donatello III is built on Tredstep's pro flex design for full rider flexion, and Sirani adds flexible inserts, stretch panels and a glove leather lining. Medici II is the more sculpted calfskin option. Open the Donatello III and Sirani pages side by side, compare their features, and choose the one that matches how you ride.
CloseHow do I size Tredstep Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani boots?
Start with the Tredstep sizing guide, which walks through the measurements and the chart for Tredstep tall boots. Use it for Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani, then open your boot's page to check the fit details listed there. Add the pair to your cart once your numbers match the guide.
CloseDoes Tredstep make a boot for wide or slim calves?
Medici II is built with a curved anatomical calf fit, which Tredstep lists on the product page. For calf and height details on any of the three lines, use the Tredstep sizing guide and read each boot's page. Compare your own measurements with the guide before you order.
CloseTredstep product specifications: Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani field and dress boots, as listed by the manufacturer.