ABOUT BOOT TREES

Whe have recently brought the production of our trees `in house` enabling us to have full control over the entire tree making process. The wooden trees, which we recommend for all our boots, are individually made to your measures and to the boots themselves.

The traditional and best timber for trees is beech, which is steamed to keep the attractive white beech colour and then kiln dried to prevent warping. This timber specification combined with the number of skilled man-hours needed, means that made to measure trees are not a cheap option. On the positive side, trees do however keep their value and of course do a great job for your boots.

We should explain the two functions, which trees perform.

First to provide a hard base for the polishing of your boots, particularly needed with wax calf-hunting boots.

The second and more important function is to maintain the Horace Batten shape. Boots kept on trees look and last so much better and as the years go by this becomes more and more evident. We realise that trees are a very costly part of your order and there is a temptation to avoid the cost and go without trees or use some old trees. It can be a false economy. That said we will always advise on the suitability of your old trees.

We do offer to make trees for your non-Batten boots, but remember, we will need to have your boots for about 4 weeks.

There are various extra add ons which are available for your trees, such as brass tops with your name on, special screw in wooden handles from Walnut or other special woods. The various parts of the tree can be hollowed out which makes them lighter and the central key can be spring cut if there is a big difference between top and calf measures. Horace Batten Bootmakers will always advise on the best tree package for you.

Prices for a machine made trees start at £295 or hand made trees start at £445 with extras available. Prices depend on size and boot style but standard hand made trees will normally be £445.

Made to measure riding boots, bespoke riding boot maker Northamptonshire.

ABOUT BOOT TREES