- Big Black Boots is closed - Big Black Boots has been selling boots since 1985 and online since 1995. We were the first boot store on the internet! But after 34 years we have retired. We've closed our web store. But are keeping our web site up to provide you with much more detailed information than available at the manufacturers' web sites. And we also have exhaustive information on sizing and how to measure your feet and legs for tall boots. We've removed pricing info since you can get more up to date prices from the manufacturer's web sites. But we're keeping the prices for the various options here since it's sometimes hard to get that information until you order a custom pair of boots. The options prices may be out of date but they don't change as often or as much as the actual boot prices. We're also keeping the website order forms up because they contain lots of useful information which may not be available on the manufacturer's website. These contain a lot of information which can help when you order directly from Wesco or Dehner. Of course, the order forms no longer accept orders or payments. Our email address at will be kept active so customers can contact us in the future. Our customer lists and records are NOT for sale. Thanks for being such great customers over the years. It's been a pleasure helping you get into great boots that fit well. Ron & Rich Big Black Boots

The Boot: This is the definitive Motor Patrol boot worn by officers in highway patrol and police motor patrol units. It's also used by equestrian units when they need a boot that's more sturdy and has a stiffer shaft than standard equestrian boots. This is a high quality dress boot. It incorporates all of the features most frequently specified in a quality Motor Patrol Boot and provides them at a lower price than custom made boots. We call it the "ready to wear" or "stock" boot because it is normally kept in stock in a wide variety of sizes, widths and shaft sizes. The dimensions for each boot size are shown in a size chart towards the bottom of this page. That chart shows, for each foot size and width, the height of the boot shaft, the maximum calf circumference which will fit into that size boot and the maximum heel measurement which will fit comfortably into that size boot. For each foot size and width, the boots are stocked in the standard shaft size shown in that table and also in a version with a one inch (2.54 cm) larger shaft. These boots are made using Dehner's Black Voyager cowhide leather for the foot while the boot shafts use man-made Majilite on the exterior for ease of maintenance and lower cost. The Majilite matches the appearance of the Black Voyager leather. The entire interior of the boot is lined with cowhide and elkskin leather. Softer cowhide is used in the foot area while heavy weight, stiff cowhide lines the entire shaft to provide stiffness and comfort. The ankle area is lined with supple elkskin to allow the stiff boot shafts to bend correctly at the ankles. Dehner can now make the stock pattern boots entirely in the Black or Brown Voyager leather or the new black Wayfarer leather. These customized versions of the stock/ready to wear boots are a special order at extra cost and take 8 to 10 weeks to build. Details are below. If you need a heavy duty motor patrol boot you may want to check our heavy duty Wesco motor patrol boots. They were designed for use in the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada where motor patrol units often operate in rainy weather. Features: Classic fitted shaft with dress boot styling Available in either the traditional Laced Instep (known as a Bal-laced instep) or the Dress Instep. Top strap and buckle Shaft is fully lined with stiff cowhide to keep its shape Hidden nylon pull straps to help pull boots on Foot is lined in soft cowhide and ankle area is lined with supple elk hide for comfort and flexibility Composition "Nitrene" sole & rubber heel Black Voyager leather foot & leather-lined Majilite Shaft Price is lower than custom motor patrol boots Faster delivery since most popular sizes of this boot are off-the-shelf

Options:

Bal-Laced Instep	Dress Instep

• Bal-laced instep
• Dress instep
• One inch wider shaft

There is a $75 surcharge for these ready-to-wear
boots in size 15.

Options below are not kept in stock. They are added to stock
boots while they are being built, so this takes longer than
"off the shelf" boots.

• Vibram #100 heavy lug soles -- $64 extra
  
• Vibram #430 low profile lug soles -- $64 extra
(Vibram soles are a special order version - not kept in stock
- takes 1-8 weeks - Dehner takes the next pair of stock boots
in your size coming through production and finishes it with
a Vibram sole. If they have to start a pair of boots from scratch,
it can take up to 8 weeks)


• These boots can be made entirely from Black or Brown "Voyager" cowhide
  or the new Black Wayfarer leather -- $74 extra
  (special order version - not kept in stock - takes about 8-10 weeks to build -
  this boot is made with the stock pattern and is identical except for the use
  of Voyager or Wayfarer leather instead of Majilite for the boot shafts)

Extras / Accessories:

( can be shipped with boots )

• Boot hooks $14 ( to help pull boots on )
• Matching spur straps - unlined $9
• Matching spur straps - lined $15
• Matching butterfly flaps for spur straps - $25
• Add spur rest to standard stock boots - $30.
• Add spur rest to customized all leather stock boots - No Charge
Spur rests are not included on stock Dehner boots but they can be added to stock boots before they are shipped. There is a $30 charge to do this since it requires some delicate surgery on an already built pair of boots. Shipment of your boots will be delayed for several days while the spur rests are added to your new stock boots.

Description:

The "stock" Motor Patrol boots are available in the bal-laced instep or the plain dress instep, both of which are shown below on the right. The traditional bal-laced instep is the most popular configuration for this boot, but some departments, particularly equestrian units, standardize on the dress instep. Click here to see the official specifications for these boots. These may be required by your procurement office.

If you'd like to know how to lace boots so you can tie the bal-laced instep in the middle, click here for an explanation. We ship these boots with a pair of traditional waxed cotton laces and also a pair of stretch / bungee cord laces. Those are shown in the rightmost picture just below. Once you lace and tie the bungee cord laces, you can put boots on and take them off without untying the laces since they stretch.

The bal-laced instep makes it easier to get the boots on and off since it allows the instep to be loosened. But once the boot is on and laced, it fits more snugly than the dress instep boots. The bal-laced instep also allows for adjustment of the fit when wearing thicker or thinner socks with the boots.

As the name implies, the dress instep boots have a more formal, dressier appearance. However, the dress instep boot may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have a high instep or arch, you may need to have the dress instep boots made to measure. The reason for this is that the boot strikes a delicate balance in the instep area between being loose enough for your foot to get into the boots but tight enough stay on your feet and to fit snugly.

Pull Straps Detail	Nitrene Sole Rubber Heel	Top Strap Detail	Bal-Lace Detail

Dress / Bal-laced	Heel Counter

These boots are identical to Dehner's custom boots in construction and features with the exception of the shaft exterior. The shaft exterior is constructed with a man-made material called Majilite instead of leather. This results in a boot shaft which has greater weather resistance, more resistance to damage and is easier to maintain. This also permits a dramatically lower price for these boots since leather is considerably more expensive.

The Majilite replaces the Dehcord which was previously used for these boots. The Majilite material better matches the leather used in the boot's foot and is also breathable like leather. It is also more durable than its predecessor.

The special order version of this stock boot is made entirely of "Voyager" or "Wayfarer" cowhide leather. These are both heavier, more sturdy leathers than the fine dress calfskin used in many custom motor patrol and equestrian boots. You'll have to polish the shaft occasionally to maintain a good shine. All versions of these Dehner motor patrol boots are made with shafts which are lined with thick, stiff cowhide for comfort and to ensure that the shaft retains its distinctive shape. The ankle area is lined with supple elk skin which enhances the fit and appearance of the boot by allowing the ankle to flex easily. The foot area is lined in soft cowhide. So the entire interior of these boots is leather lined.

Care of Dehner Boots

Our Boot FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page has a section which shows how to train new Dehners and how to care for them. Click here to see this information. It's important to "train" new boots before wearing them to establish a nice crease in the front and back of the ankle area. Best not to leave this to chance.

Information needed to order a pair of these boots

Boots in each combination of size & width each have their own, unique height, max calf circumference, max top circumference and max heel size. So you'll need these six measurements to successfully order a pair of these boots which fit you:

• U.S. men's size 7 - 15
• U.S. men's width (C, D, E, EE, EEE)
• Height from floor to the bend in back of the knee
• Circumference of your calf measured over breeches/jeans and socks
• Circumference of your leg where the boot top will be
• Circumference measured over your heel and instep

Each size boot is also available with a boot shaft and boot top one inch / 2.54 cm larger than standard.

Availability of these "Ready to Wear" / stock boots - Ordering:

Click here to go directly to the order form for these boots.

Dehner can make these ready to wear Motor Patrol boots in full and half sizes from 7 through 15 and widths C, D, E, EE and EEE.

Bal-Laced boots:

The goal is to keep sizes 8 through 13 in D, E, and EE widths in stock / on the shelf. These are the standard stock boots made with Voyager leather foot and Majilite shaft. These are usually shipped within a day or two of your order. Boots in C and EEE widths and larger / smaller sized boots are not normally kept in stock, but are built when ordered and cost the same as other stock boots. It usually takes about 8 - 10 weeks to build these boots for you when they are not in stock.

Dress Instep boots:

The goal is to keep sizes 8 through 13 in D and E widths in stock / on the shelf. Stock levels are lower for the less popular Dress instep boots and there are more likely to be temporary gaps in stocked sizes. The plain dress instep boots are the same in all other respects as the bal-laced boots.

Since these motor patrol boots are so popular, Dehner also stocks them in leg sizes one inch larger than standard. See the chart below which shows the standard boot height, calf size, boot top circumference and heel measurement for each boot size. This will allow you to decide if you need to order a calf size one inch larger than standard. If your calf is more than one inch larger than the standard calf circumference, you must have your boots made to measure. Please see our page on the custom made to measure version of these Dehner Motor Patrol boots.

There are 340 combinations of size, width, shaft circumference and instep style in the stock motor-patrol boots. So it's possible that your particular size might be out of stock when you order. In that case, we will reserve the next pair which is scheduled to come out production for you. This can take anywhere from a day or two to 8 - 10 weeks if a pair is just starting through production.

Height, Calf, Top and Heel Measurements:

The table below shows the boot height, maximum top , maximum calf and maximum heel dimensions for each foot size and width of ready to wear / stock Dehner Motor Patrol boots.

There are two tables... the first in inches, the second in centimeters. If you have a centimeter tape that's the easiest since you won't have to convert fractions of inches.

Below the tables we have detailed, step-by-step instructions and a diagram which shows how to take measurements of your feet and legs to make sure they'll fit in the particular size boot you choose.

The height is measured on the interior of the boot at the back seam. It can also be measured on the boot exterior from the top of the boot heel to the top of the boot along the back seam. When the height is measured that way, it indicates how far up your leg the top of the boot will sit. You can stand on the floor in socks or bare feet and measure up the back of your leg to the same height to see where the boot top will sit. This method of measuring the height is used for all boot types, since it helps in fitting boots. If the height of the heel was included, the measurement could not be used for determining where the top would sit on your legs because different sole and heel thicknesses can be used on boots.

The height shown for each size is for a new pair of boots. As the boots break in, they will drop or shorten about ¾" / 2 cm as the ankle flexes and develops creases at the ankle which is lined with soft elk hide.

The calf circumference shown for the boot shafts is the maximum calf circumference which can fit into the boots. Always take your calf measurement over jeans or breeches and socks you will wear inside the boots. The top dimension is always ½ inch / 13 mm smaller than the calf and it shows the circumference of the top when the top buckle is in the middle hole of the strap. When the strap is unfastened, the calf top is as large or larger than the calf so you can get your leg into the boots easily.

These boots can also be ordered with a larger shaft which has calf and top dimensions 1 inch (2.54 cm) larger than the calf and top dimensions shown in the table for the standard boot.

Finally there is the heel measurement. The measuring diagram at the bottom of the table shows where to take that measurement. For each size and width boot, the table shows the maximum heel dimension which will fit into the boots.

To convert inches to centimeters, multiply the number of inches by 2.54. The foot sizes are shown in US Men's sizes.

Dimensions Chart - in Inches Dehner stock Bal-Laced and Dress Instep Patrol Boots Standard Size Shafts - boots also available with shaft 1" larger Dimensions in inches
U.S. Men's Foot Sizes		7 7½	8 8½	9 9½	10 10½	11 11½	12 12½	13 13½	14 14½	15
Boot Height (all widths)		16¼	16½	16¾	17	17¼	17½	17¾	18	18¼
"C" Width	Top Calf Heel	14½ 15 12½	14¾ 15¼ 12¾	15 15½ 13	15¼ 15¾ 13¼	15½ 16 13½	15¾ 16¼ 13¾	16 16½ 14	16¼ 16¾ 14¼	16½ 17 14½
"D" Width	Top Calf Heel	14¾ 15¼ 12¾	15 15½ 13	15¼ 15¾ 13¼	15½ 16 13½	15¾ 16¼ 13¾	16 16½ 14	16¼ 16¾ 14¼	16½ 17 14½	16¾ 17¼ 14¾
"E" Width	Top Calf Heel	15 15½ 13	15¼ 15¾ 13¼	15½ 16 13½	15¾ 16¼ 13¾	16 16½ 14	16¼ 16¾ 14¼	16½ 17 14½	16¾ 17¼ 14¾	17 17½ 15
"EE" Width	Top Calf Heel	15¼ 15¾ 13¼	15½ 16 13½	15¾ 16¼ 13¾	16 16½ 14	16¼ 16¾ 14¼	16½ 17 14½	16¾ 17¼ 14¾	17 17½ 15	17¼ 17¾ 15¼
"EEE" Width	Top Calf Heel	15½ 16 13½	15¾ 16¼ 13¾	16 16½ 14	16¼ 16¾ 14¼	16½ 17 14½	16¾ 17¼ 14¾	17 17½ 15	17¼ 17¾ 15¼	17½ 18 15½
Example You measure your feet and they are size 9 ½ E. The size 9 ½ E boots are 16¾" high, Boot Top is 15½", Calf is 16", Heel is 13½". Boot Height is the distance from the heel to the top of boot shaft measured on the inside of the boot along the back. All boot heights are measured this way. It is not correct to measure the height of the boot on the outside from the ground to the top of the boot shaft. Top is the circumference of the largest leg which will fit at the boot top with the top strap in the second hole. When the strap is loose, the boot top is slightly larger than the boot's calf. Calf is the circumference of the largest calf which will fit into the boot shaft Heel is the largest heel measurement which will fit into the boot. This measurement is the circumference all the way around the heel and the instep of the foot. These boots are also stocked in the wide version which has a one inch larger calf and top - height is the same. Stock boots with a one inch wider shaft have a "W" at the end of the size marking:     9 ½ E W

Dimensions Chart - in Centimeters Dehner stock Bal-Laced and Dress Instep Patrol Boots Standard Size Shafts - boots also available with shaft 1 inch / 2.54 cm larger Dimensions in centimeters
U.S. Men's Foot Sizes		7 7½	8 8½	9 9½	10 10½	11 11½	12 12½	13 13½	14 14½	15
Boot Height (all widths)		41.3	41.9	42.5	43.2	43.8	44.5	45.1	45.7	46.4
"C" Width	Top Calf Heel	36.8 38.1 30.5	37.5 38.7 32.4	38.1 39.4 33.0	38.7 40.0 33.7	39.4 40.6 34.3	40.0 41.3 34.9	40.6 41.9 35.6	41.3 42.5 36.2	41.9 43.2 36.8
"D" Width	Top Calf Heel	37.5 38.7 32.4	38.1 39.4 33.0	38.7 40.0 33.7	39.4 40.6 34.3	40.0 41.3 34.9	40.6 41.9 35.6	41.3 42.5 36.2	41.9 43.2 36.8	42.5 43.8 37.5
"E" Width	Top Calf Heel	38.1 39.4 33.0	38.7 40.0 33.7	39.4 40.6 34.3	40.0 41.3 34.9	40.6 41.9 35.6	41.3 42.5 36.2	41.9 43.2 36.8	42.5 43.8 37.5	43.2 44.5 38.1
"EE" Width	Top Calf Heel	38.7 40.0 33.7	39.4 40.6 34.3	40.0 41.3 34.9	40.6 41.9 35.6	41.3 42.5 36.2	41.9 43.2 36.8	42.5 43.8 37.5	43.2 44.5 38.1	43.8 45.1 38.7
"EEE" Width	Top Calf Heel	39.4 40.6 34.3	40.0 41.3 34.9	40.6 41.9 35.6	41.3 42.5 36.2	41.9 43.2 36.8	42.5 43.8 37.5	43.2 44.5 38.1	43.8 45.1 38.7	44.5 45.7 39.4
Example You measure your feet and they are size 9 ½ E. The size 9 ½ E boots are 42.5 cm high, Boot Top is 39.4 cm, Calf is 40.6 cm, Heel is 34.3 cm. Boot Height is the distance from the heel to the top of boot shaft measured on the inside of the boot along the back. All boot heights are measured this way. It is not correct to measure the height of the boot on the outside from the ground to the top of the boot shaft. Top is the circumference of the largest leg which will fit at the boot top with the top strap in the second hole. When the strap is loose, the boot top is slightly larger than the boot's calf. Calf is the circumference of the largest calf which will fit into the boot shaft Heel is the largest heel measurement which will fit into the boot. This measurement is the circumference all the way around the heel and the instep of the foot. These boots are also stocked in the wide version which has a 1 inch / 2.54 cm larger calf and top - height is the same. Stock boots with a 1 inch / 2.54 cm wider shaft have a "W" at the end of the size marking:     9 ½ E W

How to Measure Your Feet and Legs - using the size tables above:

1. Foot Size & Width:

   Determine your US Men's foot size and foot width. Click here to go to our page which shows how to do this. Dehner boots are true to size and fit like dress shoes. Order your US Men's size and width which you determined using our advice on measuring your foot. Check the dimension table above with your foot size at the top and your foot width along the side. For each combination of size and width you will find the height and the maximum calf, top and heel circumference measurements for that size boot.


2. Height:

   Check the height to ensure the boots will not be too high. When they're too high, the back of the boot tops will rub against the back of your knee when your knees are bent. These boots will drop or shorten about ¾" (2 cm) from their original height as they break in and the ankles flex and crease. This is because the supple elk hide lining in the ankle area allows the ankles to flex comfortably. The flexible ankle is an important feature because the remainder of the shaft is quite stiff so it will retain its correct shape.

   To take the height measurement, sit on a chair in stockinged feet then measure up from floor at your heel along the back of your legs to the boot height specified in the tables above for your size to ensure the boots will not be too tall. This should be done while seated and with the knees bent at a right angle / 90°

   For proper fit and appearance, the top of the boot should be close to the knee. If you have long legs and the top would be several inches below the knee, consider ordering custom boots. On the other hand, some police departments deliberately wear boots with tops several inches below the knee.

3. Calf:

   Measure each calf to ensure that it will fit into the shaft. This should be done while seated. You should wear the same socks and pants or breeches you plan to wear with the boots. (If you wear heavier socks or breeches in the winter, use those) You will need a measuring tape or you can use a piece of string then measure the length with a ruler. Wrap the tape around the largest part of your leg below the knee. It should be comfortably snug but not tight.

   If this calf measurement exceeds the calf dimension in the table above for your size, the standard "stock" boot shafts will be too tight and you should order the optional shafts which are 1 inch larger or order custom fitted boots. Note that the shafts of these boots will NOT stretch as they break in if your calfs are too large. Unlike equestrian boots which are often unlined, the shafts of these boots cannot be stretched much since they are lined with stiff cowhide to retain their classic shape.

4. Boot Top:

   Measure the circumference around your leg where the top of the boot will be. This should be done while seated. This measurement should not exceed the calf measurement for your size shown in the table above. It's typically smaller than the calf measurement. When the strap at the top of the boot is unfastened, the circumference of the top is slightly larger than the calf. This is so your calf can get into the boot and past the top. Once the strap is fastened in the second hole, the top will be ½" / 13 mm tighter (smaller in circumference) than the calf.

5. Heel:

   Finally, measure the circumference around your heel as shown in the diagram in the table above. If your heel measurement is larger than the max heel measurement shown in that table, you will have difficulty getting the boots on and off and your heel may not fit through the throat of the boots at the ankle.

Now that you know if these standard, off-the-shelf boots will fit, you're ready to check out our order form.

If the ready to wear / off-the-shelf boots won't work for you, we can make these boots to measure to accommodate your particular requirements. Please visit our custom motor patrol boot page by clicking here.

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