John Lobb, London

Occupying premises (pictured above) once rented by Lord Byron, this legendary bootmaker has been synonymous with quality and elegance for almost 150 years, when a Cornish farmboy named John Lobb became royal bootmaker to Edward, Prince of Wales. Today, the firm holds two Royal Warrants to the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales, with other aristocrats, politicians and celebrities following in their blue-blooded footsteps. Ready-to-wear boots are available from the Paris arm of the firm, which is now owned by Hermés.

Visit the John Lobb website

E. Vogel Inc, New York

Since its establishment in Lower Manhattan in 1879, four generations of Vogels have created fine bespoke riding boots that have become a favourite for jockeys and international equestrian teams, including the United States Olympic Team. Among notable champions who have donned E. Vogel boots for Olympic gold are Bill Steinkraus, Melanie Smith and Joe Fargis.

Visit the E. Vogel homepage

Schnieder of London

This master bootmaker also has the royal seal of approval, supplying boots to the Queen’s Household Cavalry, as well as to other members of the English Royal Family. They are also the bootmaker of choice for leading show jumpers, dressage and event riders as well as polo players, incorporating the finest leathers into elegant and practical creations.

Go to the Schnieder of London website

Reviving the dying traditions of Mexican master craftsmen, Tres Outlaws Boot Company combines fashion, art and rockstar style to create one-of-a-kind hand-tooled, hand-stitched and hand-coloured custom Western boots. Famous clients include Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has 50 pairs, with each design more elaborate and ostentatious than the next. Founder and designer Scott Wayne Emmerich puts his personal stamp on each incredible creation, some of which now grace museums such as The Smithsonian and the George Bush Presidential Library.

View the Tres Outlaws Boot Company website