Frequently Asked
Answers to the questions we’re asked most often, from appointments and measuring to bespoke orders, fittings, repairs and caring for your Horace Batten boots.
Answers to the questions we’re asked most often, from appointments and measuring to bespoke orders, fittings, repairs and caring for your Horace Batten boots.
The Story Of
Horace Batten
Discover the story behind Horace Batten Bootmakers, from our early beginnings to the workshop we continue to run today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering bespoke boots is a personal process, and we understand there may be a few questions before you begin. This page brings together helpful information about appointments, measuring, fittings, timescales and caring for your boots.
If you cannot find the answer you need, please get in touch and we will be happy to guide you. Whether you are planning a new pair, arranging a repair, or simply looking for advice, we are here to help.
• How much are pair of Horace Batten boots?
• How do I order a pair of boots?
• How many appointments are required when ordering?
• How do I make an appointment and what do I need to bring?
• Where is the workshop and what are the opening hours?
• How long does it take from ordering to delivery?
• Why does it take so long to make them?
• How long does it take to travel to the workshop from London?
• Can I order boots if I am an international customer?
• Do I have to have trees with my boots?
• Can I have trees made for non Horace Batten boots?
• Do you make bespoke made to measure or are there any stock boots or off the shelf versions?
• Do you do repairs and alterations?
• How do I get my boots to you for repairs or alterations?
• How long do repairs and alterations take?
• Why should I send my boots back to you and not use a local cobbler?
• What do I need to know before sending my boots for repair or alterations?
• Do you repair shoes or other leather goods?
• Do the initial/fitting appointments have to be at the workshop?
• What do I need to know before my external appointment?
• Do you ever attend any trade shows?
• Do you sell breeches?
How much are a pair of Horace Batten boots?
Prices vary depending on individual stylings and requirements, starting from prices can be found throughout the website and a full price list is available on request.
How do I order a pair of Boots?
The process begins with an initial measurement appointment, which is essential before an order can be placed.
During this appointment, we will take detailed measurements of your legs and feet, along with foot impressions, to begin the made-to-measure process.
These appointments are readily available at our humble and charming Ravensthorpe workshop. A visit to us is a wonderful way to begin your bespoke boot journey, and we can assure you it is an experience you will enjoy.
How many appointments are required when ordering?
After the initial order has been placed, we will invite you for a fitting once the boots are approximately three-quarters complete.
Assuming all is well at this stage, we can then proceed to complete the boots.
We always require at least two appointments throughout the process, and sometimes more if additional fittings are needed.
How do I make an appointment and what do I need to bring?
If you would like to book an appointment to visit our Ravensthorpe workshop to discuss your requirements for our made-to-measure service, or to attend a measurement appointment, please get in touch by email or phone.
We always recommend bringing the breeches or trousers and socks you intend to wear with your boots, along with any existing boots and trees you may have.
Where is the workshop and what are the opening hours?
Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd.
2 Coton Road
Ravensthorpe
Northamptonshire
NN6 8EG
England
United Kingdom
01604 770287
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
How long does it take from ordering to delivery?
There is no fixed timeline, as the process is dependent on many factors, including availability at the fitting stage. From order to completion, the timescale can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Why does it take so long to make them?
In a day and age where everything can be obtained at the click of a button, Horace Batten Bootmakers’ way of working sits well and truly outside of this trend — and we are proud of it.
The beauty and value of our boots lies in the time, handwork and craftsmanship invested from the very beginning. In our opinion, this is what makes them unrivalled.
It is a process that involves you, the customer, as part of a bespoke journey towards the end goal: a perfect-fitting pair of boots. This process cannot be rushed and requires further commitment from you by way of fitting appointments throughout the making process.
How long does it take to travel to the workshop from London?
It takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes to reach us. You can travel by car via the M1, exiting at Junction 18, or by train to Long Buckby, which is on the Euston line.
Can I order boots if I am an international customer?
Making boots for international customers without seeing them in person is not something we are generally keen to undertake, as it naturally adds further obstacles and complications.
In order to make a perfectly fitting boot, we ideally need to have your legs and feet in front of us. That said, we have made boots remotely in the past. If this is a route you wish to take, we would need to ensure you understand that we cannot offer the same guarantee of fit as we can with in-person appointments.
There are also further costs involved, including shipping and remote fitting costs. In this instance, we ask for 75% to be paid upfront before the order can be actioned.
A remote fitting measurement form would need to be completed, along with photographs and a detailed order form. We would also require a foam foot impression to be completed and sent to us. If you have a set of trees from a pair of boots that fit you well, we may be able to use these as a starting point if they are sent to us.
Once we have received all of the required information and the deposit, we would make the boots to a three-quarter complete stage before shipping them to you to try on. Ideally, we would then carry out a video call fitting.
Do I have to have trees with my boots?
Here is a brief explanation of the functions of trees and why they are so effective.
Firstly, they provide a solid base for polishing and boning your boots, which is essential for wax calf boots. The second, and more important, function is to maintain the Horace Batten shape.
Boots kept on trees retain not only their good looks, but also their longevity. This will become evident as the years go by.
We realise that trees are a costly part of your order, and there can be a temptation to avoid this cost by going without trees or using old trees. However, this can be a false economy, particularly when old trees do not fit correctly. This can cause the welting to burst out, or alter the shape and fit, ultimately ruining your boots.
With this in mind, we will always advise on the suitability of any trees you already own and can carry out a certain amount of alterations where appropriate.
Can I have trees made for non Horace Batten boots?
We do offer a made-to-measure trees service for boots which are not made by Horace Batten.
However, we will require your boots for a minimum of four weeks during the making process. There is also a 12.5% surcharge on the flat price.
Do you make only bespoke made-to-measure, or are there any stock books or off the shelf versions?
We do carry a small number of stock boots in varying conditions and at varying prices.
Although these do not offer the same bespoke fit, they may provide a more cost-effective and quicker route to owning a pair of Horace Batten boots.
Should you wish us to explore this option, we would require your measurements to see whether we have anything suitable. Our stock boots vary from seconds to pre-loved pairs.
We also offer our Timeless Collection, which provides a standard-size, off-the-shelf version of a Horace Batten boot.
Do you do repairs and alterations?
Yes, our repairs and alteration service does extend beyond our own boots. However, for all work undertaken on items not made by Horace Batten, there is a compulsory 12.5% surcharge on the total bill.
All repairs must undergo a compulsory full clean and polish as standard, which is chargeable.
Terms and conditions apply.
How do I get my boots to you for repairs or alterations?
Repairs can be dropped off by appointment at our Ravensthorpe workshop.
Alternatively, we accept repairs by mail or courier. Please ensure a detailed note outlining the repair requirements and your contact details is included in the package.
How long do repairs and alterations take?
Our team is small but made up of skilled craftsmen.
The timescale for repairs can vary from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the time of year and how busy we are.
Why should I send my boots back to you and not use a local cobbler?
We strongly recommend using our own in-house repair service.
If you decide to have your Horace Batten boots repaired elsewhere and damage or problems occur, we cannot be held responsible, nor can we guarantee that we will be able to rectify any issues that arise thereafter.
This may also lead to further costs for alterations and repair work going forward, should we agree to undertake any.
We pride ourselves on our workmanship and dedication to delivering the best possible outcome, both aesthetically and in helping to extend the longevity of your boots.
What do I need to know before sending my boots back for repair or alterations?
The nature of repair and alteration work can mean that boots are altered to an agreed new condition, which may differ from their original state.
By choosing to leave work with us, you are accepting and agreeing that any work undertaken is done with a view to achieving the best possible result in appearance and fit, within our control and professional opinion.
All repair work is quoted approximately and may be subject to change if further handwork is required once the repair is underway.
Repair work to boots that are not made by Horace Batten is subject to a 10% surcharge on the total bill.
Once repair work is complete, the invoice is payable within 14 days. After 28 days, the boots may be retained as payment for outstanding accounts.
Do you repair shoes or other leather goods?
The Horace Batten team is made up of skilled craftsmen specialising in leatherwork, and this extends beyond boots.
If you have a job you would like to discuss, or would like us to undertake, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Do the initial/fitting appointments have to be at the workshop?
Due to time frames, scheduling and location, it may be preferable for some customers for us, the bootmakers, to come to you.
These appointments are chargeable and must be booked and agreed at least 14 days in advance. We offer a range of external appointment options to suit various locations, with charges varying depending on the location.
If you would like to discuss an external appointment, or a location not covered by our set tariff, please contact us directly.
We also offer four days throughout the year where Horace Batten Bootmakers leave the comforts of the Northamptonshire countryside and set up in London for the day. These days provide the opportunity for pre-arranged initial measurement appointments and fitting appointments.
There is a £35 fee payable in advance for appointments on any of these days.
If you wish to fit a pair of boots that are already on order, please contact us directly to discuss availability, as appointments on these days are now limited.
Do you ever attend any trade shows?
What do I need to know before my external appointment?
All external appointments are non-refundable, and the location must be agreed in advance.
Appointments at our Ravensthorpe workshop are not chargeable, but must also be booked in advance.
All appointments are subject to change, and a minimum of 72 hours’ notice will be given.
When attending an initial measurement appointment, please ensure you bring the socks, breeches or trousers you wish to wear with your bespoke boots.
Appointment lengths may vary, however they should usually be completed within 45 minutes.
In order for a bespoke order to be placed, a minimum deposit of £1,000 must be paid. This is in addition to any appointment fee and, after 28 days from the date of payment, is non-refundable.
This deposit, which confirms your bespoke boot order, can be paid at the time of the appointment.
Do you sell breeches?
We do sell socks that we recommend however we do not sell riding breeches.
The process begins with an initial measurement appointment, which is essential before an order can be placed.
During this appointment, we will take detailed measurements of your legs and feet, along with foot impressions, to begin the made-to-measure process.
These appointments are readily available at our humble and charming Ravensthorpe workshop. A visit to us is a wonderful way to begin your bespoke boot journey, and we can assure you it is an experience you will enjoy.
After the initial order has been placed, we will invite you for a fitting once the boots are approximately three-quarters complete.
Assuming all is well at this stage, we can then proceed to complete the boots.
We always require at least two appointments throughout the process, and sometimes more if additional fittings are needed.
Horace Batten Bootmakers Ltd.
2 Coton Road
Ravensthorpe
Northamptonshire
NN6 8EG
England
United Kingdom
01604 770287
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
There is no fixed timeline, as the process is dependent on many factors, including availability at the fitting stage. From order to completion, the timescale can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
In a day and age where everything can be obtained at the click of a button, Horace Batten Bootmakers’ way of working sits well and truly outside of this trend — and we are proud of it.
The beauty and value of our boots lies in the time, handwork and craftsmanship invested from the very beginning. In our opinion, this is what makes them unrivalled.
It is a process that involves you, the customer, as part of a bespoke journey towards the end goal: a perfect-fitting pair of boots. This process cannot be rushed and requires further commitment from you by way of fitting appointments throughout the making process.
It takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes to reach us. You can travel by car via the M1, exiting at Junction 18, or by train to Long Buckby, which is on the Euston line.
Making boots for international customers without seeing them in person is not something we are generally keen to undertake, as it naturally adds further obstacles and complications.
In order to make a perfectly fitting boot, we ideally need to have your legs and feet in front of us. That said, we have made boots remotely in the past. If this is a route you wish to take, we would need to ensure you understand that we cannot offer the same guarantee of fit as we can with in-person appointments.
There are also further costs involved, including shipping and remote fitting costs. In this instance, we ask for 75% to be paid upfront before the order can be actioned.
A remote fitting measurement form would need to be completed, along with photographs and a detailed order form. We would also require a foam foot impression to be completed and sent to us. If you have a set of trees from a pair of boots that fit you well, we may be able to use these as a starting point if they are sent to us.
Once we have received all of the required information and the deposit, we would make the boots to a three-quarter complete stage before shipping them to you to try on. Ideally, we would then carry out a video call fitting.
Here is a brief explanation of the functions of trees and why they are so effective.
Firstly, they provide a solid base for polishing and boning your boots, which is essential for wax calf boots. The second, and more important, function is to maintain the Horace Batten shape.
Boots kept on trees retain not only their good looks, but also their longevity. This will become evident as the years go by.
We realise that trees are a costly part of your order, and there can be a temptation to avoid this cost by going without trees or using old trees. However, this can be a false economy, particularly when old trees do not fit correctly. This can cause the welting to burst out, or alter the shape and fit, ultimately ruining your boots.
With this in mind, we will always advise on the suitability of any trees you already own and can carry out a certain amount of alterations where appropriate.
We do offer a made-to-measure trees service for boots which are not made by Horace Batten.
However, we will require your boots for a minimum of four weeks during the making process. There is also a 12.5% surcharge on the flat price.
We do carry a small number of stock boots in varying conditions and at varying prices.
Although these do not offer the same bespoke fit, they may provide a more cost-effective and quicker route to owning a pair of Horace Batten boots.
Should you wish us to explore this option, we would require your measurements to see whether we have anything suitable. Our stock boots vary from seconds to pre-loved pairs.
We also offer our Timeless Collection, which provides a standard-size, off-the-shelf version of a Horace Batten boot.
Our repairs and alteration service does extend beyond our own boots. However, for all work undertaken on items not made by Horace Batten, there is a compulsory 12.5% surcharge on the total bill.
All repairs must undergo a compulsory full clean and polish as standard, which is chargeable.
Terms and conditions apply.
Repairs can be dropped off by appointment at our Ravensthorpe workshop.
Alternatively, we accept repairs by mail or courier. Please ensure a detailed note outlining the repair requirements and your contact details is included in the package.
Our team is small but made up of skilled craftsmen.
The timescale for repairs can vary from 4 to 16 weeks, depending on the time of year and how busy we are.
We strongly recommend using our own in-house repair service.
If you decide to have your Horace Batten boots repaired elsewhere and damage or problems occur, we cannot be held responsible, nor can we guarantee that we will be able to rectify any issues that arise thereafter.
This may also lead to further costs for alterations and repair work going forward, should we agree to undertake any.
We pride ourselves on our workmanship and dedication to delivering the best possible outcome, both aesthetically and in helping to extend the longevity of your boots.
The nature of repair and alteration work can mean that boots are altered to an agreed new condition, which may differ from their original state.
By choosing to leave work with us, you are accepting and agreeing that any work undertaken is done with a view to achieving the best possible result in appearance and fit, within our control and professional opinion.
All repair work is quoted approximately and may be subject to change if further handwork is required once the repair is underway.
Repair work to boots that are not made by Horace Batten is subject to a 10% surcharge on the total bill.
Once repair work is complete, the invoice is payable within 14 days. After 28 days, the boots may be retained as payment for outstanding accounts.
The Horace Batten team is made up of skilled craftsmen specialising in leatherwork, and this extends beyond boots.
If you have a job you would like to discuss, or would like us to undertake, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Due to time frames, scheduling and location, it may be preferable for some customers for us, the bootmakers, to come to you.
These appointments are chargeable and must be booked and agreed at least 14 days in advance. We offer a range of external appointment options to suit various locations, with charges varying depending on the location.
If you would like to discuss an external appointment, or a location not covered by our set tariff, please contact us directly.
We also offer four days throughout the year where Horace Batten Bootmakers leave the comforts of the Northamptonshire countryside and set up in London for the day. These days provide the opportunity for pre-arranged initial measurement appointments and fitting appointments.
There is a £35 fee payable in advance for appointments on any of these days.
If you wish to fit a pair of boots that are already on order, please contact us directly to discuss availability, as appointments on these days are now limited.
All external appointments are non-refundable, and the location must be agreed in advance.
Appointments at our Ravensthorpe workshop are not chargeable, but must also be booked in advance.
All appointments are subject to change, and a minimum of 72 hours’ notice will be given.
When attending an initial measurement appointment, please ensure you bring the socks, breeches or trousers you wish to wear with your bespoke boots.
Appointment lengths may vary, however they should usually be completed within 45 minutes.
In order for a bespoke order to be placed, a minimum deposit of £1,000 must be paid. This is in addition to any appointment fee and, after 28 days from the date of payment, is non-refundable.
This deposit, which confirms your bespoke boot order, can be paid at the time of the appointment.
We are not currently due to attend any trade shows.
We do sell socks that we recommend however we do not sell riding breeches.
Begin your
Bespoke Journey
Whether you are enquiring about bespoke boots, collections, or care and accessories, we would be delighted to hear from you. Get in touch to discuss your requirements and our team will be pleased to assist.
sales@horacebatten.com
2 Coton Rd • Ravensthorpe •
Northamptonshire • NN6 8EG
2 Coton Rd • Ravensthorpe • Northamptonshire • NN6 8EG
what3words: ///dragonfly.awake.slopes
Discover more from
Horace Batten
Explore useful pages connected to our boots, heritage, services and the care that helps each pair last for years to come.