The Dehner Company, Inc.

Dehner's commitment to custom craftsmanship, with each pair individually measured and constructed to the customer's specifications, has maintained the company's reputation for quality and precision over nearly 150 years of operation.

The Dehner Company was founded in 1875 by Henry Leopold Dehner, a German immigrant bootmaker who established his shop in Omaha, Nebraska. Dehner initially focused on producing custom boots for cavalry officers and equestrians, building a reputation for superior fit and craftsmanship.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Dehner became the primary supplier of custom boots to the United States military, particularly cavalry and ceremonial units. The company's boots were worn by military officers during World War I, World War II, and subsequent conflicts, establishing Dehner as a trusted provider of military footwear.

In the mid-20th century, Dehner expanded beyond its military and equestrian customer base to serve motorcycle riders seeking tall, protective boots. The company adapted its traditional boot patterns to meet the needs of motorcyclists while maintaining its commitment to custom fitting and hand construction.

Despite changes in manufacturing trends toward mass production, Dehner has maintained its traditional made-to-measure approach, with the company still operating in Omaha and producing boots using methods largely unchanged from its founding era.

Dehner boots are constructed using traditional bootmaking techniques, with each pair custom-made to the individual customer's measurements. The construction process involves multiple fittings and adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort.

Construction Features:

The made-to-measure process typically requires several months from initial measurement to delivery, with some designs requiring multiple fittings to achieve the desired fit. This extensive process reflects the custom nature of Dehner's production.

Dehner produces boots for three primary applications, each with distinctive design characteristics suited to its intended use.

Equestrian Boots:

Equestrian boots represent Dehner's historical core product, with the company maintaining extensive experience in fitting boots for various riding disciplines. Each pair is custom-fitted to the rider's leg shape and riding position requirements.

Military Boots:

Military boots continue to be an important part of Dehner's production, with the company supplying boots to active-duty personnel and ceremonial units requiring custom-fitted footwear.

Motorcycle Boots:

Motorcycle boots adapted Dehner's traditional tall boot patterns for protective riding use, offering custom fitting for riders seeking boots tailored to their specific leg dimensions.

Dehner offers extensive customization options for materials, hardware, and construction details, allowing customers to specify nearly every aspect of their boots.

Leather Options:

Hardware and Closure Options:

Customization Features:

The extensive customization process ensures each pair fits the customer's specific measurements and requirements.

Dehner boots are individually measured and constructed for each customer, eliminating the standard sizing conventions used by mass-production manufacturers. The company provides detailed measurement instructions and may require trial fittings for optimal results.

Measurement Process:

Fit Considerations:

The custom fitting process ensures proper boot fit but requires accurate measurements and customer input regarding intended use.

Dehner boots, particularly those made from premium leathers and custom-fitted to the owner, require regular maintenance to preserve their condition and extend their lifespan.

Regular Maintenance:

Recommended Products:

Repair and Resoling:

Dehner provides repair and resoling services for boots returned to the factory. The custom construction allows for extensive repairs and modifications to extend the boot's usable life. The company recommends professional repair services for significant issues to ensure proper techniques are employed.