
There’s something about a pair of boots that feels both practical and personal. For anyone looking at Fairfax & Favour boots, the question isn’t just about style—it’s about whether the investment matches the promise. With prices between £250 and £600 and a royal fan in Kate Middleton, these equestrian-inspired boots have sparked plenty of curiosity. This guide cuts through the noise with facts from the brand, resellers, and expert reviewers to help you decide.
Price Range: Approximately £250–£600 ·
Celebrity Fans: Kate Middleton, Princess Beatrice ·
Available Discounts: Up to 30% off in outlet ·
Boot Styles: Ankle, knee-high, over-the-knee ·
Materials: Leather and suede
Quick snapshot
- Three calf-width fittings available (Fairfax & Favor product info)
- Regina boot offers 5 cm extra stretch via five elastic panels (Houghton Country size guide)
- Boot heights range from 46 cm (size 4) to 50 cm (size 8) (Millbry Hill sizing chart)
- UK to EU to US conversion: UK 3/4/5/6/7/7.5/8/9 = EU 36/37/38/39/40/41/42/43 = US 5/6/7/8/9/9.5/10/11 (Outdoor and Country size guide)
- Exact number of boot styles currently in production
- Whether the most expensive boot (£600) justifies its price
- Confirmation of the specific Fairfax & Favor style Kate Middleton wears
- Whether boot heights vary consistently across all sizes (data from Millbry Hill, not officially confirmed)
- No major timeline events have been publicly documented for the brand in recent months
- New season styles expected in autumn per industry patterns
- Potential expansion into more international retail locations
Anyone buying these boots needs to pay close attention to calf measurements, because the foot size stays the same but the shaft width varies. That single detail makes the difference between a perfect fit and a painful pinch.
The table below summarises the brand’s core credentials.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 | Fairfax & Favor official site |
| Founders | Felix and Helen | Fairfax & Favor official site |
| Price Range | £250–£600 | Fairfax & Favor product pages |
| Celebrity Fan | Kate Middleton (reported) | Multiple news outlets |
| Outlet Discount | Up to 30% off | Fairfax & Favor outlet section |
Are Fairfax and Favour boots worth the money?
What do customers say about quality?
- Customer reviews on Houghton Country (specialist equestrian retailer) describe the leather as robust and the stitching as consistent, with many saying the boots hold up well after two or three seasons of regular wear.
- A detailed assessment by Tanner Leatherstein (leather expert) concluded that the materials used in Fairfax & Favor boots are comparable to other premium equestrian brands, though he noted that the price tag includes significant marketing and branding costs.
How does the price compare to competitors?
- Direct competitors such as Ariat (riding boot specialist) and Dubarry (equestrian footwear brand) offer ankle boots from £200 and knee-high styles from £350, placing Fairfax & Favor squarely in the premium segment.
- The brand’s own outlet section, verified via the official site, offers past-season styles at up to 30% off, bringing some prices below £200.
The implication: price alone isn’t the deciding factor; it’s what you prioritise – heritage or budget.
What are the boots Kate Middleton wears?
Which specific Fairfax & Favor styles does Kate own?
- It has been widely reported – though not officially confirmed by the palace – that the Princess of Wales owns the ‘Finch’ style ankle boot. News outlets and fashion blogs have photographed her wearing a dark brown leather ankle boot with a low heel that matches the Finch model.
- Yahoo Shopping reported that Kate Middleton’s favourite walking boots sold out after she wore them during a public engagement, triggering a surge in online searches for the brand.
Why did her favourite walking boots sell out?
- The effect is known as the ‘Kate Effect’ – a phenomenon where items worn by the royal sell out within hours. Multiple retailers, including Houghton Country, confirmed they saw a sharp increase in demand for the Finch style after her appearance.
- This celebrity association has boosted Fairfax & Favor’s profile far beyond the equestrian community.
Should I size up in Fairfax and favour boots?
How to measure your foot for Fairfax & Favor boots
Following Fairfax & Favor’s official guide, measure your foot in centimetres from heel to longest toe. Then use the brand’s size chart to find your UK size. The company advises trying boots with the socks or tights you plan to wear them with.
- For calf width: measure the circumference of the widest part of your calf. If one leg is larger, use the larger measurement.
- The ankle area should feel “snug but not too tight” to avoid pinching (Fairfax & Favor size guide).
Do Fairfax & Favor boots run small or large?
- Multiple UK retailers – Houghton Country, Outdoor and Country, and Parnabys – all state that women’s foot sizes run true to size. If you are between sizes, size up.
- For calf fit: the Parnabys size guide recommends choosing the smaller calf fit if you are between calf measurements, because the boots stretch slightly with wear.
- The Regina boot has five elastic panels that provide an extra 5 cm of stretch, making it a flexible option for wider calves (Houghton Country).
The pattern: foot size is straightforward; calf measurement is where most sizing mistakes happen.
Which is the most expensive boot?
What features justify the highest price tag?
- The most expensive style is the ‘Duchess’ over-the-knee boot, priced at approximately £600 on the Fairfax & Favor website.
- It features premium full-grain leather, a concealed side zip, and a stacked wooden heel. The over-the-knee height means it uses more material and requires more complex construction than the Regina or Finch boots.
- No other brand in the same price bracket offers a fully leather over-the-knee boot with that calf-width adjustability.
Is the most expensive boot worth it?
- Customer reviews on the official site rate the Duchess highly for comfort and fit, but some note that the £600 price is steep compared to Dubarry’s over-the-knee models which hover around £500.
- Tanner Leatherstein’s review suggests the Duchess delivers good value in terms of materials, but the styling may not suit everyone’s wardrobe.
The Duchess boot costs almost double the Finch model, yet both use similar upper leathers. The price lift comes from the over-the-knee canvas, extra lining, and exclusive styling. If you want the look without the £600 hit, the Regina offers a similar aesthetic for £430.
The catch: whether the premium is worth it depends on how often you’ll wear an over-the-knee boot and whether the extra cost aligns with your wardrobe.
Who owns Fairfax and Favour now?
How has ownership changed since founding?
- The brand was founded in 2012 by Felix and Helen, who continue to own and operate the company (per the Fairfax & Favor about page).
- There have been no reported changes in ownership or external investment as of 2025.
Where can I buy Fairfax & Favor boots?
- The official website (fairfaxandfavor.com) offers the full range plus a dedicated outlet section.
- In the UK, retailers include Houghton Country, Outdoor and Country, and Millbry Hill.
- In Ireland, the brand is available through Parnabys and other independent equestrian stores.
Here are the technical specs that define the range.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Boot types | Ankle (Finch), knee-high (Regina), over-the-knee (Duchess) |
| Materials | Leather (full-grain and nubuck) and suede |
| Calf width options | Three: standard, wide, extra-wide |
| Foot size range | UK 3 to UK 9 (EU 36–43, US 5–11) |
| Boot height (Regina heeled) | 46 cm (size 4) to 50 cm (size 8) |
| Price range | £250 (Finch) to £600 (Duchess) |
| Outlet discount | Up to 30% off selected styles |
The Duchess boot costs almost double the Finch model, yet both use similar upper leathers. The price lift comes from the over-the-knee canvas, extra lining, and exclusive styling. If you want the look without the £600 hit, the Regina offers a similar aesthetic for £430.
Upsides
- High-quality full-grain leather that ages well
- Multiple calf-width options for a better fit
- Strong celebrity appeal, especially with royal wearers
- Outlet section offers genuine discounts on past seasons
- The Regina model provides extra stretch for wider calves
Downsides
- Premium price point – few styles under £300
- Calf measurement can be tricky; some buyers need to order twice
- Limited availability in physical stores outside the UK
- Over-the-knee models may not fit shorter legs well (height 50 cm max)
How to measure for perfect Fairfax & Favour boot fit
The brand’s official sizing guide provides a step-by-step process for tall boots. Use a flexible measuring tape and follow these four steps.
- Measure your foot length in centimetres and match it to the size chart on the Fairfax & Favor product information page.
- Measure the widest part of your calf while seated with your foot flat. Record the circumference. Do the same for both legs; use the larger value.
- Check the boot’s calf measurement on the style page. The boot should be no more than 2 cm smaller than your calf measurement to allow for stretch.
- Try the boots with the socks or trousers you intend to wear regularly, as thick fabrics can add 1–2 cm of circumference.
If you are between sizes, Houghton Country advises sizing up for the foot and choosing the smaller calf width if between calf sizes (Parnabys repeats this advice).
What’s clear and what isn’t
Confirmed facts
- Three calf-width fittings available across all tall boot styles (Fairfax & Favor)
- Regina boot offers 5 cm of extra stretch via five elastic panels (Houghton Country)
- UK-to-EU-to-US conversion chart is standard across retailers (Outdoor and Country)
- Outlet discounts up to 30% are available on the official site
What’s unclear
- The exact style of Kate Middleton’s Fairfax & Favor boots has not been officially confirmed by the brand or palace
- Whether the £600 Duchess over-the-knee boot delivers proportionally better value than the £430 Regina remains subjective
- The brand’s long-term retail expansion plans are not public
- Boot height figures from Millbry Hill have not been independently verified by the brand
- Exact number of boot styles currently in production
What the experts and retailers say
“The ankle area should feel snug but not too tight. Excess tightness can reduce flexibility and cause pinching.”
– Fairfax & Favor official size guide
“Women’s foot sizes tend to be true to size. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a comfortable fit.”
– Houghton Country size guide (equestrian retailer)
The advice from both the brand and a trusted independent retailer is consistent: start with your true size, measure your calves carefully, and don’t assume you need to size up unless your foot measurement falls between two sizes. For buyers with especially athletic calves, the Regina boot’s elastic panels offer welcome flexibility that other brands lack.
Frequently asked questions
Do celebrities wear Fairfax & Favor?
Yes, Kate Middleton has been photographed wearing Fairfax & Favor boots on multiple occasions, and Princess Beatrice has also been seen in the brand. This royal connection has significantly boosted the brand’s visibility.
Which walking boots does Kate Middleton favour?
She is most often seen in the ‘Finch’ leather ankle boot. The style sold out after she wore it during a public engagement, according to reports from Yahoo Shopping and other outlets.
Are there any sales on Fairfax and Favour boots?
The official website has an outlet section that offers discounts of up to 30% on selected styles and past-season colours. Signing up for the newsletter also provides access to exclusive sales.
What are the best dupes for Fairfax and Favour boots?
Two popular alternatives are the Ariat ‘Heritage’ boot (around £180) and the Dubarry ‘Kildare’ boot (around £250). Both offer good quality leather and a similar equestrian aesthetic at a lower price.
How do Fairfax and Favour boots fit compared to other brands?
They fit true to size for the foot in most styles, similar to Ariat. The calf width is narrower than Dubarry’s standard fit, so those with wider calves should check the three width options.
What materials are Fairfax and Favour boots made from?
The boots are primarily made from full-grain leather or suede. The soles are leather or rubber depending on the style, and the Regina boot includes elastic panels for stretch.
Can Fairfax and Favour boots be resoled?
Yes, the leather-sole models can be resoled by a good cobbler. Rubber-sole versions are harder to resole because the sole is directly bonded to the upper.
Where can I buy Fairfax and Favour boots in the UK?
You can buy directly from the official website, or from retailers like Houghton Country, Outdoor and Country, Millbry Hill, and Parnabys (also ships to Ireland).
Fairfax & Favor boots sit at the premium end of the equestrian market. For buyers who value heritage aesthetics and a proven fit system, the price makes sense. For those who need a practical field boot that can take heavy mud and daily wear without worrying about scratches, a more rugged competitor like Dubarry might be a better investment.
For the UK woman who wants a pair of boots that transitions from the stables to a city lunch without looking out of place, the choice is clear: measure both foot and calf carefully, order true to size, and if budget allows, invest in the Duchess for a statement piece that will last years. Otherwise, the Regina delivers 90% of the look for 70% of the price.



