Der Dau Partners With the EQUUS Foundation and its EQUUStars to Create High-End Vegan Riding Boots

Joseph Der, Clementine Goutal and Valerie Angeli

Announcing New Line of High-Tech Vegan Tall Boots that Help Save Animals and are Kind to the Environment

Der Dau, based in Brooklyn, NY, master craftsmen and leather artisans for over 50 years, has joined forces with the EQUUS Foundation to create a high-end line of vegan boots to be unveiled at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in August that will give back to America’s at-risk horses with each boot purchased. The new tall boot will be horse-show chic, made from high-tech and environmentally-friendly fabric that looks and wears like real leather, and will offer a choice to those who would like to be on the cutting edge of fashion and technology, and be gentle on animals and the environment. Der Dau will donate 20% of the purchase price of every line of vegan boots to the EQUUS Foundation to help at-risk horses across the country who need a lifeline and a next chapter to stay safe. 

“When the EQUUS Foundation approached me with the idea and the challenge to create a new line of non-leather boots that would give back to at-risk horses, I was all for it,” said Joseph Der, CEO and Designer of Der Dau. “I know the great work of the EQUUS Foundation and how highly thought of this organization is for all it does to help keep America’s horses safe. I already make custom boots for many of their supporters and EQUUStars, who are top international riders, and who have been excited to help with this project. We hope to help safeguard a lot of at-risk and transitioning horses with this new boot line and I am personally excited to work with a new type of non-leather that will offer my clients even more choices while helping a great cause.” 

Valerie Angeli, Vice President of Engagement and Special Projects for the EQUUS Foundation said, “Der Dau’s uniquely beautiful style and craftsmanship is legendary and is favored by some of the most discriminating horsemen and horsewomen in the world. We are thrilled to partner with Joe and Der Dau to offer a new selection of boots for a new generation that would like the option of a faux-leather boot that not only looks and feels super high-end in the show ring, but also does no harm to any animal or the environment. And even better is that this special boot will help us give back to at-risk horses across the country that desperately need options, homes and second chances.” 

The new #RideForHorses Vegan Boots for the EQUUS Foundation by Der Dau were styled with the assistance EQUUS Foundation EQUUStars and top international riders, Georgina Bloomberg, and Clementine Goutal, who have personally “horse show tested and approved” of the boots. The boots will be making their debut at the Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY this August and Der Dau will be taking advanced orders for the custom and stock size versions at their boutique at the show. “We hope to eventually add to the non-leather collection of Der Dau boots that give back to horses through the EQUUS Foundation with paddock boots and fashion sneakers that can be worn by equestrians and non-equestrians alike,” said Angeli. Once people see how incredible these boots look and feel and what they stand for, we feel sure they will be a hit in the horse show world and beyond!”