I need some new barn shoes to wear around the barn and while working at shows (so that look somewhat professional) that are waterproof/resistant for bathing multiple horses, tall enough to avoid getting the dreaded footing-in-your-shoe icky feeling, safe (duh!), comfortable enough to wear all day, and that look cute with jeans or breeches!
I already own Sperrys, some Wellies, and some tennis shoes that just aren’t fitting the bill 
Thanks in advance!
Maybe I just walk funny. Or shuffle funny. I don’t know. But I have to wear a boot that comes up to mid-calf (like regular cowboy boot height) in order to ensure that I don’t scuff bedding/footing/gravel into my boots. I also usually manage to get water in my boots if I’m bathing horses in anything shorter.
Which presents a bit of a conundrum, because for comfort, I really prefer my Ariat Terrains.
So, if you’re better than I am about keeping stuff out of your boots, you might try one of the waterproof styles of Ariat Terrains.
I used to wear Blundstones or Redbacks, which are also comfortable and come in waterproof styles. But also low enough that I end up kicking bedding into the tops.
You’ll have to judge for yourself whether or not any of those count as cute.
:lol: I must walk the same as you, and totally agree that something that is at least mid-calf height to avoid getting shavings or footing inside is a necessity! Does such a boot exist that isn’t also super hot to wear in the summer? My Hunter wellies are the best for mucking and bathing, but god awful in the heat and aren’t comfortable to walk around in all day…
I recently got a pair of Ariat paddock boots that are very comfortable and waterproof. Now I don’t know that I’d be washing a bunch of horses in them one after the other.
Horsewares/Rambo has some cute short and tall boots that are waterproof, lightweight and comfy tool
https://shop.horseware.com/product/rambo-original-turnout-boot-long-regular/
https://shop.horseware.com/product/rambo-original-turnout-boot/
I have a pair of Noble Outfitters muck type boots that are cut like paddock boots. Because they have a close fitting top I don’t often get shavings, etc. in my boots (I really hate that). I wear them in the summer, as they are cooler than the usual mid height rubber boots.
For winter I am going to buy a mid height boot in the same brand. I like their arch support and cushioning.
Ariat Terrain Waterproof …come in wide also
Lace up … not tall but I never get [B]shavings inside when cleaning stalls.
The ^ same except add the INSULATED type for Winter.
I ride in both types: waterproof
insulated & waterproof [/B]
Check out ALL the Ariat Paddock & barn boots …comfortable all day ”¢
I have actually been wearing AHNU. They are a waterproof hiking shoe but they do have boot styles. Fantastic for walking around in all day and out to wet pastures.
I used to love my Dublin river boots, they are the best for walking around, bathing, mucking, even light riding. I’ve had so many issues with the lining down by the heel separating though and not being able to get my foot out. I’ve had three pairs do this. So I’m looking for new options for boots too. My best friend doesn’t have the same problem with hers that I do though, she had practically no heel to her feet and I have a huge one so I’m thinking my heel just keeps catching the inside every time I take my foot out and eventually pulls the lining off. So if you don’t have a big, sticky-out heel, Dublins might be a good option.
That’s disappointing to hear, especially at that price point.
Thanks for all of the suggestions, now to make a decision :lol:
Dubarrys are expensive, but I’ve had mine forever and they are still completely waterproof, and look pretty decent too given the amount of work they’ve put in. I walked through a stream just last week up to my ankles and they stayed completely dry. I think they have mid calf styles that might be a little cooler than the full height version.
dublin river boots
I bought these because my paddock boots were getting ruined trudging through muddy paddocks and standing in wash racks. My paddock boots remain immaculate and my river boots are the MOST comfortable pair of shoes I have
I wear the literal shit out of them. Tromping through the snow and salt up here in the midwest. In the wash rack. Through the mud. In the garden. To festivals. To the store. I GET SO MANY COMPLIMENTS!!!
They are worn through and falling apart now. They withstood daily abuse for about 2 years. I got them on sale for $100 from Dover.
You can ride in them! I rode in them for months while my horse rehabbed as well.
Mine have holes and they are STILL water proof. I just gave my horse a thorough bath and my feet were DRYYYYY!
But seriously – so many strangers stop me to tell me how they love them! (that’s WITH holes!!)
I second the Dubarry boots. Pricey for sure, but comfortable, waterproof, and durable. I clean stalls, bathe horses, set jumps, and walk around horse shows and hunts where parking is a wet grass field. They are still going strong, and will definitely be replaced with the same boots if/when they ever need to be retired.
I bought my dubarrys in 2007, they’re still going strong. at the time the price was $480, though. I tried a new pair and almost bought them but IMO the quality has gone down significantly.
I tried the Dublins and IMO they are a low quality knockoff, but I know people like them.
If I had to buy another pair I’d probably buy the Cabotswood or maybe the Horka version which is made by Cabotswood.
I wish mine would stop separating! Do you have that problem at all, where the liner separates and you can’t get your foot out? I really do think it might be my heel. It’s devastating because I think the river boots are the greatest things ever, I just can’t get them off after like 6 months without some kind of rod to stick down in the boot to hold it down so I can get my heel loose :lol: But I love riding in them, and wear them summer and winter and have never had any water leak through any of them.
I do actually have that problem now @RainWeasley BUT mine lasted two years and it is only my right boot? I did order them half a size up, so maybe that is part of it? It is really annoying – I think the lining gets worn out and must detach or something!
Yes that’s mine, the lining just detaches down near the bottom! I have a few pairs now, I’ll have to go back and check but I think each pair has a different foot that has separated. I might just need to find some solid rod thingy that’s long enough to go down in the boot to hold the lining down when I take them off, and just always keep it on me.
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