I’m thinking of getting “country” style boots, and I figured I’d start a new thread since new brands/styles have emerged.
Obviously Dubarry is the gold standard, but I’m a budget kinda gal. I saw SmartPak has the Ada boot, anyone have experience with those yet? What about other brands like Dublin, Ovation and Tuff Rider?
timely topic as we just got a “catalog” from a boot store… I thinks its about 36 pages and has around four photos of boots… the remaining pages are just showing how wonderful your life will be wearing boots… I was showing my wife this and we both thought it was something our son would have shot as it his style to show the benefits of the product rather than marvel on about the product itself
found the on line copy
I have a pair by Ariat. I tried on the Dubarry boots and couldn’t find a size to fit comfortably (either too small or too big). I also tried on a couple cheaper pairs but found the footbed uncomfortable.
I’ve had the Ariats around 5 years, and they’ve held up beautifully. They are still totally waterproof with hardly any care on my end. I think they’ve got a GoreTex membrane so no need to use spray-on waterproofing. I wear them 3/4 of the year (fall, winter, spring) daily.
I don’t see the style I’ve got on the Ariat site any more, but they’ve got quite a few country boot options: https://www.ariat.com/women-boots-fashion-english-country
They weren’t as expensive as Dubarry, but they weren’t the cheapest option. I’m really glad I decided to spring for them as they have gotten a lot of use.
I have the Ariat Windermere boots, and I like them a lot. They fit me well (all Ariats do), and they’re warm and waterproof. Good for walking the dogs when it’s cold and wet or snowy.
I ordered 4 pairs from SmartPak earlier this year since they have free returns.
Tredstep Dargle (they were beautiful and ran much narrower than the others) - $199
Horseware Ladies Country Boot (liked them alot) - $199
MountainHorse Devonshire (liked it but no more than Horseware - $295
Moretta Nella - (liked them alot too) - $199
Sadly, none of them were wide enough in the toe box to accommodate
my bunions and will not wear anything that is too narrow.
Check out Country and Stable- they carry Dublin and Ariat as well as TOGGI boots and are have good prices. They have a sale on at present.
I have a pair of Ariat boots that are a Dubarry type knockoff. They are a shorter boot - maybe mid calf. Easy on, easy off, and really comfortable.
Country boots are super popular in Europe and are more everyday than look I bought Dubarry’s.
I have a pair of Kanyons that have worn really well over the last 3 years
.I have a pair of the Dublin River Boots that I like, but I love, love the Middleburg Duchessa boots I got from Dover. I think they’re actually a Dover brand.
For whatever reason, I’ve been dying for a pair of this kind of boot for, oh, about two years now. I think I was infected by the Perceived Need for Dubarry’s at the World Cup. In any event, I’ve not yet justified the cost of Dubarry’s, but spend plenty of time looking for a viable alternative. If you’re thinking “luxury Wellies”, then maybe look into Hunter brand (they sound super comfy - the ones that are 3mm neoprene). Then there are La Chameau… The Telegraph did a top ten luxury Wellie piece around September of this year, if you are so inclined to take a peek.
I have a pair of dublin river boots that are still kicking at 12 years old. They’are fantastic. Can’t say if the newer ones are as durable, but I find them more comfortable than my dubarry kildares. They aren’t as waterproof though (that could just be 12 years of wear though).
I have the Smartpak Solstice boots, which were the precursor to the Ada. They are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned and I’ve pretty much lived in them for the last couple of years for barnwork/ riding and even for regular work. I LOVE them but they are definitely dying. I would say the zipper issues/ cracking started after the first year or so. Ironically even though they are only meant for “light riding” the leather of the shaft part has held up great while the foot has worn through. If you are looking for something to wear for more casual stuff they would probably be fine.
I have the Smartpak Solstice boots, which were the precursor to the Ada. They are the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned and I’ve pretty much lived in them for the last couple of years for barnwork/ riding and even for regular work. I LOVE them but they are definitely dying. I would say the zipper issues/ cracking started after the first year or so. Ironically even though they are only meant for “light riding” the leather of the shaft part has held up great while the foot has worn through. If you are looking for something to wear for more casual stuff they would probably be fine.
Thanks for all of the helpful info!
So to clarify- these would probably be for light barn/casual use. You know, like around town and maybe at shows when I’m trying to look like I have my life together.
For super mucky weather I don’t play around- the knee high Mudruckers come out!
Depending on how soon you want these, you can get some good deals. i got a pair of Dubarry Clare boots at the Horse World Expo last year for 50% off. So far they have been very durable, and I am not kind to my shoes. They are goretex and clean up beautifully after a muddy day. I also get lots of compliments on them.
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