You’d never catch me riding when it’s 27 degrees outside, so I say wear the boots, wear whatever it takes to not freeze to death!
As someone else mentioned, you could use the Hot Hands as well, but even though they’re pretty flat, they might make your regular boots a little tighter than usual.
Op, if you can find this brand, I absolutely love them and use them all winter in my normal riding boots. I have poor circulation due to raynaud’s syndrome. I feel like I have tried every warm winter riding boot out there, and none of them matched the warmth provided by my regular tall boots plus a pair of these. I foxhunted in 15 degree weather for 3 hours and came home with warm feet!
The brand is called Narrow River Trading Co. They fit in shoes and last for hours!
These do not work in tall boots because they rely on oxygen consumption to stay warm. Not a lot of air flow in your winter boots. But it might serve you for most of your lesson if it’s <1 hr.
They work in my winter tall boots, but I agree with them nort working in oxygen deprived environments. Boot zippers let enough air in, IME
Unfortunately not in my New England winters experience.
Maybe you like your shoes a little bigger than I do.
Unfortunately, due to nerve damage etc, putting anything in my boots creates its own sort of pain. I own stock of hot hands for my hands, however! I don’t leave the house without stuffing a few in my pockets.
@mmeqcenter the are tall black boots, but they’re not as slim line as the newer styles. The clinician is very friendly and laid back, and British so I’m sure he’ll more than understand. It’s more a personal hesitation.
Then I vote the winter boots! Clean them up as best you can, and have fun!
I have had fabulous luck with the full insole foot warmers in regular custom tall leather boots in the frozen north. I haven’t noticed any decrease in performance and often my feet overheat.
These help me quite a bit, but I usually don’t ride in below 30 temps.
I’m riding in a clinic next weekend with similar cold temps (Ontario) as the OP and will also be wearing my winter riding boots. And gloves.
My 70 year old hands and feet will thank me!
Battery socks?
Wear your winter boots! The clinician would undoubtedly prefer that you were comfortable and focused and able to work.
I mean, its not like you are riding in ski boots. They are made for the purpose.
They’re tall black boots with an insulated synthetic upper, right? They’re fine. Your horse would be more embarrassed if your leg went numb and you fell off.
I’m at an age in my life where I don’t give a monkey’s uncle what someone else thinks of what I am wearing. I am going to wear what is appropriate for the weather and what is comfortable for me. Besides, I am PAYING to ride in a clinic. I’ll wear what I want.
So OP, you wear what you need/want to wear and don’t think twice about it.
Battery powered warming insoles? I have a pair that uses a remote so you can discreetly “turn on your feet” or adjust the heat setting on the go. They don’t get blazing hot but seem to do the trick. I’ve worn them at 35 in my regular boots and they kept me comfortable. They are rechargeable and last a relatively long time per charge since you can turn them on and off as needed.
Right there with you, I have issues from an accident, that age isn’t helping, so now I’m all about what keeps me safe and comfortable. You simply cannot get the best out of a learning experience if you are suffering pain or discomfort.
I bought one of these Zippo hand warmers. It was prominently displayed at the checkout line in Lowe’s or maybe Home Depot. About $30, an impulsive purchase. It morphed to a smart decision the first time I tried it. It is easy to charge, has on/off control, and lasts about 3 hours. I kept it in a pocket. I always found my hands were a bigger problem than my feet.
Day one I made the mistake of wearing my regular boots, I thought the alpaca socks COULD keep me warm enough. They did not. I didn’t fall, but I wanted to cry by the end up my ride and it took me hours to defrost my plate lol.
Day two I went winter boots and felt much better about life in general. No one gave a damn, including myself, because my toots were warm and toasty and I was comfortable.
There is one quick sign that your “winter” footwear isn’t. Your feet shatter when they hit the ground when you dismount.
Agreed! And shattering my foot is not a feeling I want to feel again. Once was enough lol
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