I’ve got a bad ankle/foot. I shattered my calcaneous (heel bone in human, hock bone in horse) years ago and I’m “lame” whenever I don’t have enough support/walk around too much. I also have little ankles. For years I lived in the Ariat Volant paddock boots but they are no more. Does anyone else with bad feet and small ankles have a paddock boot they love? I’ve tried the Parlanti K Komfy paddock boots but they are too short and don’t stabilize my ankle enough. I’d love any other suggestions of what makes your feet happy! Thanks in advance! Ps-Right now I’m riding in a cheaper Ariat (V-Sport) with an upgraded higher end Ariat foot bed. They are working in a pinch, but I"m wearing them out rapidly and they aren’t quite as supportive as I’d like.
Ariat’s have always been the most supportive paddock boot for me, foot-wise. I have a pair of Tredsteps now that while pretty, just aren’t as great in the footbed as Ariats.
Have you looked at the other higher-end Ariats with the better footbeds? The new Kendron Pro looks nice, and they still make the Devon Pro.
I just yesterday received my first pair of Kendron Pros by Ariat, from Smartpak. I had a pair of Tonics, which I liked, but they ran a bit narrow for me. I love the typical Ariats, but they run a little wide.
The Kendron Pros, seem just right, in terms of width. They do not have that built up plastic on the outside of the sole like some Ariats do. But they feel very well made and supportive.
The Ariat Devon Pro has been what I keep going back to time and time again - I’ve had foot and ankle issues and they are what fit and support my foot the best. I tried others, but every time I come back to these!
Same here - I actually prefer a little less “substantial” boot to ride in, but keep going back to these because they are so great for all the rest of the time I’m walking around the barn/pastures doing things.
I really do agree that Ariats are the most comfortable for walking around it, etc. I feel the lace-ups, if you can find them, are better for the ankles. Though I hate tying shoes. I’ve had ankle surgery and also am sitting with my foot in a boot as I type here today from an ankle spain. (Sigh.) I use my TredSteps only for riding, since they are not comfy to walk around in long-term.
I love lace ups and I would think they would offer more support through the ankle since you have the ability to adjust the fit which you don’t have with zippers. Hadfields paddock boots are smaller through the ankles, I remember how disappointed I was when I could not force them to fit me. And Hadfields were a good quality, supple/flexible type of leather, at least they were when I was trying them, its been several years since I stopped riding.
I do have a pair of Ariat Devon Pros and they are great and come in both zipper and lace versions, but they are of a much firmer, stiffer leather, I’m not sure they would be as comfortable for someone with ankle problems.
I also have tiny ankles and the best thing I ever did for my feet was to stop wearing paddock boots around the barn - instead I wear a good, sturdy pair of hiking boots (I like Ahnu Sugarpines) and switch to riding boots only immediately before mounting up, then take them off again as soon as I’ve pulled tack from my horse.
I agree with others that lace up boots are the best way to go for ankle support, and I’ve had good experiences with Ariat in the past.
Yes I’d say that for work on the ground there will be options in lightweight hiking or trail running boots that are better support and probably cheaper than paddock boots. But I wouldn’t want to ride in those lug soles.
I find tall boots give me more ankle support in the saddle than paddocks plus half chaps.
Ariat Devon Pros have been my paddock boot of choice for years.
I hate to sound like part of a orchestra, but the Ariat Performer Pro lace up has been my mainstay with the Bromont for winter.
Thanks all. I find the Devon Pros too loose in the heel box and ankle. Haven’t tried he Kendron’s. Not doing laces. Tried that before and I was breaking laces constantly.
Ariat Devon Pro fan here too; I shattered my ankle in my 20s and find that the Devon Pro provides the support and comfort I like/need. The other option would be to get some good innersoles and then swap those out with whatever comes w/ your paddock boots. I’ve done that with a variety of shoes before.
These are my go-tos as someone with a chronic high ankle sprain: https://www.doversaddlery.com/ladies-ariat-heritage-iii-rt-zip-paddock-boot/p/X1-38208/
Tonics paddock boots!
I’d call Dehner and see what they suggest. They have long been a favorite of mine and they have always offered great service!
I have the Deniro Attilio Short Boot Front Zip/Elastic - my second pair, first pair lasted a few years and this one will be similar, but I wear every day. I am not sure on the small ankle though, as I have broken/fractured my left ankle three times so would say that that ankle would be larger than my right, however both boots feel good so the leather must stretch but yet are very supportive. Would highly recommend them.
Whatcha doing to cause the laces to break? I’ve been wearing lace up paddocks for years now and only broken maybe two laces the past 15 years or so. They fit so much better than the zip ups.
I need a indins inside my paddocks to help with foot and ankle stabilization. My favorite insoles are vionic by ortho-heel. I pull out the ariat footbeds and stick those in and it’s a completely different boot!
