For years I have worn an Ariat western work boot which worked great, but they have apparently discontinued it. I want work boots that I can ride and hike in - regular work boots from a uniform store in the very urban area where I live have too big of a sole, too wide and too deeply textured - I am afraid of getting that sucker stuck in the stirrup. Or they have no heel. Boots made for riding like paddock boots or something like Ariat terrains are generally too narrow and flimsy for working and hiking. Plus I’m vain! - I think the crossover hiking/riding boots are ugly, I want something that actually looks like a work boot. Is the thing I want - slightly narrower work boot with a heel and a mini-Vibram sole - called a packer boot? Anyone have any recommendations for brands or where to shop (on-line)?
A packer boot has a taller heel than a regular boot. I love them but I wouldn’t think they would be good for hiking.
White’s brands boots. Lady Packers.
http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30295
You can have them custom made to your foot, or off the rack-they are worth every blessed penny.
I love mine-I’ve had them for 10 years, rebuilt once, and they are uber-comfortable. I’d rather wear mine than sneakers.
My exhusband has some that he’s had for upwards of 25 years-they just keep getting rebuilt. And he wears them HARD-every day, and for archery season he covers a LOT of ground. (He has regular whites, in about 3 different models).
Highly recommend them.
just my 2 cents!
I like my sturdy waxed leather mostly waterproof ones I got at Southern States. Can’t remember the brand though. Heel not high. Indestructable but I think they were mens…don’t care as that makes them roomier. I find the “equestrian” kinds or those made for english riders/women to be more expensive and cheaper made. Mine even have that fringed flap thing under the laces.
[QUOTE=jbonifas;5259322]
A packer boot has a taller heel than a regular boot. I love them but I wouldn’t think they would be good for hiking.[/QUOTE]
With the right sole (Vibram) they’re much better than you’d think. I wore mine for archery hunting (In N Idaho in the Floodwood-basically, think of the biggest, steepest country you can imagine and then add windfall trees and heavy brush) and they saved me from numerous twisted ankles.
As usual, YMMV.
A good friend of mine, one of the only other people I know who will go out trail riding in the dead of winter when temps are in the twenties and the snow is falling, is always recommending that I buy a pair of Schnees boots.
I’ve seen their catalog online, and would probably get some if I could afford them now. They make boots and clothing for the more “rugged” outdoor gear, including outfitters and packing trips.
Might want to look them up. My friend says his feet have never gotten cold or damp when he wears his Schnees boots.
These are indestructible and comfortable for lots of walking, plus they are waterproof. I have wide foot-free stirrups (with the S-branch) so didn’t worry about the soles and found them comfy with half-chaps.
http://www.georgiaboot.com/products/8844/1600G3424/Georgia-Women’s-Eagle-Light-Work-Boots/
