Paddock Boots - a bit Big or a bit Small?

[AnyDayButSaturday]

I’ve been looking for affordable paddock boots with no zippers to break and no laces to tie, and ordered these:

Dublin Defy Ladies Pull On Paddock Boot

None of my local tack stores had them available to try on, so since my usual size is 8.5 (wide feet) and I heard they may run small, I ordered both 8.5 and 9 with the intention of keeping one size and returning the other.

I expected it to be a no-brainer but I’m actually having a hard time deciding. The 8.5s are pretty snug but I can wiggle my toes, and I expect they’ll stretch out as they break in. The 9s are more comfortable now, but I don’t want them to get too loose in the future. They would allow for thicker socks in the winter, though.

Which size would you keep, smaller or bigger?

[ilovetheadd27]

I’ve had many pairs of Dublin paddock boots and love them! I find they do stretch out a little with wear, and I like how they break in after the second or third ride. I think I personally would go with the smaller pair, as I like close contact with my stirrups! However if you plan on wearing multiple pairs of thick winter socks, maybe the bigger pair would be better?

[NotAtTheBarn]

I had the exact same problem in the same size I went with the 8.5s, and although they were snug for about a month, they stretched out to be perfect. I prefer boots to be a little snug while riding, because I dread the feeling of my foot slipping when I step down hard into the stirrup.

[Simkie]

I always go a bit big…so I can fit warm socks in them in the winter

[Bluey]

Well, I did just that a while back, got some Ariats all terrain 7 1/2, a half size too large and they-just-don’t-fit!
I tried adding innersoles, but still no go, even make my feet hurt.

With all the boots to pick from out there, maybe we ought to keep looking for the right fit, not compromise about something that important as our feet?

[SAcres]

Go with the smaller size, wear them with thick socks around the house and put some leatherbalsm or oil on them to encourage them to stretch. They’ll end up feeling more “custom” than the bigger size.

[AnyDayButSaturday]

Hi Bluey,

Yea Ariats are known to run large, but my H2O Terrains in 8.5 are fine. Then I got a pair of Ariat Barnyard Lace H2O when they were on sale for $25 in size 8 only - I took a chance on them and they’re fine, too.

The Terrains are great for travel as they’re lightweight and can double as both riding and hiking boots. But I made the mistake of wearing them for a lesson with Hilda Gurney when I was visiting the West Coast and boy did she hate 'em.

The Barnyards are more like workboots although they’re also designed for riding; I’ll keep them for messy-weather days and other stuff.

With the Dublins I’ll finally have a pair of traditional-style paddock boots. Next: new leather half chaps to replace my falling-down Dublin Easy Cares.

Thanks everyone!

[Wicky]

Remember that they will stretch in width, but not so much in length. I went with the larger size.

[AnyDayButSaturday]

Update: Wore the 8.5s riding today. They’re snug to get on (thank goodness for oversized shoehorns) but there was no pain or damage to my feet and I can tell they’re gonna be fine in no time. The 9s had a little too much space inside. Thanks again for all your advice!

[chism]

@Bluey;7242594

Well, I did just that a while back, got some Ariats all terrain 7 1/2, a half size too large and they-just-don’t-fit!
I tried adding innersoles, but still no go, even make my feet hurt.

I’m not sure if you asked questions when you purchased them, but Terrains are known to run 1/2 size large. I’m a 9 1/2 (or 10) in everything, and fit quite comfortably in a 9 Terrain. I also buy them for family members and everyone is a 1/2 size down from their regular shoe size.

If there’s ever any doubt in my mind, and I’ve confirmed the mfg runs true to size, I always go up because too tight boots are uncomfortable and actually make you colder in the winter. You can always wear a thick sock with a slightly too big boot.

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=chism;7247265]
I’m not sure if you asked questions when you purchased them, but Terrains are known to run 1/2 size large. I’m a 9 1/2 (or 10) in everything, and fit quite comfortably in a 9 Terrain. I also buy them for family members and everyone is a 1/2 size down from their regular shoe size.

If there’s ever any doubt in my mind, and I’ve confirmed the mfg runs true to size, I always go up because too tight boots are uncomfortable and actually make you colder in the winter. You can always wear a thick sock with a slightly too big boot.[/QUOTE]

That was the only one they had at that time even close to my size.
They seemed to fit in the store, at home, after walking around a minute, it was obvious the arch was too far forward and no insole was going to change that.
Seems that the extra length from 7 to 7 1/2 is in the heel area.

I have some maybe 10 year old Ariat cowboy boots that were a 7 and a little tight.
Ariat initially were made thinner and smaller for the size given.
Guess they changed to some a little larger/roomier for the size given.

If I had bought them over the internet, I would have sent them back.
Bought in town, I don’t go there enough, so it would be forever before I go to that store again and try to exchange them.
I will keep them and see if maybe my feet grow more.

The reason I told my story is so others will decide to maybe wait for the proper size, not compromise and hope they will work, because some times, they don’t.