Roper brand lace-up boots - Reviews?

[the_phantom]

I’ve been riding in cheap synthetic paddock boots forever, but eventually I want to get a pair of nicer boots. It also happens that my hiking boots are starting to wear out. I’m looking at good quality boots that I can use for:

-Comfortable for long trail rides
-Can fit under half chaps so I can wear them for English lessons. I don’t care if they look more western-style - I don’t show.
-Farm work
-Occasional hiking (so want some traction)

I’ve been looking at Roper’s boots, which look like they’re well-made, although there aren’t a lot of reviews on the internet. Can anyone vouch for this brand?

I’m thinking of a pair of lace-ups like this, this, or this. I’m only worried they may be too chunky around the ankle to fit under half-chaps. But, maybe I just need to get a different style of chaps. My current ones (standard english-style Ariats) are getting old.

The only catch is I have WIDE feet. Ariats and Justins don’t fit me. Anyone know whether Ropers run wider? (Incidentally, I’m a woman, but I linked to the mens boots because they sometimes fit me better if I can get a size 7ish.)

Of course I will ideally try on anything before buying (at this point I’m just window-shopping anyway), but it may be hard to track down a pair in person - I doubt my smallish local tack shop keeps them in stock.

[UlysMom]

I don’t know if those run wide or not, but just wanted to address the half chaps question. I wear Ariat Terrains with my Just Chaps half chaps with zeros fit issues. I have the Terrain half chaps too, but prefer the fit of my Just Chaps. So, I don’t think you will have an issue there.

[trailpal]

I’ve used Ropers brand before, they are comfy. It probably depends on your half-chaps on how they will fit over them.

I did want to say, boots for riding should not have a very aggressive tread. If/when you come off your horse, you want the boots to come with you so you don’t get dragged. Some tread is ok, but I got a little concerned with this on your wish list “Occasional hiking (so want some traction)” Just don’t go overboard and you should be ok.

I’ve also worn Double H lacers and really liked those too. I have a wider foot as well and thought they were pretty good.

[imaginique]

I have the Ariat Terrains and the tread is lousy for hiking. I had to buy a separate pair of hiking boots, which are not good for riding because you want your foot to slip easily out of the stirrup in case of emergency or when dismounting. It’s fairly unlikely you are going to get one pair for both riding and hiking.

[the_phantom]

@trailpal;7705310

I did want to say, boots for riding should not have a very aggressive tread. If/when you come off your horse, you want the boots to come with you so you don’t get dragged.

@imaginique;7705557

I have the Ariat Terrains and the tread is lousy for hiking. I had to buy a separate pair of hiking boots, which are not good for riding because you want your foot to slip easily out of the stirrup in case of emergency or when dismounting. It’s fairly unlikely you are going to get one pair for both riding and hiking.

Thanks - I should clarify that I don’t intend to use them for serious off trail hikes, for which I still have my old pair of real hiking boots. I just want something that I can walk comfortably in if, say, I have to dismount and lead my horse, or for casual walks on varied footing. My current riding boots are pretty flat/slippery on the bottom, which is why I said I want something with more tread, but of course still safe for riding.

I would consider something like Ariat terrains, but the Ariat boots just aren’t built right for my feet, which are very wide across the ball/toes.

[apprider]

I have wide feet (woman’s E), but I have been using the third pair you linked to and they are wide enough. Ariats don’t work for me as they are too narrow. These won’t be great for hiking though, I took them with me to Ireland thinking they could do double duty for riding and walking around, and after the third day of site seeing, I was wising I had bought a pair of sneakers with me.

[pryme_thyme]

I just busted my 8month old Ariat Terrain’s. I only wear them for schooling and I only ride 5-6 times a week. And it wasn’t a little bust it was a full on leather pulled apart at the bend in the toe and sole peeled away from leather on both boots!

Ariat quality has sunk in my opinion.

I looked into some Joe Roper’s, they are not easy to find around here but people raved about the quality.

I just purchased a pair of Old West’s. I know nothing about the quality but I have heard they fit big and wide so to order a size or TWO down. Price was right and seeing as I only get 8 months to a year out of paddocks. No point to spend a fortune.
On a side note, I did try on a pair of Blundstone’s if you are looking to spend the money. I have heard they have amazing quality but I found they fit wide.

[Dajuliz]

Purchased a pair of Ropers for my daughter about 9 years ago. They were black, leather and kind of had a western vibe to them but she has worn them like a pair of paddock boots and uses half chaps with them. They worked for both 4 h showmanship and english schooling. The boots are nothing short of remarkable. They have held up to daily summer wear. They no longer hold polish and the soles are worn but she still wears them occasionally. We haven’t found a paddock boot that meets this standard and we’ve been looking. Just from our singular experience, I’d highly recommend them. They have been a little hard to find.

[saffire_100]

I don’t find the women’s Ropers any wider than the Ariat Terrains. I find the quality about the same, I go through 1-2 pairs per year.

[Bells]

My neighbor has had the crossriders for about 3 years? now. They fit under her 1/2 chaps. She loves them and is saying she needs a new pair. She likes them because they have a large toe box. She has a narrower heel and says her foot doesn’t slip out of them. I think she thought they might have too much tred when she was 1st wearing them but apparently that hasn’t been an issue. She also hikes in them.