Shoppers: I need comfy barn boots with some features...

[Lusoluv]

Looking for advice on barn boots that I can teach, muck, do chores in that are COMFY! I like the Ariat Terrain lace ups comfort-wise, but they’re so short that I constantly get sand/shavings in them. I got the western version of them in a taller pull-on style, thinking the mid-calf height would keep the gunk out, but no. They’re wide at the top so shavings get in these as well. They’re fine if I wear jeans over the tops, but I usually wear breeches. BTW, I have a slim calf…

Smartpak used to have their Solstice zip boot that was somewhere between tall and mid-calf height, but they’ve phased those out for a taller version. I don’t need another pair of $$ tall boots, but more of a chore boot. I saw the TuffRider Country Short boot that is mid-calf slip-on that’s slimmer at the top, but can’t find ANY reviews. I don’t want Muck Boots or rubber boots or paddocks. Heck, maybe I’m being too fussy?? Halp please !!

[poltroon]

I just got a pair of the Ariat Cascade work boots to try. It’s a men’s boot but it seems to fit me. They are lace ups and paddock boot height. The farm store was having a sale so they ended up at around $100, not too bad for an experiment.

I love the look of the tall Solstice zip boots, wish they’d come with a large enough calf for me to wear with jeans.

I don’t know why it’s so hard to find something that will work in this space. I walk through a lot of tall, moist grass and I walk in and out of the house, so tall and waterproof and easy to get in and out of quickly is worth a lot to me. But I need a real sole with support, so a rubber boot won’t do.

[KBC]

I LOVE these boots https://www.horze.com/jodhpurs/horze-sporty-rugged-paddock-boots/38005.html?color=BR

i even bought a second pair that I wear for casual wear!

i just wear a cheap pair of half chaps to keep the shavings down the boot issue at bay. I rode in these all winter as well.

[Lusoluv]

I do prefer a slip on or zip up boot as I get on and off horses during the day. Year ago I did the paddock boot and half chap thing, but as I’ve aged, paddock boots aren’t comfortable for 5+ hours…I know, I know - I’m fussy

[lep]

I love the shorter Dubarrys, the Roscommon one. They are taller than paddock boots. They also have a calf height one, but I’ve not tried it. I wear the Roscommons all the time.

[NorthernHunter]

What about Dubarry? Slip on, waterproof, and should be tall enough to keep out shavings! Most tack stores also offer boots with the same look for less $ as well.

[Buckshot1]

I recently bought myself a pair of mid-calf length Bogs Boots for winter. Comfy, waterproof, easy to pull on, and very warm.
They keep the shavings out when I’m mucking out, but are still flexible enough that I can squat down with ease (unlike stiff rubber boots). I’d been eyeing them in the tack store for ages and am very glad I got them…

http://www.bogsfootwear.com.au/shop/style/972034-011.html

[poltroon]

@poltroon

I just got a pair of the Ariat Cascade work boots to try. It’s a men’s boot but it seems to fit me. They are lace ups and paddock boot height. The farm store was having a sale so they ended up at around $100, not too bad for an experiment.

I’ve only had these a few days, but today I was VERY happy with them. They come with a tag that says that they’re rated for electrical hazards and I went “huh” and wondered what that meant but it didn’t matter to me.

Today one of the sheep was very eager to be fed and caused the metal gate to short out to the fence with the super hot Mommy Is Mad wall charger on it. I thought it had resolved so I went to unlatch the gate only to see a big spark light up right as I touched it. Didn’t feel a thing.

I love you boots. You paid for yourself right there.

http://www.ariat.com/CASCADE_8_M_FOO.html?dwvar_CASCADE__8__M__FOO_color=SUNSHINE_WILDCAT

That said, I still am seeking the holy grail of something taller, with a zipper, waterproof smooth leather that will take walking out into wet grass every day and keep my jeans dry, and will last more than a year.

[Madison]

What about something like this one? https://shop.shiresequestrian.com/p/moretta-vita-short-boot?pp=12

[mdp9]

I don’t love the Smartpak Solstice zip boots. I got a pair last year and they are no longer waterproof- seams worn out at the sole. I use them fairly heavily, but not exclusively. Also, I felt that they looked very worn almost immediately. Worn in an old, tired way, not like a broken in way.

I think I’ll try out Dublin boots next, hoping they’ll last longer. Just checked out Dover and they are on sale for around $160!

[Lusoluv]

Thanks for everyone’s feedback and suggestions. I found a pair of Sorel Emelie mid-calf boots for $95 on a close-out color. They are somewhat narrow thru the calf area, slip ons, waterproof and got good reviews. I didn’t want a pair of tall Dubarry ($$$) or similar boot as they tend to for cooler temps. I wear synthetic winter riding boots in the cold months, so I needed non-insulated for tromping about in the heat. Hopefully they’ll be the holy grail I’ve been looking for!