Any opinions out there and which half chaps and paddock boots are the most comfortable for an adult rider? I’m looking for half chaps and paddock boots that are breathable and flexible and not super stiff. Ones that are so comfortable that you don’t know they are even on would be great! Any thoughts…
I adore my Ariat Breeze Half Chaps. IME they fit great, comfortable and flexible, are durable, and the fact that they can be washed in the washing machine is a huge plus. I also ride in Ariat Heritage IV Zip paddock boots. I find these really comfortable and they last forever. I have a fairly wide foot and the normal size on these is plenty comfortable.
I think Ariat makes the most comfortable boots with their sneaker type footbeds. As far as half chaps, getting the right size for your leg and breeches/ sock combo is key. At the moment I’m wearing old Ariat half chaps someone was giving away.
Ok, thank you! Yes, I have Ariat paddock boots as well but have never tried their half chaps for some reason. I’ll definitely look into their half chaps…thank you!!!
I love my Ariat Terrain paddock shoes (will wear them all day and am on my fouth pair in 15 years of constant use) and recently bought Shires half chaps in suede that are comfortable and have good zips. They are great for colder weather. May feel hotter in the summer.
I love my ProChaps. They broke in well and have lasted me over 10 years - they’ve finally started coming apart and I’ll be replacing them with the same model again. I have the “Fit” style.
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I like half chaps with velcro tabs because I find them much easier to put on, and once the half chaps have formed to my leg I’ll just keep replacing the velcro until the chaps are completely worn out. I have an ancient pair of lace up Ariat paddock boots that I’m also planning to wear until I can’t keep them on my feet, anymore. I think the reason both are so comfortable is because I’ve been using them for so long that they’ve formed to my feet and legs.
I have several other half chaps with zippers, but almost never use them because they’re so hard to put on compared to the velcro ones.
I like the Ariat heritage paddock boots, very comfortable and wear like iron. For half chaps, I bought a pair of the Kerrits synthetic half chaps and after a short break in, they are very comfortable, durable, and machine washable. I usually forget I’m wearing them and end up driving home from the barn then have to remember to bring them back. Plus, when they’re clean, they look brand new. I used to sear by the Dublin half chaps but like these better.
I used these for 5+ years and loved them:
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Grand_Prix_Elite_Smooth_Leather_Half_Chaps/descpage-GPHC.html
The suede Ariats I used before were bulky, thick, and only lasted about a year before wearing out. These lasted forever and the only reason I stopped using them was because my paddock boots died and I ended up with another pair of tall boots for schooling. The elastic that goes under the heel to keep them from riding up wore out, but that’s to be expected for something in constant use for 5 years.
As much as I hate how expensive they are, I’ve found Ariat Cobalt paddock boots last the longest of their options. I really like Tredstep half chaps because they come in height/width sizes instead of S/M/L/etc.
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I will second the Pro-Chaps recommendation. Love them, but when I tried to buy a new pair several months ago – no one seemed to have my size, including ProChaps, and their customer service wasn’t very responsive. My size wasn’t unusual either, I ordered an 18M but they were backordered and no delivery date so I cancelled.
I also like the softer, more flexible half chaps. I have a pair of SmartPak Harwich soft leather half-chaps and love them. They fit well and are very comfortable.
The most comfortable paddock boots I own are Ariat Terrains, but they are too bulky across the instep for my Harwich half chaps. I have an ancient pair of Fuller Fillies Huggy half chaps that I wear when I ride in the Terrains. Those half chaps are also soft, flexible, and very comfortable, but they haven’t held up that well.
+1 here. I really like this combination, and their longevity - especially for the paddock boots - seems to be directly correlated with how well I care for them.
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Thanks, everyone!! I appreciate you all taking the time to respond!
