Nike unveils equestrian footwear

[NeverTime]

Not strictly eventing, but...

Nike unveiled its 2008 Olympic line today, which includes gear for every sport in the games -- including riding.

Whaddaya think of these boots (http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/sneaker-releases/Nike-Ippeas-2008-Olympics/)? :eek:

[talkofthetown]

:eek:

How much are those babies gonna cost us??

[Lori B]

They're kinda cool in a George Jetson / Flash Gordon sorta way, but that 'thud' sound you are hearing is the sound of hunter ring turnout purists fainting dead away. Hee hee hee.

[PaintHorseHunterFreak]

wow.

i can't honestly say that i know how to react.

well i like...
-the idea that nike actually noticed that we exist and are a sport
-the spur system that screws in and out seems very cool- do they have options for different legths of spurs?
-the general design seems pretty new and inovative, different materials etc.

i dont like...
-the red stuff on them. is that necessary? i would not use them in competition (ok, maybe on XC) because they look a little unconventional
-nike diss-ing the traditional attire (boots included) of our sport


thats about it. i wonder what the $$ is? i wonder if they really will promote good riding in anyway? as in do they have good feel and are they flexible enough in the ankles, etc. Does nike, a non-horse company understand these issues?

very cool though.

[ellebeaux]

They're COOL! I would wear them. Except I'd like the Nike logo and piping in black so they were more subtle. And I wonder how durable the longer zipper is.

[hey101]

My initial reaction was that they weren't nearly as bad as I was expecting them to be- in fact they are probably pretty darn comfortable for schooling and doing barn chores without changing footwear. They are a LOT less horrible than that ugly GPA helmet with all the silver on it...
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1%2D36144&ss=gpa which was even designed by an equestrian company!

I would change that red trim to black, and the shiny plastic to a matte finish and then they'd be totally fine, IMHO.

Bet they are pricey though.

I thought it was funny that equestrian sports were in the "weird" category along with archery, sailing, and a few others. :lol:

[CANTEREOIN]

I like them... and agree, if the logo is mandatory, tone it down to black and smaller... cost will be important and sizing. I wouldn't buy them if they have any color on them. But I like the look.

[RAyers]

Oo, "saves weight by eliminating the need for stap-on spurs." Thank GOD! The last time I fell in the water I was sure those spur straps were to going to drag me under. Luckly I got them off in time.

Having had the experience as to why we wear english boots (e.g. I have been kicked in the shin by a horse as I rode by, stepped on,..etc.) I wonder how they hold up to the abuse horses will dish out and how protective they are?

I sort of like the look other than the heel (hate that).

Reed

[barnrat]

They need a catchy name for mass appeal. People bought Air Jordan's b/c they wanted to be like Mike. I would only buy these if I thought they would help me look like Kim Severson!!!:)

[flutie1]

Ick!

[linquest]

I liked them when I saw the top of the boots and the curvy zipper.

Then I scrolled down and saw the flaming red logo and shiny heel :eek:

What do you wanna bet that 80% of those sold go to fashionistas who see them in Town & Country, Vogue, etc as "equestrian-inspired apparel"?

[Rachel L]

:eek:

How much are those babies gonna cost us??

I think I'll look for some Chinese knock-offs!

[arnika]

The actual boot looks pretty nice overall although the heel takes some getting used to. Looks like the heels on women's dress shoes.

I don't like the swoosh in red. Blech!

The zipper coming up over the top of the ankle would make it hard to drop your heel comfortably IMO in terms of the pressure in front. I actually liked the mesh back of the ankle(thinking nice and cool) until I remembered striking a jump standard there once and like Reed, was very glad to have hard leather covering my ankle.

Agree about the catchy name!:D

What do you wanna bet that 80% of those sold go to fashionistas who see them in Town & Country, Vogue, etc as "equestrian-inspired apparel"?

No takers!

[Kcisawesome]

I think they look pretty darn awesome! I wouldn't wear them for dressage, but I would for much of anything else. I'd prefer if the nike stripe was in a bit more conservative color (black..white, tan, dark blue...) And I can not figure out what is going on with the heel :confused: ...But they look neat, and they look pretty comfortable.

[NeverTime]

LOL Reed! But maybe the last time Shiv hit a fence -- wait, has that EVER happened?!? -- he was thinking "Kee-rist, if the dude on my back wasn't carrying around so much dead weight in his heels (never mind the frosty beers in the saddle bags he insists we carry XC) I woulda cleared that!"

I wish you could see the touching-the-horse half of the boot. I think the idea of grippy on that side is good. I've occasionally thought about how cool it would be to have tall boots that had a replaceable suede insert on the inner calf, so they'd feel like grippy half-chaps.

ETA: Their catchy name is "Nike Ippeas" which apparently is Greek for rider. I think if I owned them, I'd just call them "crazy boots."

[JER]

That heel is dang ugly.

And does anyone else think the term 'screw-mount spurs' borders on the obscene?

[Lori B]

I have a big square high arched foot. Getting my foot into tall boots is without fail a pain in the arse. The long zipper part of the design, if it doesn't impede me getting my heels down (hard enough to do properly, IMHO), would be a real boon for me.

But that heel and the red swoosh are just silly. I think that the functional reason for the heel to go up so far is to have something solid to mount the spur to.

The designers seemed not to understand that most riders LIKE to have a bunch of leather stuff on. Ha.

[BaroquePony]

I like the screw on spurs. Maybe some little strap on rocket boosters and I won't have to worry about using my spurs at all.

Bleech. I like leather.

[Reynard Ridge]

That heel is dang ugly.

And does anyone else think the term 'screw-mount spurs' borders on the obscene?

Nah. I was thinking more along the lines of, on a muddy day, I'm going to have to drill and tap before I can screw in my spurs. ;)

Overall I had a much more positive reaction to the boots then I expected. They look comfortable and easy to use. And I do appreciate Nike taking the time to think about one of the more obscure sports. I am old enough to remember the days before Ariat and their half chaps came along. Change can be good. :yes:

[ellebeaux]

I have a big square high arched foot.

Hey, I have a big square high arched foot, too. My dad calls them swim fins...Buying boots is an unpleasant painful process for me. I've been wearing Blundstones and half chaps but would like to get a pair of custom boots one of these days when I ride enough to justify the expense.

What kind of boots have you found work best for you?

[HECS04]

I think they look pretty cool! Agreed about the red on it, however for xcountry that would be perfect since it is my colors! I am not sure how I feel about the heel or the zipper being partially in the front. But it is cool we are being recognized!

[RAyers]

The heel on those boots will kill male involvement with the sport. They DO look like women's shoes! They make me think of Louis Black's comments on equestrian sports in his last special (you can even seen COTH's own DMK in the front row).

Reed

[TB or not TB?]

If Nike wants to sponsor me, I will happily wear those funky boots. :D

[cwill]

I would love to wear them down the centerline at a pure dressage show.:lol::lol:

[benedict33]

umm. they're kinda too flashy for me. they look like tall tennis shoes. but then it is nike.

[kookicat]

I kinda like em. I bet the zip lets in water when it rains though.

[yellowbritches]

I like them and would wear them as is all day long at home (if they were actually comfortable). If they did the trim and emblem in black on black or another subtle color (my black saddle has a very cool, but very discreet, havana piping on the seat...that would look cool on a boot), I would probably show in them.

And I don't think they are dissing traditional dress (in fact, I think they were trying to keep it somewhat traditional- they may have missed the mark with the red trim- by doing them in black and keeping the somewhat traditional Spanish top look). They were dissing how ungodly uncomfortable dress boots can be and have been for ages...I don't know about others, but my feet hate my tall boots. Ariat and Mountain Horse have been doing a good job with finding designs to make them more comfy, but Nike is primo in ergonomics, etc. I bet they are VERY comfy. :yes:

[yellowbritches]

Ha! Course my feet don't like Nike sneakers, so they may still not be right for me :lol:

[ChaseTheDream]

I want some...... haha......those are so cool....:lol:

[Equibrit]

They'd look pretty much the same as the status quo when caked with mud.

[flshgordon]

I'll take two pairs please....the ad says it provides "horse control" and the 5yo could definitely use some of that! :D

I actually like them and if they are as comfortable as tennis shoes and they'd get rid of the stripe, I'd definitely try them.

And also to agree with Reed...I have forever been trying to find a way to rid myself of that pesky extra .5 ounces of spur strap leather. :lol:

[AmericaRunsOnDunkin]

I think they are cool, but I don't like the spur coming out the back. I would school in them, but I am such a traditional rider with my show clothes, not sure I would use them in showing. They look comfy.

[shea'smom]

Project Runway, here we come.

[deltawave]

I guess I don't like "horse riding" :rolleyes: being dubbed a "weird" sport, either, but it is nice to see Nike taking at least a passing interest. :)

I actually think the boot is decent, except for the shiny heel. And I didn't look closely to see if there are different sizes, but YOWZA, if I wore a spur that big I'd probably wind up in orbit somewhere! :eek:

I'm off to check out exactly what an archery shoe looks like . . . :lol:

[Muck r us]

I hope Nike isn't planning on patenting that spur. Riding boots with "spur sockets" have been around since at least the 18th century. In fact, there was an invention around 1828 of a little spring door to close off the hole in the boot when the spur was removed. It seems the problem with spur sockets was they got filled up with dirt when the spur wasn't attached.

[eventer15]

Love Reed's post!!!! I like the boot's shape and the zipper looks pretty cool, but I really hate the heel, looks like something black and shiney got caked on them:eek:

[kcrubin]

Depending on cost I would definitely give them a try on if I could get rid of the red piping.
I think they are snazzy but a little too much - I like the screw in spur thingy.

[jumpingirl]

I have seen them and held them. They are more flashy than anything else. I wasn't impressed with quality of the boot. And there is NO tread on the bottom. The boot isn't flexible at all either.

That's my two cents on it.

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

the red swoosh is nothing a black Sharpie wouldn't fix... I'd be game to try them on, at least. Seems like the zipper line could be a useful innovation. Maybe I'm getting older, but sometimes that zipper starting so near my heel takes more limberness than my back and shoulders want first thing in the morning. Maybe the front of my foot would be much closer??

[sheep with a gun]

I'm not gonna lie..I like them. [Well, except for the heel.] Of course I also own a pair of shiny red cleats, so maybe my taste in shoes leans toward the flashy gaudy side. ;)

[Mudroom]

I can see these being sold as a kit along with a crop and some stirrup leathers, but never going near a horse !

[ab06]

This board needs a puke smiley, those things are fug!!! Yuck. If I wanted to play basketball, I'd have started a long time ago.

[crazy_horse1095]

Did anyone else notice-

"The sport is steeped in traditional English heritage where leather boots, wood soles and hard-pressed leather have been standard issue for horseback riding since the 1800's."

Are any tall boots really still made with wood soles?:lol: 'Cause the last times I checked rubber soles were pretty popular...

[eyesontheground]

Ellebeaux and LoriB...I also have high arched, wide, ugly, pita feet...
(glad to know I am not the only one...)

And yeah, Blundstones it is and men's Ariats...

I can not wear Nike sneakers to save my life so I doubt I could get my foot in these and that doesn't even take in to consideration the calf part (or you know the fact that I wouldn't be caught dead in dress boots with a shiny heel).

I would love to know which riders consulted on this project and if they will be wearing the boots at the olympics (or anywhere) my guess is no. But good try Nike. Fun to look at.

[Roney]

The more I look at it, the more I like it. Does that mean it's burned out my eyes so much by now it looks pretty?

In all seriousness, if it's comfortable, I'm in. Now if Nike could just make a comfy stock tie...

[Eventer13]

Did anyone else notice-

"The sport is steeped in traditional English heritage where leather boots, wood soles and hard-pressed leather have been standard issue for horseback riding since the 1800's."

Are any tall boots really still made with wood soles?:lol: 'Cause the last times I checked rubber soles were pretty popular...

I had a pair with wood soles. Looked cool (especially the nails) but absolutely NO traction. Which is why I got them re-soled with rubber.

They were pretty old, though.

[LexInVA]

Did anyone else notice-

"The sport is steeped in traditional English heritage where leather boots, wood soles and hard-pressed leather have been standard issue for horseback riding since the 1800's."

Are any tall boots really still made with wood soles?:lol: 'Cause the last times I checked rubber soles were pretty popular...

The answer is YES. Many custom boot makers use wooden soles.

[Roan]

I had to look at those a long time before I stopped cringing.

I would wear those for every day riding, sans the spurs, IF they were more comfortable than my Ariats.

I don't know if I would wear them in my dressage lesson. I think my trainer would look askance at anyone wearing those. Out of respect for her, I'd rather not offend.

I would never even *think* of wearing them in a dressage ring, even at a schooling show.

Eileen

[Jazzy Lady]

Alright, I DARE somebody to wear them for an eq picture and send it into GM.

[JER]

I would love to know which riders consulted on this project and if they will be wearing the boots at the olympics (or anywhere) my guess is no. But good try Nike. Fun to look at.

Well... that heel reminded me of something only Victoria Beckham would wear, albeit with a 6" platform and ginormous heel. And her husband (guy called David who plays soccer) has a mega-endorsement deal with Nike.

So perhaps Nike consulted with Posh Spice? I think I saw her in riding gear (the S&M kind) in a fashion spread once.

[rp4241]

I kind of love them! :) Can we actually buy them someplace? I think that this is just what our sport needs... a fresh "sporty" image! Now if only we could get rid of the black wool coats... :)

[Ibex]

I. Want.

However I also used to work for Nike's Ad Agency. Where I'm sure I suggested that they should do an equestrian line of clothing. Hey, wait a second... :lol:

That being said, knowing how Nike treats employees, both domestic and foreign, I'm not sure I'd buy them. They have the sweat shop mentality no matter what they're doing... :no:

[Kenike]

That being said, knowing how Nike treats employees, both domestic and foreign, I'm not sure I'd buy them. They have the sweat shop mentality no matter what they're doing... :no:

a B I G part of my problem with them. Other than the calf looking a little....odd (even for a wide boot), the calf IS okay. I do hate the foot and heel, though. I saw the red, but didn't really notice it...it's just something about the shape of the foot and how it lays in the sole that's terribly ugly to me.

[Pippigirl]

...somehow, I just can't picture a guy wearing those...

[rfath]

Here's a picture of the other side of the boot: http://nikemedia.com/beijing/sites/default/files/imagecache/hero/images/BJ08_Equest_Ippeas_MED.jpg

[Sannois]

Sorry but they are. Call me old fashioned but the red writing and the patent leather look. ~HURL~ :no:
And what is with the little narrow granny boot type heel.
Totally fugly!:eek:

[flyingchange]

o.m.g.

[jmvwiv]

They're kinda cool in a George Jetson / Flash Gordon sorta way, but that 'thud' sound you are hearing is the sound of hunter ring turnout purists fainting dead away. Hee hee hee.

That other Thud you heard was me fainting dead away - not even that much of a purist either :)

YUCKIE!

[c_expresso]

Alright, I DARE somebody to wear them for an eq picture and send it into GM.

HAHA!

Man those are some uggggllyyyy boots!

[texang73]

I liked them when I saw the top of the boots and the curvy zipper.

Then I scrolled down and saw the flaming red logo and shiny heel :eek:


Ditto. Cool zipper and I like the screw in spur idea, but the heel and logo are ICK!

[tx3dayeventer]

Alright, I DARE somebody to wear them for an eq picture and send it into GM.

I'll do it! What do I have to lose?? I can borrow my friends eq horse, which won the Penn National a few years ago, and go all TRADITIONAL with shadbelly and contrasting lining, and the whole shebang and then WHAM..... ugly nike boots. B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!!!!!

Now where do I get said boots.....

hmmmmm off to plot, hopefully not the demise of GM.

[breakthru]

those are some of the dammedest, ugliest things I have ever seen.

I *do* like Nike taking an interest, however. But before anyone could wear those things and not get laughed out of an arena, there would have to be some other MAJOR changes in equestrian apparel. Can you imagine wearing a dressage coat and those? or even a jumping coat? The only place those wouldn't look disgustingly out of place would be on XC, and even then... puke!

If they got rid of the logo, got rid of the red.... in general, found a better middle ground- made it less flashy and more equestrian-chic while still being nike-sporty... it might have a chance.

[Jealoushe]

I would think the zipper would make it a bit weird when you put your heels down.

[Hony]

I want them. No, I need them. I'm betting they are super comfortable and I love the screw in spurs. How do we find out where to get them and how much?

[mg]

I think they look completely heinous. I also don't like the idea of having to buy a whole new bunch of screw-in spurs JUST for their boots.

If you like the zipper design, JPC does have a similar one, only the zipper is swung to the inside of the boot so it doesn't detract from the appearance and it doesn't go near the ankle to inhibit flexion:

http://www.equestrian-tack.com/nejpcsizifib.html

[talkofthetown]

I actually like the red on black, those are my colors. Would I actually wear them? uhhh :lol:

The site said that you could chose between three (I think) different spurs, so could you even buy a different length seperately, or would you have to buy a second pair of boots, or switch with someone??

I think the heel is butt-ugly, but I bet they're COMFY!! Like riding in tennis shoes, only better. :yes:

[starrysky]

I don't hate them! I think they are pretty neat, and definitely a departure from what we are used to - they are surely more conservative than I was expecting when I opened the link!

I would wear them, but Nike shoes have a tendency to fit narrow through the arches, so I am not sure they would be comfortable on me.

Good for Nike for including an Equestrian footwear piece in their Olympic collection!::yes:

[Roan]

. . .
I *do* like Nike taking an interest, however. But before anyone could wear those things and not get laughed out of an arena, there would have to be some other MAJOR changes in equestrian apparel. Can you imagine wearing a dressage coat and those? or even a jumping coat? The only place those wouldn't look disgustingly out of place would be on XC, and even then... puke! I'm thinking vinyl -- vinyl pants, coat or . . . for those model thin riders -- SPANDEX. Yah, those Nike would go great with a pair of Spandex full seat, spandex tube top and vinyl coat.

Add some Goth makeup, a few lip and nose rings for rider AND horse and you've got a real statement there :D

Huh, I wonder if the designers at Nike happened on the Super Prix site. After all, it's where dressage fashion is headed:

http://www.pixofthelitter.net/pixofthelitter_007.htm

Eileen

[jackalini]

I could do without the funky heel, as it looks a bit too vampy for me. Heck, we're already riding in tight pants, give me a break. The colored stripe is a bit much, too. Past that, it looks interesting, and it might be nice to have a boot you could walk and ride in comfortably. My current boots certainly don't fit the bill there - they are fine to ride in, murder to walk in.

However, what I enjoyed the most was the 1 comment posted about the boots on the site:

"ghettrocentricity: mmmmm, posh girls in tight jodhpurs!"

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[eqsiu]

Alright, I DARE somebody to wear them for an eq picture and send it into GM.

I'll do it!

Though his eyes will doubtless be bleeding so much from my craptastic form that he won't even notice!

[pattnic]

They're not half-bad... certainly much better than I was expected. Not a huge fan of the heel, but other than that, I might wear them schooling. I, too, wonder how much they are?

PS - OMG! The Super Prix is TOO funny!

[fooler]

hmmmm Remember the Wofford PH article about a change in event clothing? The spandex unitard worn by ultra-thin young females, YES these boots will complete the outfit.

Reed you are correct - GM would consider my weight appropriate if I could only get rid of those fattening spur straps!

[mr_miamis_mom]

I work for an athletic footwear manufacturer (not Nike) and have some thoughts. It cracks me up as someone else mentioned that we are being saved the "weight" of our spurs and straps. Shoe weight is a concept that has been marketed well to track and field athletes as well as cheerleaders and others. Trust me when I say you do not notice that extra ounce or two! You've just been convinced by the marketing gurus that you do.

I have yet to own a pair of Nike's (since the 70's) that has lasted longer than 3 months. In terms of the industry that is pretty standard. My company's shoes last considerably longer so long as the manufacturer's recommendations are followed. Depending on where and how the shoes are worn (some people are harder on shoes than others) and how they are maintained drives how long they last. Athletes in other sports do not buy a pair of sneakers or cleats and wear them for years... equestrians do. I wonder what the "normal life" for these boots is expected to be vs. the cost. I also wonder from a durability standpoint how much they have evaluated what other things are being done in boots besides riding.

It looks to me like the rubber sole on the heel is glued and that will be a weak point trust me. Also the meshlike stuff on the upper does not look like it provides much ankle/lower leg support and the texturing could prove difficult to keep clean. Really the only place I see these boots working is for CC. The red logo trim are a definite turn-off, especially for dressage. I also dislike the zipper on the outside. I would be shocked to see any men wearing them, they have a definite feminine look and feel.

[halla]

I actually kind of like them. The heel is pretty bad, but other than that, I think they look fine.

My boyfriend is really into athletic shoes, to the point he seriously considered a career as a shoe designer. So he's always laughing at me and my super traditional riding apparel, and gets excited if I buy anything the least bit sporty looking. He has pointed out that it's a bit hard to sell riding as a sport when we all go around dressed up like Victorians and hotel doormen ;) Which I think he has a point. But I explained to him that one of the challenges to designing anything sporty looking for riding is that, as such a really really old sport, what we use now has been so refined to be functional that it's hard to improve. Now, coats, maybe not so much, though I've never been dryer in a downpour than when I worn a friend's 1933 melton wool hunt coat. But boots and things look the way they do for so many reasons, it's hard to come up with a change - like the mesh at the ankle on this one - that doesn't create another problem. I'm all for it, though, even though I love the traditional riding look, I do think there's a lot to be said for looking like we're participating in a modern athletic endeavor :)

Now, where are the photos of the riding boot Puma came out with recently? Would be good to compare.

[AlfalfaAnne]

What I find interesting is that I was reading some of the other blurbs and for the sailing shoe and others, they mention that they were talking to some of the pro athletes to see what would work best. For example, in sailing, they found out that the colour scheme had to match their wet suits and all sorts of other helpful information. Same for the fencing, where it seems that there is even going to be someone wearing them in competition.

I wonder who they consulted with about these boots? I'd love to know.

On a personal level, I doubt they'd be much better to school in than the fabulous combo of blunnies and half-chaps, but who knows?

[cosmos mom]

They would be kind of cool if they were black on black and had a non-shiny, more traditional looking heel!

[criss]

It's funny that people think that heel is feminine--I think it's fugly, but I think that because I think it looks like men's sneakers.

I like the look of the zipper, but as others have mentioned, it could dig into the front of the ankle.

It would be an easier sell if it came in whatever color piping/swoosh you wanted to match your colors, not just the red. Though personally, i doubt I'd buy them anyway b/c of the abovementioned labor practices.

[PolymerChem]

I'd be curious to know how "highly abrasive" the inside of the boot really is. Would it be highly abrasive enough to scratch a saddle? In the H/J forum there is a thread about horses and spur rubs that mentions horses who get rubbed from simply half chaps. What would happen to the more sensitive-skinned horses when they met up with the "abrasive" boots?

I also think the spurs and the shiny heels look ridiculous, but I've never been very high fashion.

[Irishrose261]

I cannot tell a lie: I sorta like them. I'd wear a pair for schooling...

[tenacity]

Yeah, "High-abrasion synthetic rubber on medial boot for control and communication"??:eek: Interesting concept...

Kind of fun to see Nike's take on the riding boot, but I bet there are a few flaws in the design. I think the texturized areas and ventilation holes would be gunked with sweat and dirt immediately anyway!

[HuntrJumpr]

I don't mind them -- I even like the logo idea, because I (personal opinion coming up!) think our sport needs the "branding" that accompanies the "watchable" and "interesting" sports.

[Roan]

. . .

PS - OMG! The Super Prix is TOO funny!Ain't it a hoot? I love the Carmen Miranda look :lol::no::lol:

I figured that site had made the rounds here already, but I guess not :D

Eileen

[didgery]

They need a catchy name for mass appeal. People bought Air Jordan's b/c they wanted to be like Mike. I would only buy these if I thought they would help me look like Kim Severson!!!:)

They should name them Air Morrises. I'm sure George would be flattered.

[seeuatx]

They should name them Air Morrises. I'm sure George would be flattered.

Good Lord, could you imagine the look on his face when someone shows up to his clinic wearing a pair of those. That person would have to be B-R-A-V-E.... any eventers want to volunteer? I would pay to see that ;)

Darn it, someone already made the same comment...ahhh well.

[talkofthetown]

I like the point that mr miamis mom brought up...how long will they last, if you you look at the lifespan of a tennis shoe vs. a riding boot?
I must be blind, I didn't notice any mesh on the back of the boot. Will that make it feel less protective and supportive? I personally would ride in my tall boots over chaps any day; I like the feeling of the stiff leather supporting and anchoring my leg. I don't feel as secure in my stirrups when riding in half chaps, plus I get bruises from the stirrup leathers.
Or maybe I'm putting way too much thought into all of this...:rolleyes: Either way, I'd DEFINITELY have to ride in a pair before making my mind up.

[flypony74]

Oo, "saves weight by eliminating the need for stap-on spurs." Thank GOD! The last time I fell in the water I was sure those spur straps were to going to drag me under. Luckly I got them off in time.

My thoughts exactly, Reed. I'll have to run out and buy a pair just for these life-saving qualities! :)

Personally, I think they are fugly! Tone 'em down a lot, make sure they are super comfortable and durable, and they might be on to something....but as-is, bletch!

[MattMan]

I think those boots might require me to trade in my breeches/jacket in for a one piece flame retardant striped racing suit. Maybe I will wait for the Adidas or Puma version... ;)

[EnjoyingRiding]

Does anyone remember Jimmy Woffords article in PH about how eventing needed to update its wardrobe (among other things) to keep the sport alive and get non equestrians to take notice? This kind of reminds me of that...

As far as personal opinion is concerned, I wouldn't wear the boots the way they are now to compete, except maybe on Cross Country. But then I'd be buying a whole new pair of boots for Cross Country and I can't afford that. If they were comfortable, I'd wear them schooling I guess.

[phoebetrainer]

I wonder how long they will last?
Rules say that the inside of boots must be made of smooth leather - ie you're not allowed to wear suede chaps or patches on the inside of boots. I wonder if these would comply with that rule?

[LookinSouth]

Oo, "saves weight by eliminating the need for stap-on spurs." Thank GOD! The last time I fell in the water I was sure those spur straps were to going to drag me under. Luckly I got them off in time.




:lol::lol:

I definitely do not care for them, though it will be interesting to see if they start showing up on fashionistas.

[Jupes]

Oh my god!
How AWESOME would those boots look with this saddle?!?!?!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-SCHLEESE-LIBERTY-Dressage-17-5-Burgundy-Black_W0QQitemZ230236509557QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4728 2QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[AlfalfaAnne]

Oh my god!
How AWESOME would those boots look with this saddle?!?!?!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-SCHLEESE-LIBERTY-Dressage-17-5-Burgundy-Black_W0QQitemZ230236509557QQihZ013QQcategoryZ4728 2QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Hahahahahaha.... that saddle is faboo. Look at the bling - the BLING!

As a side note, I've ridden at camp in a western show saddle that was the counterpart to that dressage saddle... all black and red with blinged out everything. I felt like a rodeo queen and the kids love it.

Great find!

[talkofthetown]

Why is all this funky tack showing up in MY colors? :lol: I guess to show me that not everything in red and black looks good...

[LarissaL]

that is the ugliest thing i've seen since the hoards of yuppies and their grandmothers strolling around this town in pink croc's. somehow, i can picture these becoming a cornea-searing trend.

[RunForIt]

:D NIKE is the only brand of running shoes that have ever fit my oh-so-very-NARROW feet - will be interesting to try on these babies...BUT, unless that price is reasonable, hay and diesel will come first!

[BarbB]

They could have been worse. I like the the overall look, hate the heels.
Somebody mentioned that the zipper across the instep might be uncomfortable if you were actually on a horse. I tend to agree.

I think they would look better with a skirt than with breeches and I don't think they are going to be the next have-to-have in the hunter world.

But bravo! to Nike for giving it a try.