New Riding Boots =]

[Karrie]

I'm planning on getting new riding boots, but I'm not quite sure which brands I should aviod or ones that are better quality. I don't really want to spend more than $200 - $250 on them, since I'm not competiting at the moment (but maybe in the future).

I actually plan to also get back into eventing, so maybe field boots may be better than dress boots?

[Equibrit]

I think I'd be safe in saying, in this regard, that you get what you pay for and $200-$250 won't get you much in terms of quality.

[Karrie]

I don't want anything "top quality", but I don't want something thats going to rip easily either.

I've never paid for my own boots before, so I'm not sure what to spend really.

[Equibrit]

Check ebay - you can get some good deals there - trouble is you take a bit of a risk if you can't try them on. Take a lot of measurements.

There is this and others http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/sunfarm29

[Equine Obsession]

I love my waterproof Ariat Cobalt XR paddocks. I can wear them all day for turning in/out, riding, mucking out, etc without any problems. They also are very durable, if you're going for longetivity. If you want a tall boot, I know Ariat carries field boots with the same style, just more expensive.

I haven't shown so far but will be doing at least one or two little shows next year. I'll be wearing these and some nice half-chaps that look like they are a part of my boot. IMO it's less expensive and more comfortable, if you want to go that route.

My experience with Ariat products has always been fantastic.

[Karrie]

Thanks. I've heard about Ariats, but also heard some of the soles came off from the boots (?)

I don't plan to show for awhile, and if I do, its probably only the show at my barn. I'm basically relearning all the basics and learning everything the right way this time, so I'm not really interested in spending $400 on boots that will only see the light of day, at the barn 3 times a week.

[RedMare01]

Look at Mountain Horse Sportives. They are tall dress looking boots, and they also make a field boot, but am not sure of the name of those. Dover carries them.

Caitlin

[Valentina_32926]

For years I purchased the $99 on sale field boots from Dover - they last a LONG time and are decent quality.

They are not the very stiff (better for dressage) boots but then again you're not paying $500+ for them.

They work just fine for dressage and/or jumping.

[mcm7780]

I have a pair of Devon Aire L'Ecole (I think). They retailed for about $175. I like them. They are pretty comfy, I was able to show in them after riding in them a handful of times, and the look pretty nice. Sure, they aren't $$$ boots, but they look nice and work for what I need them for! I'm not sure if they still make them, but if they don't, maybe another type of Devon Aire boots would work. I understand why some people spend $500+ on boots but that isn't always feasible. There are boots of a lesser quality that still get the job done and will last if you take care of them and don't use them as your only riding/barn boots.

[kdow]

I'm dealing with the same dilemma and I think I've narrowed it down to either a pair of Devon Aire field boots (I think they'll fit better than the dress boot offerings) or a pair of Ariat paddock boots w/ half chaps, depending on fit.

(I'm going to go with inexpensive fake suede half chaps to start with, since they can always be replaced with the more expensive proper leather ones later on.)

[Karrie]

Thanks!!

I currently have Devon Aire's (I think), that have been my schooling boots (& show boots years ago) and they've last awhile. I don't really care to spend alot of money, as its not worth it, since they'll pretty much be schooling boots. I'm able to spend more, but thats just a waste.

I'm going to Dover tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes =]
Thanks!!

[DiscoMom]

I have a couple pair of Devon Aires (mostly for schooling) and have been pleased with them. Have fun boot shopping!

[Ajierene]

I bought a pair of Ariats, new. Dress boots with zippers. From Dover Saddlery, for about $230. The ones without zippers were only $20 less, so it was worth the expense.

[brgreyhndz]

I bought a pair of Mountain Horse Classic High Riders in the spring- I find that they seem to be better quality than other boots in their price range. They look good- better than my older pair of sportives. They are a little higher priced than you are looking for but I think would last longer and look better over time.

[FriesianX]

I just got a pair of the MH Classic High Riders too - and they are quite comfortable! I've also had good luck with the Dover Piaffe boots - but even on sale, they are about $300 - my last pair gave out after 6 years of HARD riding. I love the fit of Ariats, but have had the zippers break on two pairs, and replacement zippers are almost as much as a new pair of boots - they just don't seem to last long.

I'll 2nd the eBay comment - there are deals to be had! You can pick up a nice used pair of boots reasonably priced, but you DO take a chance. I have a pair in my closet right now that are BRAND NEW but didn't fit right.

[JLR1]

I buy most all of my tack, boots and breeches from a www.Calevo.com. They are a retailer located in Germany and even with our dollar tanking, it still is much cheaper. You can get great European made boots (Konigs, Cavallo... )in the $275 range and up. Another retailer is www.panache-equestrian.co.uk

[Trevelyan96]

I have the Ariat Hunter Dress boots with the zippers, and they're very comfortable for me and have lasted well. Only complaint I have is the snap at the top of the zip can be a pain.

[Equi88]

I'm able to spend more, but thats just a waste.

I don't know. I bought a pair of Koenigs 30 years ago and they are still in usable condition! I think I actually saved a lot of money buying good quality and not having to replace them often.