Poll: Your opinion on Paddock Boots?

[hhfarm]

What are your favorite paddock boots? Which brands and models do you like? Which brands didn't hold up? Which are comfortable?

Tell us about your feet!

[magnolia73]

Grand Prix. Good boots, durable and comfortable. I but the aquasports, lace up.

I can't wear ariats and their quality is uneven.

No familiarity with the other brands- I don't like a thick sole and how it feels in the stirrup, so probably would not wear dansko or blundstones.

[Lucassb]

Grand Prix. Good boots, durable and comfortable. I but the aquasports, lace up.

I can't wear ariats and their quality is uneven.

No familiarity with the other brands- I don't like a thick sole and how it feels in the stirrup, so probably would not wear dansko or blundstones.

That pretty much sums it up for me, too.

I have had several pair of Ariats also; the first few were great, others less so. I switched to GP a few years ago and really do find they are more comfortable to ride in.

[appychik]

Tredsteps. Hands down. :yes: Excellent quality and craftsmanship. Long lasting (my pair is about 6 years old and still look excellent). Love the whole "system" that Tredstep has - i.e. the Galloway Gaitor System, that's what I've got. Not sure if it's made anymore.

Have had Ariats. Ditto with the lack of quality and construction. Just don't last like the used to.

Also currently have a pair of Dublins. Aren't bad for the price, but don't have spur rests. Those are a must for me.

ETA: May try Grand Prixs when my Dublins die. Cause they are always getting good reviews.

[boosma47]

Can't wear Ariats 'cause my feet are too wide. Plus, they haven't stood up too well to use. And the heels are too high.

Love Blunnies! Mine last forever, are water resistant and comfortable to ride in.

Like the sound to the Tredsteps - have their 1/2 chaps and love them.

[Irish Ei's]

With a bum knee and skyscraper arches, Ariat Laces for paddock boots
Grand Prix Elites for tall boots.

[KayPink]

Have loved all my Ariats, plus they come in 11 to fit my giant feet. I wish I could wear Grand Prixs...

[Ambrey]

I love my current pair of MH paddocks! Plus they came with a price tag that allowed my cheap-ass self to buy them ;) (unlike tredsteps, which I covet).

[achcosuva]

Love my Ariats -- I've had them for 9 years this Christmas, and they've held up pretty well. The zippers have broken recently, though. I used to wear them everyday, but since June I've been wearing tall boots and breeches due to my reemergence into dressage, so I've not looked into getting the zippers replaced. I did wear them yesterday for a short hack and I still think they're my most comfortable pair of shoes. I like them better than any of my horse or non-horse shoes, to include sneakers.

[Ambrey]

By the way, the new Ariats are not the same as the old ones- I had a pair that was probably 8-9 years old that I had to sell (having babies makes for bigger feet!) and the leather was comparable to my mom's $180 cobolts, although I know they were the middle range ones. Just a warning :)

[pAin't_Misbehavin']

I have a pair of Ariat Ropers for wearing around the farm, and they've held up beautifully for years now. The Ariat
H20 Terrains I bought last Christmas are already in shreds.:no:

So I'm looking to switch brands for my next pair of paddock boots, too. Thanks for posting the poll.:)

[poltroon]

I have yet to find a paddock boot that fits and holds up. Ariat is my best compromise. My first Ariats were great.

My feet run narrow.

I haven't been able to try Tredstep; that's probably my last hope, if I can find some to try on.

[Paragon]

Love my Ariat Hanovers - wide foot, square toe, laces in front and a zip up the back. I wanted zips this time around, but my size 8 foot is so wide (and somehow so tall) that it took a size 10 before the zip would close. These Hanovers were absolutely perfect.

I've had them for more than a year now, I think, and they seem to be holding up well. Have worn them several times a week for several hours at a time, doing barn chores and riding. Need a new insole, but that's par for the course. Very happy with them thus far.

[Minuet]

I picked other. I've had Grand Prix Aquasports for seven years now and worn them in mud, creeks, rain..... riding, not riding and just working, full days at the barn have hurt them not one bit. I don't take care of them either, just dust them off, and the occasional conditioner when I feel like it. They are lace up, and I hated that at first, but I think they're worth it for the performance they've given.

I will buy them again if and when I need to. I do need a pair of black boots, maybe this time I'll give the zip ups a try.

[Coobie]

Ariat Heritage(I think they are called Heritage) love them. Won't wear anything else paddock boots or tall boots.

[theoldgreymare]

I have terrible luck with the zippers in Ariat's (and the same holds true for my kids so I know it is not just me). Ariat has replaced three pairs of boots for us (paddocks and field) that were only a few months old so they do stand behind their product. However, I will stick with my Grand Prix paddock boots. I have had one pair for almost five years now and they are in excellent shape.

[vbunny]

I love my Ariats but I can only wear certain kinds. I have Hannovers that I love, and Terrains that I love but the others can be too narrow for my feet. I do have to add a gel patch to make them perfect but that goes for all boots/shoes/footwear for me these days. Either way they have the best balance.

[Therese]

I've got a selection of paddock boots. I tried Grand Prix, but after the first pair's zipper broke on the second ride, and the replacement set on the third, I gave up. I've had some luck with Ariat. Strangely enough the western versions seem to hold up better than the English on average.

My favorites for wear and comfort are Justin's. I found a pair that aren't too Western looking and they are going on three years of nasty fall/winter/spring. They are an insulated boot, so I really need to find a summer version.

[joiedevie99]

Well, I have no idea how any of you keep paddock boots so long. I seem to buy a pair or two every year. The sole generally splits from the boot around the ball of the foot first, or sometimes the heel, then completely removes itself. Occasionally the zipper goes first- but either way- its always within a year.

My favorites are Middleburg Pro's, second favorite are the Ariats.

[billiebob]

I am in paddock boots 10-12 hours a day. I chose other because my favorites are actually the Brit Middies from Muck Boots. Those are the only ones I haven't killed within 3 months. I like the way Ariats fit and recommend them for lesson students who don't abuse their shoes like I do. Mountain Horse....their paddock boots just don't fit me right but I LOVE their tall boots. Never had Blundstones. Dublins are good value for the money. Those lasted me longer than the Ariat Terrains I used to wear. My Brit Middies are still going strong after 8 months of daily abuse and are still my backups when the mud gets bad. However, they are very cold in the winter!

[flypony74]

My favorites are my old Danskos, but they are no longer made. Growl.

My second favorites are my Grand Prixs. I'd probably wear them more but they are lace up, and the lazy side of me goes for the zippers.

Ariats are overpriced for the quality, IMHO.

[equusrocks]

I like the blundstones. Only ones that seem to fit my feet right. Ariats are too narrow and seem to wear out quickly...

If they made riding "sneakers" as comfy as my regular sneakers I'd be all over those...:yes:

[seeuatx]

I still have a pair of 6 year old Danskos. I keep them for emergencys and they are my favorite. The closest replacement brand I have found for durability and comfort is the Mountain Horse brand.

[shea'smom]

I used to swear by Ariats, but no more. I think the quality has really changed. They do stand behind their products and will replace them, but the last two pairs are not like the old ones, much cheaper feeling leather.
I'll try something else next time.

[galwaybay]

I think I'd have to go / Grand Prix - I've loved every pair I had but local tack shop stopped carrying them because everyone wanted Ariats. For some crazy reason my 2 pairs of Ariats have held up amazingly well - they are at least 4-5 years old BUT I no longer tromp around in mud in them so I only wear them when I ride. I have a pair of Ariat waterproof boots which are still pretty waterproof and a pair of pull-ons. I love pull ons. I would like to try Tredsteps. Funny on the poll - Ariat won but reading the posts it seems like Grand Prix would be the winner w/ Ariat coming in 2nd.. totally agree w/ the quality control thing w/ Ariat...

[Simkie]

You will not be able to pry my Dansko boots out of my cold, dead hands. My current pair has a bunch of stitching missing, but I don't care. I'm thinking about finding a cobbler to repair them, but I'm afraid they'll laugh at me. I will wear those boots until they fall off my feet.

I was able to pick up a BRAND NEW pair on ebay, but they're so pretty, I want to save them until absolutely necessary.

I'm still heartbroken that they're no longer being made.