Horseback riding boots??

[onlyme8]

So I was just wandering....where does everybody get their (ladies) horseback riding boots? I know they have some at TSC, but they are soo expensive & my feet are still growing, which is a reason not to get pricey boots. I've also looked at Amazon & Ebay.
Any ideas?

 

[welsummerchicks]

Most tack shops carry used riding boots. Trying on a few pairs will get you a pair for a third or half of the price of new.

Of you can simply use some lace up work boots. The soles should be smooth or rippled, not lugged (with a big huge tread that would get caught on the stirrups).

 

[EweSheep]

I get mine from Ebay for my daughter. Ariat is the brand name.

 

[Rusty Hills Farm]

If you are looking for Western boots, try sheplers.com as they always seem to have boots on sale.

HTH

Rusty

 

[michickenwrangler]

SPeaking of which, horrible mother that I am, I haven't been able to find kids' sized riding sneakers anywhere.

Anyone know where I could get some? DD is a size 1 but I would get a pair she could "grow into" a bit

Thanks

 

[onlyme8]

Thnx, I'll try to see if I can find some.

 

[patandchickens]

You really have to try them on in person -- especially if you mean leather high boots like for showing. Too many variations in foot width/shape and (very important!) calf width and height of knee.

Ariats are nice but at least used to be only really good for people with narrowish feet, preferably with highish arches. (I don't know if they've broadened their range of fit in the past 10 yrs or so tho)

Go to tack shops. Try things on. Then look for a good deal on a brand you have already established fits you (and in a size you know fits you), or look for a good deal on secondhand. Secondhand is not too difficult to find, usually, for people in the "my feet are still growing" age group because, well, OTHER peoples' feet were still growing too

If you just want sumpin' to ride in, personally I really like some of the better-made riding shoes (hi-top sneaker type), try some of them on too. You can't show in them, obviously, but I think they plus a pair of decent half-chaps are pretty comfy.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[michickenwrangler]

BTW,

A friend of mine who shows dressage has the type with the zipper up the back of the boots.

She LLLOOOVVVVEEESSS them. Make it very quick to take on and off so she can change into muck boots between for cleaning stalls or whatever.

 

[chickbea]

Make the rounds of good quality tack shops, as they often have used equipment for sale. Is there a show barn near you? They usually have spare equipment around and may be able to help you out.

 

[2DogsFarm]

Agree with patandchickens about checking for 2nd hand boots in tack shops.

And if you are looking at tall English-style boots absolutely get the back zipper!

My personal preference is slip-on paddock boots.
No laces to break/replace and no zippers to fail from barn grit.

Blundstones are good (unless you have a high arch as they have zero arch support) and Shoebuy.com has them.
Ariats are comfortable, but lately I've heard a lot of complaints about workmanship going downhill on my horsy BB.