[sarajoy07]

I need to get a pair of field boots for showing only. I really like to wear paddock boots and half chaps at home. I don't want to spend a ton of money on them as I still have lots of other things to buy for showing.

I went and tried a bunch on yesterday and of course fell in love with the Grand Prix Elite boot, but that's out of my range.

Tried on the Ariat Heritage, Challenge, and Crowne and am considering the Challenge.

I'm also considering the Ovation Pro Gold Circuit Field Boot. They seemed more comfortable then the Ariats and like they would break in faster. The leather seems really soft, so I'm not sure how durable they will be. I really won't be wearing them very often though.

Any opinions, suggestions, advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

Sara

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

I bought really cheap boots as my 1st pair. I paid under $150 for mine!! Ya, I know, super cheap But ya know what they have been with me, and are still kicking without any holes in them 5 or 6 years later! And to boot (hahahaha...punny ) I ride in them all the time...except in winter that is, cause I wear my winter boots then.

Just remember that if you are going to only wear them for shows, you really should ride in them about a week before your show, just so you can "adjust" as they will and do feel different then half chaps! I remember wearing full chaps all the time....then I moved to 1/2 chaps, and loves them, but when I got my full boots, I never looked back at either 1/2 chaps or full chaps ever again! hahahaha

[walktrotcanter]

Originally Posted by Rhythm 'n Blues

I bought really cheap boots as my 1st pair. I paid under $150 for mine!! Ya, I know, super cheap But ya know what they have been with me, and are still kicking without any holes in them 5 or 6 years later! And to boot (hahahaha...punny ) I ride in them all the time...except in winter that is, cause I wear my winter boots then.

Just remember that if you are going to only wear them for shows, you really should ride in them about a week before your show, just so you can "adjust" as they will and do feel different then half chaps! I remember wearing full chaps all the time....then I moved to 1/2 chaps, and loves them, but when I got my full boots, I never looked back at either 1/2 chaps or full chaps ever again! hahahaha

I've done some pretty heavy showing but have NEVER paid over $150 for boots, so don't knock yourself.
I actually PREFER the "leather look" or "equileather" boots, simply because then I don't have to worry about rainy shows or muddy conditions, I can just knock them off and they are fine.

"Cheap" boots can look just equally as nice as the expensive ones in my opinion--just gotta give them a little elbow grease.
Don't break your bank trying to buy a pair just for showing. You can get a nice used pair and polish them up and nobody will ever know what you spent on them.

[idlewild]

The one thing you've gotta watch out for with cheaper boots is that the sole and footbed isn't going to provide you with adequate support to your foot. I have high arches and require a lot of support otherwise my foots starts to cramp. My current tall boots are cheep $110 Devon Aire boots, while they look nice and have served me well these past years, they simply do not give my foot any support! I put a Dr. Scholls inserts in them and that helped a little bit. I'm finally upgrading to some Ariat tall boots with a zipper, getting them used in like new condition so I'm not breaking the bank getting them and I'm happy for that.

[walktrotcanter]

Originally Posted by idlewild

The one thing you've gotta watch out for with cheaper boots is that the sole and footbed isn't going to provide you with adequate support to your foot. I have high arches and require a lot of support otherwise my foots starts to cramp. My current tall boots are cheep $110 Devon Aire boots, while they look nice and have served me well these past years, they simply do not give my foot any support! I put a Dr. Scholls inserts in them and that helped a little bit. I'm finally upgrading to some Ariat tall boots with a zipper, getting them used in like new condition so I'm not breaking the bank getting them and I'm happy for that.

Ah! One thing I am content with is my small, easy-to-fit feet. I do put the Dr. Scholls gel insoles in ALL my shoes/boots that I wear consistently, just because I don't really find ANY shoes that comfortable. I much more prefer barefeet or flip flops! lol. Any time I have to wear something for extended periods of time...work shoes, riding boots, etc. they always have the gel insoles, just 'cause I want a little more in them. I have a Ariats, Justins, Devon-aires...etc. and I STILL use insoles in them all.

[AutumnAttic]

dont get devon aire

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Idle, you're right!

I know that I have been through a few pairs of insoles for my field boots. I always have regular insoles in them, as well as the "heel lifts" as I find those really help to avoid all the "fall" in the ankle, which I need as my legs are so tall, and I need the boots to not fall 2" below my knee! **I think that looks terrible, and when I wore 1/2 chaps they did that all the time grrrr**

I usually replace all of my insoles about every 1-2yrs.

Idle, just a thought, they have come out with new insoles where you can pick your arch support.....either low, regular, or high! I have them in my work shoes, and WOW they make a huge difference! So much that I acutally bought a pair for my field boots...although it's just turning into spring here, so I haven't had a chance to try them out yet....

[sarajoy07]

Thanks for all the responses!

Does anyone use Superfeet insoles in their riding boots? I put them in my paddock boots as well as my tennies and workout shoes. I absolutely love them! I definitely plan on putting them in my tall boots.

It was great to see that its not absolutely necessary to spend the big bucks on field boots. I'm not going to any big shows anyways. Just local and county type stuff.

Thanks again!

Sara

[ARMwins]

i had ovation finnalists, they werent bad...

[Lindsayanne]

Definitely avoid ariat's tall boots with zippers. They have nice footbeds, but the boot quality is just "okay" and the zippers are absolute trash. Lots of tack stores are dropping them because Ariat refuses to cover the frequently-breaking zippers under warranty anymore.

I show in Mountain Horse's show field boots and LOVE them.