Thursday, March 8, 2018

stuff i unboxed this week: new country boots!

I feel like I'm constantly shopping for all manner of little things for Charlie - usually along the lines of medical supplies. Like vet wrap, duct tape, syringes, more epsom salts, magic cushion.... You know the drill. Boring stuff that's useful to have on hand.

the classiest of boxes amirite
Lately tho I got to pick up a few things just for me. And just for fun!! My go-to Mountain Horse country boots that I've had for three years just gave up the ghost recently. Much to my deep sadness.

i picked these up from tack of the day, but they are available from many retailers at a variety of prices - definitely shop around for the best deal
I really honestly loved those boots, and the day my ankle was flexible enough after breaking it to fit back in the boot was almost as happy a day as when I could actually even walk again at all haha. But alas, barn footwear just never seems to last forever. So it was time for a replacement.

supposedly already oiled and waterproofed
Enter the Saxon Ladies Lewes Zip Boots (available from multiple retailers like Amazon, Stateline Tack, Jeffers, whatever just google it and hunt for the best price + shipping. Saxon also have a variety of cute designs if this particular version isn't to your tastes).

A cute waterproof nubuck leather country boot at a pretty economical (relatively, ugh) price point.

good thick sole, and feel comfortable tho they may need some breaking in
There are a couple things about this boot that weren't quite exactly what I wanted. Namely: they weren't available in a wide calf, which I typically prefer - being basically right on the cusp and liking to occasionally stuff a few layers under my boots. The calf dimension is 15.5" tho, which is about right for me, so I figured it would be ok.

And they are in fact ok in the calf. They fit comfortably over all my breeches and most of my jeans (alas, not the thicker baggier jeans with a rolled cuff tho). And considering the boots are leather, I anticipate that they'll loosen up as they break in.

the mountain horse boots were well loved lol
I also wasn't sure how I felt about the zipper vs being a true pull-on boot. Tho I was pleasantly surprised to see the insert behind the zipper, improving the boot's insulation and waterproof properties.

The zipper also seems pretty sturdy and like it can stand up to some abuse. It doesn't slide down either, which would drive me crazy. The snap at the top is a nice feature anyway tho.

the zipper design is nice, esp bc the insert means it's still water proof
The boots are a little shorter in height than my Mountain horse boots, and I expect them to fall a little more as they break in. Which is a shame bc I find that sorta mid-height boot look to be a bit less flattering to the whole leg.... but luckily I don't think these will drop that far.

tested out in real world conditions. bc yea.... it snowed again after all that nice wind dried the ground out.
Ultimately tho, comfort is my #1 concern. I have serious Old Lady Feet and require my shoes to be supportive and comfortable to wear for literally the entire day and the day after that too.

And so far these are passing the test! I haven't worn them for longer than 3-4 hours at a time yet, but I've walked a few miles in them and taken them through a couple mucky pastures, plus ridden in both my dressage and jump saddle with them. Verdict? I likey!

sorry buddy but you're gonna be living in mud for a while longer!
The sole is on the thick side - which is important in separating the foot bed from potentially frigid ground temperatures - and it also has somewhat of a breakover shape to it (see pic of them in the box above), making the boot roll easily from heel to toe. It's comfortable to my notoriously picky arches, but feels different so I had to get a little used to it.

The thickness also made my dressage stirrups feel a little short. That actually kinda worked in my favor tho bc it's a constant struggle to remember to stretch my leg down, and the physical feeling of a short leg helped me be more aware lol.

oooooh and my other latest toy?? it's currently dangling from the ceiling fan chain for hands-free entertainment
So if you're in the market for nice looking leather country boots to fend off all the spring mud (and snow, blargh), but don't want to break the bank in the process? These Saxon boots are a nice option!

that ought to keep 'em busy for a while
It's kinda nice bc we're spoiled for options these days with this style boot - there are so many versions and varieties now! Which is great bc I really personally struggle with spending money on my own apparel haha. Rather, my budget is basically wholly dedicated to stuff like lessons and schooling fees and show entries lol. Priorities, right?

What about you - have you gotten any new fun boots lately? Or are you in the market? Or are you like me and kinda resist buying stuff like this for as long as possible (as in: current boots literally full of holes lol)??

34 comments:

  1. Those are cute! I need to find an insulated version before next winter. I love my Dublin boots but even with many pairs of socks my feet get frozen while cleaning stalls at home sometimes. I also struggle a bit because I have long narrow feet and all the boots tend to be wide and blocky so my foot slides too much. I switched to cowboy boots for stall cleaning in nice weather because they run more narrow and reserve the Dublin ones for cooler temps and extreme mud.

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    1. yea these definitely fall into the "wide and blocky" category vs narrow. i'm a pretty standard size 7 and these are generous in the foot bed. not uncomfortably so - i'm always happy to have room for extra socks! - but could be for very narrow feet. they're nicely insulated tho and the thick sole is a good feature for keeping feet warm.

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    2. These boots are super cute! I like the zipper.

      Aside, if you like narrow, and can wait for a deal, I have now snagged two pairs of Ariat Braemar boots off Amazon for less than 200$ a pair (I think I paid 120$ for the last pair). The foot is much narrower than my Dublin boots, and they are a bit warmer in my opinion, too, though they are not lined with thinisulate or anything. I want an insulated pair as my winter work boots are short and don't do well in deep snow, for all that they are super warm, but I rocked the braemars all last summer and this winter (including some of the -32 below zero days) and just varied the thickness of my wool socks and added toe warmers when it was really cold, since I find it works better to have air space vs stuffing my several-socked feet like sausages into my boots. They have a much more refined foot than my Dublin river boots.

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    3. Thanks! I put those on my list on amazon so I can see if the price goes down. $400 is definitely more than I'm willing to pay! I have the added complication of being a size 11 so at least Ariat carries that size. Dublin River is what I currently have so sounds like the Ariat's would be perfect.

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  2. Omg kittehs! I bet that made them so happy. Haha!

    I adore my Dublin boots for much the same reason you liked your old ones, they get the job done and don't let me down. I wish those good barn boots never aged, though. Replacing them is tough. I still haven't managed to let go of my old ones. (They're in my car for "emergencies"... Whatever that means. Lol)

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    1. lol those "emergency" shoes are legitimately necessary tho. i've had to pull our the pair that lives in my car trunk more times than i'm willing to admit. actually... maybe that'll be my mountain horse boots' next job - replacing the even more worn out blunnies in the trunk haha.

      and yea the kitties are loving their new toy. plus it helps me keep them occupied when they would otherwise be driving me actually crazy, so.... it's a win haha

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  3. I bought some fauxbarrys before Rolex last year (anticipating tromping around xc in the mud, which totally happened haha) and I love 'em. Hopefully they last me as long as your Mountain Horse boots lasted you! Haha.

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    1. i will never understand why i didn't take my mountain horse boots to rolex with me two years ago.... maybe bc i thought they'd be too warm or too much of a pain to pack? i definitely needed them tho, and will absolutely be taking these new saxons with me this year bc yea. rolex mud is no joke!!

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  4. Oohhhh I like this review. I'm going to have to replace my Dublin boots one day (they're also very well-loved lol) and these look like a great next option!

    Also - ahahaha what an ingenious way to keep those kitties busy!

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    1. omg these cats drive me so crazy sometimes haha. one will just wander around yaowling at maximum volume for no clear reason. perhaps boredom? idk. whenever they start getting on my nerves i just turn on the laser babysitter now haha. they like it!!

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  5. Those are really nice looking!

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    1. they're pretty comfy too!! gotta have something to stand up against all this mud!

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  6. Fan laser = genuis! Also those boots look so perty!

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    1. gotta do something to counteract the bad bad kitties!!!

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  7. I need a third bridle - see I feel ridiculous even typing that!

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    1. ha there's nothing ridiculous about that at all - charlie has three bridles in regular rotation, and i'm not even gonna count up all the other "spares" and strap good pieces i have lying around...

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    2. If it makes you feel better I have one horse and 5 bridles...

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  8. Those are nice looking boots. Yay for spoiling yourself!! I'm cheaper than cheap so I don't buy anything..like ever.

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    1. yea that's kinda how i usually roll. i find some stuff that suits my needs well and fits in my budget, and that's just what i go with for...ever lol.

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  9. I've worn the Ovation Blizzard boots the past two winters. They are warm - my toes used to hurt from the cold before I got them - but they are a bit bulky and too loose to be ideal for riding. (Fine for my light hack days though) Also now they are starting to rub the back of my ankle so I'm hoping I can find something to replace them with on end of season clearance!

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    1. oh nice!!! i definitely like riding in my barn boots, honestly, being able to transition from chores to the saddle and back again if need be. esp bc i don't like trekking through muddy fields in my nicer tall boots.

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  10. oh I REALLY like those boots! I have WAY TOO MANY boots, but it's like my addiction.. some people collect horse tack, I collect saddle pads and boots, lol

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    1. ha i refuse to admit how many saddle pads i own, esp bc it seems like i pick up more every time i go to the consignment shop.... must stop!! (er, except i just bought another pad like last week... sigh..)

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  11. Those boots are gorgeous! I love them. And saddle pads are a totally legit thing to collect. :)

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    1. haha glad i'm not the only one!! and yea i'm pretty pleased with these boots - esp for the price point!

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  12. Yay new boots! I am loving my River boots and can't wait for their inaugural mud dip at Not-Roles. Are you going this year?

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    1. i *am* going! and am under the impression they've recently started pushing the new name out with the new sponsor, land rover. so now it's the land rover kentucky 3DE lol. quite the mouthful. but yes i'll be there!! let's meet up!

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    2. Yes let's meet up! I'll be there Fri/Sat/Sun. Sending up all the hopes and prayers for decent weather too OMG

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    3. email me at fraidycat.eventing at gmail and we'll connect ;)

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  13. i have the pair of shire ones that are remarkably similar to yours and i still love them and i wore them yesterday in that crappy snow and they kept my feet dry and warm. I love them and my heel spur and plantar fasciitis do not flare up in them. https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/shires-broadway-long-leather-boot-15379 I cant believe i went so long without this type of boots. However, I know people ride in them i agree they are too thick for that. But comfort otherwise, sometimes i just slip them on and leave the zipper undone if i am just running out fast :) Glad you got new boots!

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    1. i stopped riding in mine for a while bc charlie was going in a spur for every ride for so long. we recently switched out the spur for a stick tho since he was getting too reactive to the spur in the wrong way (poor delicate flower!) and now that i don't need to fit spurs over my boots i find myself riding in these country boots pretty often. esp on days when i know i'm going to be trekking through mud and puddles and whatnot. can't beat the comfort and convenience!

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  14. Oh lovely! I don't really need them here in the desert but I'm absolutely going to look them up if I ever go east! So fun to get stuff for you though!

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  15. I want country boots so bad, buuutttt it's never really cold enough here for me to justify the price to only use them for like 3 weeks! I like you laser on the fan idea... I feel Sir Arthur has a new toy coming!

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  16. OOOoo I like. These don't come in kids sizes do they? (don't have to answer... pretty sure it's a negative) The pair of lexington kid boots I have has survived this winter, but they've got zero insulation and like all child apparel, are not made to last. the struggle. 😑

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