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)??