As October comes to an end here in Langley BC (about 30 seconds away from the Washington border) I find myself coming home from the Stable with cold, wet feet. Even though I’m just standing and walking through wet grass (no mud or puddles), since I’m out for 2-4 hours at a time, the water is seeping through my leather Ariat Zip Paddock Boots.
I tried applying a waterproof spray, but that didn’t make much difference, so I realized I needed to buy riding boots that are guaranteed waterproof. About a half hour into my search I realized this was going to take me a while, so I kept track of my wanderings (over the next 3 hours!) and here are the results of all my research. I hope to save you from the same laborious process by gathering the top contenders here is one list!
This list comprises my top picks for waterproof equestrian riding boots that have a longer shaft (leg length) and a roomy toe box. I did not look at ankle boots, or narrow toed boots. Some of them are also lined for colder weather and some are just waterproof. They are also the best looking boots (in my opinion!) from sleek to funky in a reasonable price range from $112 – $280. Most of the boots are available in a variety of colors, so please click the title or ‘more details’ link for more colors, photos taken from different angles and full product information.
ARIAT STANTON
I originally wanted to get the Ariat Heritage Roper, or Ariat Probaby – but neither were waterproof. But these ones from Ariat have the same footbed support (like a running shoe in boot form) and are completely waterproof. They have the longest shaft (tallest) of the Ariat waterproof boots at 15″. Moisture-wicking, gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilizer for shock absorption and support. Waterproof full-grain leather and waterproof membrane construction with dual stretch gore panels. Inside zipper for easy on and off. $279. Click here for more details and photos…
These next ones from Ariat are one inch shorter than the Stanton (14″ shaft), a bit sleeker, and the same price. Full-length zipper closure for easy on and off. Cushioned footbed with ATS® technology offers optimal stability and all-day comfort. Waterproof full grain leather upper with waterproof membrane construction. $279. Click here for more details and photos..
The Ariat Roseland is shorter still with a 12″ shaft, but it also has a fleece lining for extra warmth. Waterproof full-grain leather upper and waterproof membrane construction. Dual pull tabs. Moisture-wicking, gel-cushioned footbed with heel stabilizer for shock absorption and support. $279. Click here for more details and photos…
This Ariat Bremen looks nicer from the front then the side (in my opinion). Leather and suede upper, 13″ shaft, pull-on with gusseted elastic that can be loosened. Cushioned footbed and slip-resistant sole. $219. Click here for more details and photos…
Quite funky looking and made by Sorel so you know they are going to wear and perform well. Leather upper with fleece lining, 15.5″ shaft. Waterproof rubber shell with 100g insulation. Like most of the boots here, these are available in a variety of colors. My only caution about this boot is that it crinkles down quite a bit around the ankle area – watch the video to see what I mean – some might like that, and some not. $210. Click here for more details and photos…
These Teva boots are great if you have a wider calf (see the reviews). But they are so sleek and Italian beautiful-looking I would have trouble mucking them up! They do zip up on the inside leg, but the zipper looks sunken in to the boot, so may be okay for riding. 12″ shaft. $160. Click here for more details and photos…
These Chooka boots have a narrower toe box than I like, but I thought I’d throw them in here as they are well made for even sub-zero temperatures and one of the most reasonably-priced boots at $150. Neoprene bootie with rubber overlays, cotton-lined, padded footbed. Leather overlays and treatments, pull-on, 13.5″ shaft. Click here for more details and photos…
The Cheaper Option
Or, for those of you who already have a good pair of rubber boots, you may want to just purchase a fleece boot liner for your wellies to provide additional warmth, like these ones from Amazon (with no uncomfortable seams in the foot):
Now, I know many reading this won’t be in Canada, but I had to include these next three riding boots designed for wet, cold Canadian winters! Also, at the prices they’re charging, they may be worth paying extra for shipping. All are available at Sears.ca – so who knows, you may even be able to get your local Sears to bring them in for you. You can always ask!
You just can’t beat the price tag (on sale until Jan 16th), they are leather, with extra warmth features like a thermal boot lining and heat-reflecting insole. 15″ shaft. $120. However, as you can see from the picture, there is a zipper on the inside, so not so good if you’re doing much riding. Click here for more details and photos…
Here’s another pair from Sears, this one is simpler, with a bit higher heel and 14″ shaft. But again, thermal lining and radiant insole to preserve heat along with full waterproofing. The cheapest boot listed here at $112 (on sale until Jan 16th). And great thing is, this boot is pull-on, with no zipper! Click here for more details and photos…
Also from Sears Canada, these lovely boots (13″ shaft) are fleece-lined and on sale until Feb 2nd for only $120. Zipper on the inside though, not so great if you’re planning to ride a lot in them. Click here for more details and photos…
Okay, just one for the men here! If you have a horse that steps on you, or you do a lot of heavy work around the barn, then this steel-toed Bogs boot may be the way to go. Hand-lasted natural rubber upper laid over a four-way stretch bootie made of flexible 7mm Neo-Tech insulation. 100% waterproof. Non-marking rubber outsole is slip and chemical resistant. Comfort rated to -40°F or sub zero conditions. $130. Click here for more details and photos…
If you already have any of these boots, please let us know what you think and what you recommend in the comments section below!
Jini Patel Thompson is a natural health writer and Lazer Tapping instructor. She began riding at age 2 in Kenya, and got her first horse at age 8 in Alberta, and so continues a life-long journey and love affair with these amazing creatures.
Pingback: Ariat Work Boots Men Western WorkHog Mesteno 11.5 EE Savannah |