February 2009

are they differentiated by height? which one is better for long lasting durable wear and tear in wet and dry conditions? are they different than regular leather boots?

There is a wide range of western riding boots available – and a few different styles of English ones.

Lace-up paddock boots, for example, are darned close to the same thing as Western "lacers" – they're about the same height and everything, but the western ones commonly have kilties near the toes while the english ones don't.

If you're comparing Tall english boots like field or dress boots to pull-one western boots, there's a lot of difference. Tall English boots go all the way to the knee. Tall pull on western boots usually only have shafts about 10-12" tall. Only the buckaroo boots go near the knee in height. The Tall English boots are often tighter on the whole foot and leg than a tall Western pull on boots.

Neither one nor the other will outlast generally speaking. Both english and western boots are available anywhere from all leather to all synthetic. And all variations in between have postive attributes and drawbacks.

One must consider the use of the boot needed. For example, we often get people in our store looking for tall english boots for their child to show in. If the child is still growing, and the boots won't fit them long, unless they have a ready buyer for the boots when the kid outgrows them, it's often not worth paying $300+ for top-of-the line leather boots. They can get by with a cheaper synthetic boot for about $80-$100. However, the synthetic material isn't as strong as leather, we often have issues with synthetic boots ripping at the zippers or seams.

Likewise, with western boots, one can purchase a synthetic boot for maybe $70 – $100 or less if on clearance. But the boot won't last as long during heavy wear, may not keep it's color as well if left in the sun.

Synthetic boots don't breathe as well as true leather does. Therefore, the feet can get sweaty or uncomfortable in Synthetic boots where tehy may not in leather boots.

One must consider the sole – there's leather soles, rubber soles, composite soles – in all brands and styles of boots. You must consider your use and what works best for you.

also whether you're showing or not as there are rules for what you can show in for certain circuits and what you can't – the rules are typically more lax in open or fun shows and more strict in breed circuits, state or national shows.

There are also 'fashion' boots – primarily in western boots. For example, the Ariat Fatbaby, Probaby, Gem Baby, etc boots are VERY comfortable for everyday wear. But I don't like them for riding unless they're the taller pro-babies. I prefer my traditional pull on, R-toe boots with leather soles for riding, but I prefer Fatbabies for career work or leisure.

The boot sole technology also makes a difference. For example, the Ariat Cobalt (TM) line of boots in both English and Western are the height of technology and comfort as they have gel soles, carbon fiber forked shanks for stability and other technology that makes them awesomely comfortable. BUT – some people cannot wear Ariat boots at all. I know a couple people who put on Ariats and really like them, but the arches of their feet don't fall in the right place int the boots – they simply cannot wear any Ariat boots.

So you need to really try a lot of them on – see what feels best to you in terms of style and fit and consider what you'll use them for.

Personally, I prefer leather – it 'breaks in' and conforms to your foot like a glove where sythetic won't. I can care for leather to prolong it's life, strength and value. I can own a pair of boots that's exactly the same as someone else's and I can make mine last longer by taking good care of them. If leather gets wet, it's like skin – you have to let it dry out well, then re-condition it with the proper oils.

Look at how the soles are sewn on – are they double welt or single? Heavy thread or fine? Are they made to last a long time or just look good going dancing?

I sell boots – and I own a good 50 pairs of boots and shoes. My all-time favorite is Ariat – they are consistent and I wear a 7 I KNOW without doubt that if I order or buy a 7 in an Ariat it'll fit. I know they're made well – and I know they have a very wide range of styles for different functions – a wider range of styles that women look for. However, they're not made in the US. Double H has boots made in the US but the range of styles available for women is much smaller than that of Ariat. For dancing, I prefer a leather soled boot – which Ariat does not make. Therefore, I lean towards Justin's. Justin have a very wide range of styles, but their sizes aren't as consistent. I have a pair of crepe soled ropers that are a 6 – and a pair of square toed dancing boots (that were very expensive) that are a 7-1/2. You have to try on Justin's to make sure they're right for you.

Hope this helps even if it wasn't a short-definitive answer. The answer really is "it depends…"

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