TuffRider
Canvas Slide Zip Field Boots
English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Manufacturer: TuffRider
Model: Canvas Slide Zip Field Boots
Category: English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Purchase: I bought these boots on-line from The Equestrian Corner on sale, for $77.95 (regular $129.95) plus shipping. I needed a pair of schooling boots that would be cooler than tall boots or half-chaps and would also spare my good boots.
Likes: These boots were comfortable from the minute I put them on. I thought that the canvas leg would need to soften, but it was like they were made for my leg. It's great to find an off-the-shelf tall boot that is actually TALL. The canvas is more forgiving of accidental contact with a fence or tree branches, too! The unique zipper design is SUPER easy and convenient. I love the positioning. It starts at the inside of the foot and then curves around to the back. The zipper-securing tab at the top is soft leather and, while it may not last forever, it's easy to fasten, stays fastened and is not bulky. The boots are lined with some sort of soft nylon or neoprene lining, but your feet do stay cool. The foot is leather and even has spur rests. The insole is contoured to the foot. Can't beat the price, either. All in all, a great boot that feels like it could be worn all day.
Dislikes: The canvas is a little slicker than I hoped, but it's not a big deal. You can have the boot maker put a soft leather or suede panel on the inside of the leg, for better grip, or just use LOTS of friction wax :) The footbed feels cushy, but it's hard to say how much "extra" cushioning it would give. This boot is made to be ridden in, not used for a walking shoe, but there's enough room for a shock-absorbing insole if you wanted one. Neither of these issues really detracts from the boot's good qualities, though!
Quality: Remember, this boot is not of the same calibre as Cavallo or Petrie. It's a "value" model. However, it appears well-made. The stitching is even and tight and the leather is uniform. The two boots do not differ in any way in terms of quality. I don't know if the sole is welted - it IS stitched to the boot, but appears to be molded on the side. I also am not sure how water-tolerant the leather foot would be - but time will tell :) There are tiny, TINY oversights - one of the spur rests is juuuuust slightly uneven - but truly, unless you look very closely, this is invisible. Overall, the quality is better than I would expect of a boot in this price bracket.
Summary: A comfortable all-around schooling, teaching and trail-riding boot that is easy to put on and can be easily be worn all day. The price is economical and the quality is good. With a good cleaning this boot could probably even pass at a schooling show. I'm enjoying the purchase and would recommend these boots to anyone needing a decent boot at a good price.
Rating: 5
Author: Sarah DR
Date: 2010-07-03
Usefulness Rating: 2.9697 out of 5.
99 reader(s) voted.
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