01/14/2025
Here’s a product review no one asked for but you’re gonna get it any way.
These boots have been total game changer for my broken leg era. The shorty boots were a gift and are waterproof and slightly lined with I don’t know what, but enough that your feet don’t turn to ice instantly outside. They’re so easy to shove your foot into-iykyk- and easy to get off. I’d seen friends with them this summer at horse shows and on wet days and coveted them, but never had the scratch to cough up for a pair. They’re wonderful. Order them. You won’t regret it. Cough up the scratch.
The big boots are the big brother of the short boots. The box said “comfortable to -20,” they were half price, my size and I already knew I loved the short boots. So I went for it. Again they’re super easy to get on and off, without help, and without tweaking my leg. HEAR ME TELL YOU: SO WARM. You guys- I’m sitting in the cold for HOURS. Sitting. Maybe standing in the middle of a cold as a tomb arena, but mostly sitting and these kept me WARM. Today was a big test. 4.5 hours straight outside, in the arena. 26 degrees. Not a cold tootsies to be felt. Regular socks.
The down side is they’re heavy- not for an unbroken leg, but for the broken leg they’re heavy, heavy and I am SORE. But I’ll take it. Insulation in a boot that’s rugged enough to be willing to wear around horses is going to be heavy. It’s a fair trade for warmth and since I’m not hiking Everest for the next little bit, the weight of my boots isn’t a factor.
So why the new boots? Let me tell you:
My usual go-to is a pair of Muck winter boots that I have two pairs of. I switch back and forth half way through my teaching day, keep one pair next to the wood stove to warm up while I wear the other pair. They’re the tall ones with the fabric calf and up until now, they’ve been fine. I’ve sort of accepted cold feet and would ask for a spin on a horse to warm myself up. BUT the leg changed that. I can’t bRack And Reel Sports Centerrned. Apparently, that’s the line my personality isn’t built to cross. However, Sore and warm? All day long, happy as a clam.
In summation, Goodbye, you Muck boots that aren’t really all that warm, insanely hard to get on and off, leg killers with your tall shaft. And hello, you wonderful Xtratufs!
As a farmer, rider, outdoor living maker, I’ve worn some winter boots. Expensive winter boots. Fancy winter boots. Tall, short, fleece lined, sheep skin lined, science lined, pull on, lace up, pull on and then lace up. I’ve tried Wool socks, sporty socks, riding socks, two pairs of socks blah blah blah. So far, these are the best boots I’ve come across. AND they fit in a stirrups stirrup😜
Shout out to Avenue Outfitters (aunt Giard) and Rack And Reel Sports Center for helping keep me warm and having really killer sales so I don’t have to feel guilty about another pair of boots😜
