Horse riding boot?

[adk hunter]

Headed into the Wyoming backcountry in October and wondering if I should get or use a smoother bottom boot? I hate the thought of an unscheduled dismount but sure don't want to be stuck upside down!! I'd like to not pack half my weight in different boots!! Right now I have some Kennetrek packs, Kennetrek uninsulated which I wear all the time and some Keen low camp shoes.

Thanks in advance!

 

[wyosteve]

I don't think you need a smoother bottom boot, but ask your outfitter if he has extra wide stirrups on his saddles. If so, your current boots will be fine. Remember to ride with the balls of your feet in the stirrup, not the whole foot 'jammed' into it. Good luck.

 

[3chester]

Get a pair of White's Packer boots, great for riding and you can still hike comfortably for miles in them .

 

[wvbearhunter]

If you keep your foot properly in the stirrup any boot will work with little risk. However if you are an inexperienced rider then look at stirrup covers that block your boot from going to far forward

 

[26Reload]

Ride sidesaddle...
Oh...I thought this was in the Humor pages....

 

[VinceMule]

I like taps on my stirrups and always wear a boot with a good heel. Remember, keep your foot in the stirrup on the balls of your feet, heels down.

 

[ultraedge]

I wear Twisted X lace up boot for riding. I also wear them every day for work. Very comfortable.

 

[dmj]

At least for me one thing I take in to consideration is that I want to wear something that allows me to dismount and walk leading my horse for a while. Have a great time and best of luck on your hunt. Be safe.

 

[adk hunter]

Thanks everyone!!
My wife is a little worried but I just survived a tornado in upstate NY!!
I've ridden and love it…
Thanks for the tips everyone!

 

[HockeyDad]

Canadian #1: I'm missing a boot.
Canadian #2: You're missing about what, eh?

 

[Mike 338]

Get a pair of White's Packer boots, great for riding and you can still hike comfortably for miles in them .

I have a permanent toe injury that says otherwise. Coming off a steep grade into a creek bottom, my mule hit the bottom and my feet pushed hard into the stirrups. It jammed my toe in the shape of the boot, toe which is pointy. It bent my big toe into a permeant angle and now I have a bunion. Hurt like heck. A bunion is a thing to be avoided. Personally, I think all Whites boots, and I've had many, simply don't have a toe box that mimics a typical foot. Smoke Jumpers stink for side-hilling because the "little toe" side of the toe box angles in to early and causes blisters. Also, I've walked miles in Packers and because of the high narrow heel, they're unstable on a trail. They're fine for around town or in an arena. That said, you can custom order Whites with a more rounded toe box. They won't look quite as "Western" but either does a limp.

For backcountry work, I just use my hiking boots and pay special attention to keep my weight on the toes while in the stirrups, if I need to bail out in a hurry. For general pleasure riding, I just use whatever square toed western boot that was a good price.