Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
Fresh out of the box! Photo by Sally Spickard.
Thinking back to my first pair of paddocks, I remember picking a well-loved pair off the consignment rack when I was just beginning to ride, thinking that I just needed something to encase my feet and not concerning myself with comfort or durability.
Fast forward many, many years, and paddock boots are simply a must have for me around the barn. I have a nice pair of tall boots, but I do my best to save them for competitions. That said, I still like to keep myself looking nice and polished when I ride. This means that I strive to find quality in my paddock boots without sacrificing functionality.
When Hoof & Woof offered to let me try their new zip paddock boots, I was intrigued. This is a newer brand that I had not had any previous experience with, and I was excited to try out the new boots.
The attention to detail is very impressive. Photo by Sally Spickard.
When I received the boots, I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the leather. The first thing I noticed was that these boots just scream “fancy.” From the punched toe to the brass zipper and the full leather lining, there was no stone left unturned when designing them.
So, let’s talk a bit about fit. We’re all too familiar with the practice of breaking in new boots. The painful first few days, perhaps complete with a couple of blisters that we grin and bear. Within a few weeks, the boots are fully broken in, and we go about our business.
To my delighted surprise, the Hoof and Woof boots required no break in time. I’m not exaggerating at all. From the moment I set foot in the barn, to the first ride, to the untacking process, I never experienced an ounce of discomfort. It was as if I’d had these boots for years, as they fit like a well-loved glove right off the bat.
The punched toe adds such a classic element to the boots. Photo by Sally Spickard.
The Premium PU footbed and heel lock technology hug your feet in a secure fit that is remembered the next time you put the boots on. I wore the boots to the barn daily for the first week to ensure the comfort wasn’t a fluke, and I’m pleased to report that, if anything, the boots got more comfortable as time went on.
How about durability? While I’m not exactly mucking stalls in them, I do ride multiple horses and traipse around indoor arenas and into wash stalls each time I’m at the barn. I made sure to take no measures to really go out of my way to protect them to get the full experience. After all, who has time to change shoes or put on protectors? Not me!
Photo by Daniel Bredeman.
Trekking through the pastures, enduring the occasional splash of water from a wayward hose or a splashed water bucket, a quick swipe with leather cleaner at the end of the day left the boots looking good as new.
After several weeks of wearing the Hoof & Woof paddock boots, I notice no abnormal breaking in points, no wearing down of the leather, and no deterioration in the sole. Suffice to say, I feel that these boots will be a member of my wardrobe for quite a long time to come.
Searching for the perfect paddock boot is always a tough search. With so many options available (which we aren’t complaining about!), it’s hard to know which boot will be the right one for you. After trying the Hoof & Woof paddock boots, I’m sold on their quality and durability, and I can feel confident knowing I can still look my best when I wear them to the barn.
Go comfy paddock boots, Go Hoof & Woof, and Go Eventing!
