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.
When I look at a puddle, I take it as a challenge. Whether I’m “mucking it” around the barn or am walking across a parking lot, I don’t want to watch where I’m walking. I simply want my feet to stay dry and not have to be too careful about keeping my footwear looking great.
In my mind, a good pair of boots will take care of my feet while I’m wearing them. But more than that, they will also hold up to wet or muddy conditions and still clean up to look fabulous afterwards.
Sure, I realize that my criteria could be considered as setting the bar pretty high by some. But personally, I think the criteria is totally fair considering life around the barn. There are going to be puddles, and there’s gonna be dirt, mud and manure. That’s just life.
Since we’re entering the cold season, I’m also looking to keep my feet toasty, which made the Dublin Medway Boots a pretty interesting pair for me to try out this season. So why was I excited to try out the Medway boots. What makes them different from other boots that I’ve worn?
The Medway Thinsulate Tall Boots feature (as the name suggests) a breathable Thinsulate lining, which helps them to have a comfort range down to -34 degrees, which definitely caught my interest … me of eternally cold feet.
My first preview of the Medway Boot was at the American Equestrian Trade Association trade show back in August. Of course, I didn’t really want to think about cold weather then. Even so, the Medway boot was stuck in my mind as the cold season finally approached, as I was intrigued by the Thinsulate lining.
When a pair of Medway Boots arrived for me to try out, I was eager to put them to the test. Pulling the boots out of their box, I paused to appreciate the elegant quilted look, which is reminiscent of some of my quilted winter coats.
As I went to pull on the Medway Boots for the first time, I found them to fit a little snugly in the leg and ankle. I attributed the snugness to the newness of the boots, as well as the added depth from the Thinsulate lining. The lining does add to the thickness of the boot, but not overly so.
After the initial “break in” period, I found that the Medway Boots began to pull on and off more easily. Once I pulled the boots on, they felt comfortable to stand and walk around in. The elastic top gusset fit nicely around my calf, and I personally did not need to use the adjustable lace to customize the fit, which just made the laces act as a decorative accent for my wear!
The Medway Boots also features the Dublin RCS (Rider Comfort System) foot bed, which is designed to provide all-day comfort and moisture control. I’ve already experienced the RCS while wearing the Dublin Harrowed Boots last year.
I also want to point out that the Medway Boots feature a full-grain leather upper, with a waterproof and breathable HBR membrane that reaches to just over 6 inches up the calf. While I’ve worn the Medway Boots all over the place, one particularly memorable day was wearing them to a starter trial at Plantation Field.
I spent the day as a spectator, which is code for walking around. A lot. Anyone familiar with Plantation Field will understand that walking up the hill from dressage to the stadium ring and cross country course is no easy feat, especially for feet!
Even though there was walking — A LOT of walking — my feet were comfortably supported by the Medway Boots. And, most importantly, there were no blisters or rubs at the end of the day, which is a huge plus.
While the Medway Boots are comfortable, I’ve also found them to be durable and hold up well to wear. Walking through puddles? No big deal — the waterproof HBR membrane helps keep feet dry, and the boots are no worse for the wear.
I also have been making it a point to wear the Medway Boots on cold days. We haven’t reached -34 degrees by a long shot (thankfully!), but I can attest to the fact that my feet have stayed warm and comfortable in the temperatures in Pennsylvania. Thus far this season, we’ve had days down in the frosty 20s far.
One final feature to call attention to is the Touch Tech rubber outsole of the boot. The outsole is durable and lightweight and is designed to fit into a stirrup for riding.
The Medway Thinsulate Tall Boot from Dublin is available in the color Chocolate (which is a lovely tan around the top rim, ankle and foot that accents the darker brown of the leg). The boot is available in whole and half sizes from 6 to 10 and also size 11. The retail price is $269.99, and you can find the Medway Boot here.
Go Warm & Comfortable Made for Walking Boots. Go Dublin. Go Eventing.