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.
Ovation logo on the oiled dark brown leather foot of the Ainsley Boot – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
The leaves are almost down and the air is cool and crisp. While I miss those warm (and lazy feeling) days of summer, there is something exhilarating about the brisk weather of fall as it rolls into winter. The horses love it–I can see it in their eyes and expressions. They seem to be even more playful in the cooler temperatures, and enjoy romping around the field like silly children.
It’s been well over a month since I “officially” kicked off my own personal sweater and boot season–which is my favorite seasonal trend. Of All Time. Ever. Period. I like to think of a cozy sweater and skinny jeans paired with boots as my personal style signature. Because while I think the look itself is fab, I also find it to be exceptionally functional as well.
Though the functionality of my signature style relies heavily on the boots. While a sweater and jeans are well…a sweater and jeans. Their style, color, materials and warmth can vary, but essentially they are meant to be warm and comfortable. On the other hand, I find that boots have many different features, which help make them appropriate for certain activities.
I like wearing boots that are ‘more than just a pretty face’. Because I don’t want to have to be precious about my footwear – when I’m pulling on a pair of boots, I don’t want to have to stop to think about what the weather is doing, or where I’ll be venturing to during my day. I like it when my boots are ready to face any conditions that I want to walk in. Or over. Or through.
The Ainsley boots look fab even when I just run out to get my fix of Starbucks Peppermint Ho-Cho – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
What I don’t want to be is someone who has to dodge puddles or shriek when my boots get the slightest bit wet, because they can’t handle it. Boots should not be like the Wicked Witch of the West – they’re not supposed to melt when they get wet. The tamest conditions that I face would be just walking through puddles – and boots should at least be able to keep my feet warm and dry while sloshing through puddles.
This season, one of the pairs of boots that I’ve been wearing are the Ainsley Boots from Ovation’s Country Collection. At first glance, I thought the Ainsley boots looked like another pair lovely and stylish country boots.But after having the chance to spend time living in them, I’ve found that I’ve become familiar with the little details that make the Ainsley unique.
The Ainsley’s appearance is truly lovely –I especially like the contrast between the dark brown colored oiled foot, and the warm, carmel-like brown color of the suede upper part of the boots. And the contrast does not just stop with the color – I also find the foot of the boot feels sturdy (without being overly heavy), and the suede of the upper part of the boot feels soft and smooth to the touch.
The styling details of the Ainsley really help to get the boots their own unique look. The dark brown trim at the top of the boots are striking, and continue the contrast look between the foot and upper part of the boot. The boots pull on, and the back of the top edge dip down to form a ‘V’ shaped notch. To add to the styling, there is also additional dark brown trim on the back of the boot – including one with a snap accent.
I especially like the contrast between the dark brown colored oiled foot, and the warm, carmel-like brown color of the suede upper part of the Ainsley boots – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
In addition to the stylish trim detailing the Ainsley boots, I also find myself enamored with the lovely plaid lining of the interior of the boots. The plaid is a combination of shades of earth tones (greens) and neutrals (browns), and just adds an extra pop of chic to the boots.
I’ve found that I even sometimes prefer to fold the top trim of the Ainsley’s down when I’m wearing them, so that the plaid is quite visible. Just another styling option that I’ve found makes the boots more versatile for me.
When I pulled the Ainsley boots on for the first time, I found that they felt remarkably comfortable. The cut of the boots allows for more room in the leg and calf. Even though my legs and calves are long and on the lean side, I found the fit of the Ainsley boots to be relaxed and comfy. It’s no surprise that I tend to pair them with skinny jeans, and a nice pair of boot socks.
While the Ainsley boots definitely have a ‘pretty face’ I also have found that their function fits in well with my lifestyle. These boots were made to give comfort in all weather conditions.
Instead of a waterproof coating, the Ainsley boots have a Freudenberg German-made waterproof and breathable membrane to help keep feet dry. Whether I’m trekking around the barnyard or am out on the town, I find that my feet are comfortable when they are hoofing it in the Ainsley boots. The outsole of the boots feels sturdy, and it is also grippy – so I don’t have to worry about my feet slipping or losing grip.
The Ainsley boots kept my feet comfortable AND dry EVEN during my ‘over the river and through the woods’ mini-golf adventure – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
I’ve worn the Ainsley boots to do a lot of walking – around the farm and even for all-day shopping excursions. And there might have been that trip to what I like to call the ‘extreme’ miniature golf course – which is totally awesome, and makes you feel like you are golfing in an ‘over the river and through the woods’ type of environment.
And through fields. On sidewalks. Through puddles. Around stores. Through water traps to fetch a ball. While cleaning stalls. And while dumping the muck cart. My feet stayed DRY and comfortable through it all while I wore the Ainsley boots.
The ‘Always Amazing’ Ainsley Boots from the Ovation Country Collection retail for $219.95, and you can check them out here.
Go Comfortable Boots (with awesome styling details). Go Ovation. Go Eventing.
