5 Best Boots for Long, Hard Days at the Horse Barn

There’s Nothing Better Than (Comfy) Barn Days

For rookie and seasoned equestrians alike, spending quality time at the barn is something we all look forward to. Preparing for different conditions (e.g. mud, cement aisles, sand arenas) and lots of time on your feet ensures the perfect day isn’t ruined by imperfect footwear.

If you’re tired of pinched toes, aching arches, and sore feet, it’s time to make a change. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to horse barn boots that won’t leave you flat-footed.

Horse Barn Boots	Category	Summary
Ovation Moorland II Highrider Click to Shop	Best Tall Barn Boot	Comes in brown and black Comfy all day Stylish enough for the barn or out on the town
Twisted X All Around Click to Shop	Best for Tough Conditions	Easy to maintain Durable rubber sole and toe Safe riding heel
Ariat Fat Baby Heritage Click to Shop	Most Comfortable Short Boot	Durable rubber sole Cushioned foot support system Lightweight shank for stabilization
Ariat Heritage Lacer III Click to Shop	Best Paddock Boot	Comfy in and out of the saddle ATS technology for superior support Easy to pair with half chaps for riding
Bogs Classic Mid Waterproof Rain Boot Click to Shop	Best Waterproof Muck Boot	Waterproof neoprene upper and non-slip outer sole Year-round suitability Removable sock liner

Ovation Moorland II Highrider Boot

Barn time isn’t all about riding, and many equestrians spend as much time on the ground as in the saddle. That’s why we love the Moorland II Highrider.

This boot features a durable, grippy, and shock-absorbing rubber sole. Plus, the suede upper looks very stylish paired with the oiled leather foot.

The zipper makes the HighRider easy to put on and take off (not that you’ll want to!), and this boot looks great with riding pants or jeans. Best of all, the foot is waterproof!

PROS:

• Available in black and brown
• Durable and supportive rubber soles
• Roomy in the toes without looking bulky

CONS:

• Not appropriate for upper-level competition
• More relaxed vs. form-fitting calf fit may, or may not, be your cup of tea

Click to see this boot at State Line Tack

See why the Highrider made our list of the 5 Most Comfortable Tall Riding Boots.

Twisted X All Around

Twisted X is best known for their moccasins, but their All Around Boot is an unsung hero in the boot world. Durable-yet-comfy, you’ll feel right at home doing barn chores, riding, or running errands on your way home.

A thick rubber sole and toe guard protect your feet from all sorts of dangers, and the XSD composite shank stabilizes you on uneven ground.

With a moisture-wicking, machine washable, and antibacterial memory foam insole, you don’t have to worry about wearing out the inside of your boot before the outside.

They also have a safe heel for riding when you’re at the barn to work and play.

PROS:

• Easy to maintain over time
• Durable-yet-comfortable rubber outsoles
• Heel is appropriate for riding

CONS: 

• Tends to fit on the small side, so size up
• Only available in distressed brown color

Read Customer Reviews at Amazon

See why the Twisted X made our list of the 16 Best Cowboy Boots.

Ariat Fat Baby Heritage

For equestrians with wider feet, and those who simply prefer a more relaxed fit, the Ariat Fat Baby Heritage are perfect. They come in a wide variety of fun colors and patterns, and you won’t leave with sore feet at the end of the day.

Plus, Fat Baby fans rave these boots take virtually no time to break in.

PROS:

• Looser fit in the foot and shaft
• 4LR support system cushions your feet
• Pick from many fun color combos

CONS: 

• Shorter shaft (8″) is between traditional paddock boots and tall riding boots
• Casual style that isn’t appropriate for most competitions

Read Customer Reviews on Amazon

See why the Fat Baby made our list of the 12 Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots.

Ariat Heritage Lacer III

The Ariat Heritage Lacer III is a classical western-style paddock boot that’s suited to riding, working, and wearing around town. Want a more English look? Simply remove the fringed tongue.

Pros:

• Leather upper and durable rubber sole hold up to time on the ground and in the saddle
• ATS technology ensures superior support and stabilization
• Pair with Ariat half chaps to ride with a tall boot look

Cons:

• Lace up versus zipper (no back pull strap)
• Soles are suitable for barn and riding usage, but may not hold up as well in really tough terrain

Read customer reviews on Amazon

See our detailed review of the Ariat Heritage Lacer III Paddock Boot.

Bogs Classic Mid Waterproof Boot

When it comes to muck boots, Bogs Classic Mid Waterproof Rain Boot is understandably popular. Waterproof, windproof, and super durable, these boots are built to survive less-than-ideal conditions.

Pros:

• Waterproof with a neoprene upper and non-slip outer sole for slick surfaces
• Suitable for all seasons (down to minus 40F)
• Mid-calf height is lighter and cooler than tall muck boots
• Anti-fungal, odor-resistant, and removable sock liner

Cons:

• Seam up the back of the ankle may rub depending your foot shape and boot size
• Size up if you plan to wear thick socks inside your muck boots

Check the latest price on Amazon

See why Bogs made our list of the 7 Best Muck Boots.

Bring on the Barn

Whether you’re grooming your horse, doing groundwork, riding, mucking stalls, or simply hanging out with your barn buddies, comfortable and durable footwear is critical. Bye bye, bad boots!

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