[Angel M.]

Hello! I've been using these Durango boots for a while and absolutely loved them. They lasted about a year before they started giving me issues. The first problem was that the in-sole lining on the bottom had a very hard piece at the heel, and I guess after putting them on/taking them off so many times the heel piece bent forward, so I was stepping on it all the time and it was super annoying having it under my foot all the time. Pulling it up did nothing because it just bent back forward when I put the boot back on. If that makes sense.

Second, now the lining on the inside of the shaft is deteriorating, and I can hardly take my boots off because it catches on my heel every. Single. Time. I'm using these boots for riding, working, working, and working. For the amount of abuse I've put them through, the outside looks okay, but after only a year the inside shouldn't be so bad I feel like. I think it would be good to add that at this point the lining is giving me blisters on my heels and I NEED new boots.

So, I was wondering what everyone suggests. I usually wear bootcut jeans, so boots like Dublins probably wouldn't work so well. I would prefer for them to be somewhat nice enough to wear outside the barn but it's not a must. I need something that can take being in all types of weather, being worn everyday, and good enough to ride in. Also the deteriorating of the inside of the boot isn't because it's too small, these boots are about a size and a half too large lol... I didn't take into account that leather boots stretch. I don't really want to pay more than about $200 seeing as my Durango's didn't last as long as I expected. Any suggestions? (Would prefer in person stores so I can try them on) Thanks!

ETA: They also must be comfortable! 😉 they’ll be in a lot of muddy situations, and they’ll just be worn in general a LOT. Also a shaft is a must, no hiking boots. So I guess a more western type boot. Let me know what worked for you and what brands/styles to avoid. Also I’m not trying to hate on Durango because I loved them while they lasted, I just need something with a little more life in them. Thanks again!

 

[QtrBel]

Durango has replacement insoles. I'd call and ask about why yours are doing what they are going and try a pair of the replacements.

 

[horselovinguy]

Sounds to me the boots are worn out and mechanically/structurally failing.
Since you really wore them out in a year, I would expect any other pair of boots to also follow suit and be kaput in a year of hard wearing and everyday worn.
Now wearing them being stuck by metal piercing the footbed, insides catching your socks
Boot cut jeans can be worn with any boot....you don't have to wear them stuffed inside the boot shaft, you can and they are made to wear pulled out and over the shaft of the boot comfortably.

Many here mention Ariat boots and how they are very comfortable to walk in, to wear with jeans and to ride in...everyday.
Thinking the cost of Ariats can be less than Durango brand you might get 2 pair of boots instead of one...
Ariat Fatbaby style boots are favorites of many who do barn chores and ride... All the pictures are just a few of Ariat brand cause they start with "A" and are first in alphabeteical listings...

These are just a few of the hundreds of boots bootbarn has and ships for free to consumers. All the manufacturers are represented at that store and online source.
I also see decent selection of boots from Tractor Supply or Amazon. Decent selection and good prices are a large incentive to get me to shop and spend my money at your establishment.

When it sounds the counter of the boot is separating, the inside is now catching your clothing and making removal of your foot difficult....
Boots like anything else have a finite amount of time to be of good use, supportive and indeed safe to wear....yours sound to be past time replaced.
I absolutely would not be wearing something daily that stuck me in the bottom of my foot every step with a piece of metal.. no replacement insole is going to fix the fact the boot structurally is compromised and you are a step away from a potential serious injury to your sole you may regret.
For as long as you've had and as much wear you've done the boots have earned a burial in the garbage can.
If you got good wear and longevity out of what you had, then replace them with another. Feet are like anything else...what is comfy for you may not be for another....time to visit the boot store and try on if you want a change of manufacturer, style and look.
🐴... jmo...

 

[ksbowman]

My Durango Rebel work boots last me 3 years of hard use before needing replacement due to so much exposure to manure. I think you should contact Durango and tell them about the structural breakdown and see if they won't stand behind them. I bet they will. I would expect a free replacement or a good comp. towards another pair.

 

[Angel M.]

Sounds to me the boots are worn out and mechanically/structurally failing.
Since you really wore them out in a year, I would expect any other pair of boots to also follow suit and be kaput in a year of hard wearing and everyday worn.
Now wearing them being stuck by metal piercing the footbed, insides catching your socks
Boot cut jeans can be worn with any boot....you don't have to wear them stuffed inside the boot shaft, you can and they are made to wear pulled out and over the shaft of the boot comfortably.

Many here mention Ariat boots and how they are very comfortable to walk in, to wear with jeans and to ride in...everyday.
Thinking the cost of Ariats can be less than Durango brand you might get 2 pair of boots instead of one...
Ariat Fatbaby style boots are favorites of many who do barn chores and ride... All the pictures are just a few of Ariat brand cause they start with "A" and are first in alphabeteical listings...
View attachment 1135134 View attachment 1135135 View attachment 1135136 View attachment 1135137 View attachment 1135141

These are just a few of the hundreds of boots bootbarn has and ships for free to consumers. All the manufacturers are represented at that store and online source.
I also see decent selection of boots from Tractor Supply or Amazon. Decent selection and good prices are a large incentive to get me to shop and spend my money at your establishment.

When it sounds the counter of the boot is separating, the inside is now catching your clothing and making removal of your foot difficult....
Boots like anything else have a finite amount of time to be of good use, supportive and indeed safe to wear....yours sound to be past time replaced.
I absolutely would not be wearing something daily that stuck me in the bottom of my foot every step with a piece of metal.. no replacement insole is going to fix the fact the boot structurally is compromised and you are a step away from a potential serious injury to your sole you may regret.
For as long as you've had and as much wear you've done the boots have earned a burial in the garbage can.
If you got good wear and longevity out of what you had, then replace them with another. Feet are like anything else...what is comfy for you may not be for another....time to visit the boot store and try on if you want a change of manufacturer, style and look.
🐴... jmo...

I do wear the pant leg over the boots, not stuffed inside, so it still baffles me how bad the outside looks. 🥴 I do have a pair of Ariat hiking/riding boots, and I use these when I ride at home. However, for everyday barn work at home, they are hard to just slip on and take off all the time like a taller boot because of the laces. Also, I tried wearing them at the barn I work at, however with the amount of sand kicked into my shoes by the end of the day it was very uncomfortable, so I decided I needed taller boots with jeans over. I looked into some taller Ariats and I’m surprised that they’re cheaper than Durango! I’ll look into it more. Are there any specific styles from them that seems to work best?

Off topic question: what’s everyone’s opinions on steel toed boots for working around horses? I looked into them when I first got into the industry but there was a controversy. Some people said that they’re great and keep your digits safe, but a lot of people claimed that the horse could bend the steel, trapping your toes inside and possibly cutting them. These people advised highly against them. I don’t think I’ll get any because the normal boots work just fine even when stepped on lol. I was just wondering what others think. Have a fantastic day!

 

[Cordillera Cowboy]

These are Sears engineer boots. I’m not sure where they may be available now. They lasted about 30 years, with regular care from an old school shoe repair shop. I wore them nearly every day for 2 years as a cavalry trooper, then alternating periods of storage in harsh conditions and hard riding and working.

When they finally gave out, the Korean repair guy brought them out to me with the expression of a vet who had to tell me my dog died. “I’m sorry sir. No more.”

 

[QtrBel]

Off topic question: what’s everyone’s opinions on steel toed boots for working around horses? I looked into them when I first got into the industry but there was a controversy. Some people said that they’re great and keep your digits safe, but a lot of people claimed that the horse could bend the steel, trapping your toes inside and possibly cutting them. These people advised highly against them. I don’t think I’ll get any because the normal boots work just fine even when st⁸epped on lol. I was just wondering what others think. Have a fantastic day!

This is a myth. Or let's say it's a you get what you pay for. Steel toe boots intended for work conditions where accidents involving significant psi, high drops and heavy weights are safety rated and have certifications. That's what you look for. My husband had a greater than 70 foot pine slip off a stump and onto his foot. Without that cap he'd have lost his foot. Was he injured and did he have a long rehab? Yes. Did the cap cut off his toes? No. My child had a UTV flip and land across his foot (sideways foot placement). The steel toe held the weight. Was his foot injured? Yes. Did he lose digits? No. No steel toe and that foot and lower leg would have been crushed. I've worn steel toes around drafts for over 30 years. Had one that if you weren't on it would purposefully step on you. No problems. I can say had I not had them there would have been lots of broken toes with that one. There are other times where a horse stomped and I wasn't quick enough or feet were just wrong place wrong time and not paying attention to feet as I was watching body or face/ears. No steel toe would have meant serious injury.

You have to evaluate your working conditions and what you do in your boots. I spent hours a day working horses from the ground and hitching/unhitching. My feet spent a lot of time in close proximity to those big feet. Small feet can actually cause as much or more damage because of smaller size.

 

[horselovinguy]

I use the 1st or 2nd picture {Ariat Terrains or H2O} myself or had leather upper and stitched sole paddock boots I worked in in the barns...
I never had sand get in and disturb my toes... these do wear out the sole faster but at half the cost of many of those boots pull on I could afford to have a new pair more often. Some people complain of separation of sole from footbed happening....I've not had that but also not stand in urine soaked ground either.

@QtrBel knows where the information is about steel-toed boots...glad to see she came and shared...
It makes a difference and many did not know to look for that rating given.I did not and learned something myself.

For me though, steel toes in a frigid climate hold the cold near my toes more easily and my toes get cold enough with no help...
How often my feet get stomped on or something of that weight dropped to them in a barn....I would not be wearing that style of boot myself in normal circumstance.
I was watching a Budweiser video the other day of the team being unhitched and unharnessed, put on the haulers....being those horses each weigh over 2000 pounds quite a hit to the toes and don't think I saw any handlers wearing steel-toe footwear..
Aside from that...they are not comfortable to me to ride in...
To each their own and feet must be comfortable to make it through a long day on your feet.
🐴...

 

[ksbowman]

When I was still working there were a few places that required steel toe boots. I always hated them in the winter as they froze my toes. The ones I had were Herman Survivors that were a cold weather insulated boot too.

 

[My Salty Pony]

These are Sears engineer boots. I’m not sure where they may be available now. They lasted about 30 years, with regular care from an old school shoe repair shop. I wore them nearly every day for 2 years as a cavalry trooper, then alternating periods of storage in harsh conditions and hard riding and working.

When they finally gave out, the Korean repair guy brought them out to me with the expression of a vet who had to tell me my dog died. “I’m sorry sir. No more.”
View attachment 1135146

That was funny what the repair guy told you about your boots and would have loved to see his expression on his face when he told you I'm sorry sir, that had to be so funny!!

 

[Cordillera Cowboy]

That was funny what the repair guy told you about your boots and would have loved to see his expression on his face when he told you I'm sorry sir, that had to be so funny!!

I did find it amusing, but I couldn’t show it to that wonderful shoe repair guy. He had rescued old leather shoes for me that other repair shops wouldn’t touch. I knew that those boots were in their last days. He basically ran out of usable leather where the body met the sole. He had even put a patch on one of them where the leather had cracked from years of horse sweat and mucking stalls.

 

[Lwest.18]

I wear Twisted X high tops and I love them, super comfy and I think I've had them for 2-ish years and they're going strong, no damage what so ever, where my riding boots until I got a pair of lace up ropers which are also a good horse riding boot, comfy as.

 

[Outlaw Horseman]

I agree, Durangos are comfortable for about a year, well, mine didn't last quite that long. I wore the soles out of them and the leather wasn't the greatest because I wound up with holes in the toes and the shafts were all bent up. I don't get holes in my better boots, but they're over 200. My niece has a pair of Ariat Fatbabies and absolutely loves them. Even though she's used them hard for a couple years the leather is still good and no holes. She does wish that they had taller shafts because they bend her jeans out weird when she rides. She says they're super comfortable, but that it just looks odd. If you're not showing though it shouldn't be an issue. If you keep your pants over your boot tops instead of tucked in you shouldn't get sand in them, she doesn't. She mucks out her trainer's barns, packs tack, leads horses, tacks and hitches them up, rides, drives, runs tractors, and just about everything for several hours a day every day for a couple years and says they're the most comfortable thing she's ever worn and they're holding up great. They don't say what kind of toe they have, but she's gotten stomped several times by 16+hh horses and her foot hasn't been hurt. One time a 16hh mare went crazy, reared up, and landed on her foot. The toe of the boot bent down around her toes, but she just wiggled her toes around and up and the toe bent back into place. She wasn't injured. If you work around drafts you may want heavy tested steel toes though. Don't get cheaper steel toes or ones without high testing because I had a friend once whose trainer's Clydesdale, wearing iron shoes mind you, so the weight is concentrated, stomped the toe down on his foot and his dad had to use a grinder to thin the metal so they could bend it off his toes and get his foot out. Also, her sister has a pair of Justin Gypsys. They look basically just like an Ariat Fatbaby with a different stich pattern on the toe and a very slightly taller shaft. The leather is holding up great and she says they're pretty comfortable, but the inner sole isn't quite as comfortable (they have the same size foot so they traded boots once and both agree the Ariats are more comfortable) (also the Justins seem to run a half size smaller than the Ariats, at least in that style) also the Justin's soles are wearing unevenly for some reason while the Ariats are staying level. They both say next pair of boots they get are gonna be Ariat Fatbabys, but they want me to make taller shafts to replace those short ones, so we'll see. Good luck!

 

[talithahendrick]

Hello! I've been using these Durango boots for a while and absolutely loved them. They lasted about a year before they started giving me issues. The first problem was that the in-sole lining on the bottom had a very hard piece at the heel, and I guess after putting them on/taking them off so many times the heel piece bent forward, so I was stepping on it all the time and it was super annoying having it under my foot all the time. Pulling it up did nothing because it just bent back forward when I put the boot back on. If that makes sense.

Second, now the lining on the inside of the shaft is deteriorating, and I can hardly take my boots off because it catches on my heel every. Single. Time. I'm using these boots for riding, working, working, and working. For the amount of abuse I've put them through, the outside looks okay, but after only a year the inside shouldn't be so bad I feel like. I think it would be good to add that at this point the lining is giving me blisters on my heels and I NEED new boots.

So, I was wondering what everyone suggests. I usually wear bootcut jeans, so boots like Dublins probably wouldn't work so well. I would prefer for them to be somewhat nice enough to wear outside the barn but it's not a must. I need something that can take being in all types of weather, being worn everyday, and good enough to ride in. Also the deteriorating of the inside of the boot isn't because it's too small, these boots are about a size and a half too large lol... I didn't take into account that leather boots stretch. I don't really want to pay more than about $200 seeing as my Durango's didn't last as long as I expected. Any suggestions? (Would prefer in person stores so I can try them on) Thanks!

ETA: They also must be comfortable! 😉 they’ll be in a lot of muddy situations, and they’ll just be worn in general a LOT. Also a shaft is a must, no hiking boots. So I guess a more western type boot. Let me know what worked for you and what brands/styles to avoid. Also I’m not trying to hate on Durango because I loved them while they lasted, I just need something with a little more life in them. Thanks again!

Have had to wear safety toe boots/shoes in a long time. Any suggestions? I am going to be on my feet a good bit at my new job

Picture for attention but also looking at Thorogood boots

 

[Angel M.]

Well I ended up getting these Ariat Anthem Shortie Patriot boots. They broke in pretty quickly and they’re very comfortable. Sizes run a bit large and I had to exchange my first pair. It feels better quality than my Durangos but we’ll just have to see with time! But so far I’m very happy with them. Ariats a good brand for sure.