Where Should I Go To Find Boots?

New students often ask where they should shop for riding boots. There are several places in the Manhattan area that carry Western boots, but my favorites are RB Outpost , which is north of Manhattan on 24 Highway, and Vanderbilt's in Wamego. Both have a very large selection of men's, women's, and children's sizes and styles.

If you haven't bought boots before, here are a couple of things to look for:

• A smooth sole that will slip easily in and out of the stirrup. Leather-soled boots tend to be slippery on wet surfaces, so save those for the dance floor.
• Boots should fit tightly across the instep of your foot, but it's normal for your heel to slide up and down as you walk. 
• If you are going to be wearing spurs with your boots, a spur rest on the heel is nice. This won't be a concern for most beginning riders. 
• "Fat Baby"-style boots are NOT riding appropriate. The thick, textured sole makes it hard for your foot to slide out of the stirrup in an emergency.

Questions? Feel free to contact me and I'll help as best I can!