Terryn’s Ranchwear Review
Lots of boots were made for walkin’ but it takes a special kind of boot to be made for ranching and another kind to be made for ranching in the mud. They have to be comfortable as well as able to withstand the use and abuse we put them through. And just not any ol’ boot will fit that bill, amiright?
In this go-round of Terryn’s Ranchwear Review, I’m giving you the low down on my favorite, tried, true, and tested-to-the-max work and mud boots. I also asked the WR readership and picked up a few more pairs that passed the test.
T’s Tried and True
(T – that’s me, Terryn)
Twisted X
To say that I love Twisted X might be an understatement. I’m currently sitting right at a dozen pairs of Twisted X boots and shoes. I’ve never met a style I didn’t love or had to break-in. And I’m not even kidding a little bit when I say, I’ve never had to break-in a pair, which is a testament to their fit.
I’ve got a pair for riding, a pair for snow (they no longer make these, which I find super sad), and a pair for regular work around the ranch that doesn’t require me to be horseback. The pair I wear for work is the women’s 9” All Around Work Boot, and they check all the boxes of a good work boot for me.
The Twisted X 9” All Around Work Boot is comfortable — again, no break-in period. They’re durable. I just got a new pair but wore the old ones for five years and could have gone longer if I’d have taken care of them better (i.e., thrown a little oil on now and then). And they’re seasonally versatile; which means they’re not too hot in the summer, but they keep my feet comfortable longer into the colder months than, say, my riding boots.
Even Twisted X kid’s boots stand up to adult use. Ask me how I know, and I’ll tell ya it’s because not only are those the boots we buy for our kids, they’re also the boots I ride in. True story. I’ve got a small enough foot that a kid’s size six fits me perfectly. I’ve been riding in the kid’s Top Hand style for the past five years and they’re still going strong.
I will say it’s best if you try on Twisted X before you buy, at least on the first pair or two, on account of the tendency of some styles (more shoes than boots) running a little big. I usually wear a women’s 7 but have sized down to a 6 ½ or even a 6 in some of the styles I have.
BOGS
If you’re keeping up with these ranchwear reviews, you know that I talked about BOGS last issue, but I’m gonna talk about them again.
I’ve been wearing BOGS since way back in my feed yard days when I dealt with real mud, amongst other things one deals with when working with cattle. And now the whole family wears them here on the ranch.
When I was a kid, the mud boots I sported kept my feet dry, but at a cost. They were clunky, heavy, and just dang uncomfortable. BOGS are the opposite of that. They keep my feet dry, they’re not clunky or heavy, and they are very comfortable.
I wear the Classic Tall 4-H women’s style. And aside from their comfort, what I love very most about this style is that for every pair sold, BOGS gives $5 to 4-H programs that promote outdoor education.
Reader’s Choice
For Work
When I asked about work boots, Ariat was hands-down, without a doubt the most suggested brand. Everyone who wrote in cited Ariat’s comfort and durability. And almost everyone who wrote in mentioned their reasonable price point and/or style and design options.
See all the Ariat options at www.ariat.com
For Mud
When it comes to mud boots, Dryshod and Lacrosse were in a dead heat for most recommendations.
Dryshod
Connie from Wisconsin wrote in saying, “Dryshod boots are extremely comfortable, warm, and lightweight.” And no one disagreed. They only added that Dryshod boots are durable and have better traction than other boots they’d tried.
Check out Dryshod at www.dryshodusa.com
Lacrosse
“Lacrosse boots don’t suction to my calves like other brands I’ve tried. They hold their shape better and last longer too,” and JaTanna from Montana wasn’t the only one with these sentiments about Lacrosse. The roomier and adjustable calf, comfort, and durability were the praises sung about Lacrosse brand boots.
Visit www.lacrossefootwear.com to learn more.
Be sure to follow @workingranchmagazine and me (@terryn.drieling) on Instagram to watch me try on, test out, and work in the ranchwear I’ll feature here, let us know what works for you, and tell us what you’d like to see me try next.
One to Watch
The Quatro Ranchero is a mud boot and riding boot all in one. The boot features a spur shelf, a riding heel, a side gusset for more calf room or tucking in pants, and the Quatro Comfort System Insole for shock absorption, odor resistance, and moisture-wicking.
I haven’t gotten to try these on or test them out yet, but I have a feeling the Quarto Ranchero would be perfect for our rainy calving seasons spent in the saddle. One to watch for sure!
To learn more or try a pair visit www.afsbagman.com/quatroranchero.html
CUTLINES
D14a
I’ve been wearing BOGS since way back in my feed yard days — I wear the Classic Tall 4-H women’s style. And aside from their comfort, what I love very most about this style is that for every pair sold, BOGS gives $5 to 4-H programs that promote outdoor education.
