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As a horse trainer, equine behaviour consultant and bodyworker in the UK, the variety of areas I cover within the equestrian sector require a well-made and sturdy boot that is practical for activities on the ground, suitable for riding in a variety of saddles, smart for teaching, and substantial enough to be safe around horses and cope with the different ground we have.
Of course, as a UKCC Level 2 western coach, I certainly have a preference for a good Western boot — and so I am the ideal person to try a pair of Durango Rebel Pro boots!
First impressions
My first impressions on receiving the Durango Rebel Pro (aside from the smell of a new leather boot fresh out the box) is the detail of the design in the Durango wrapping.
The boots are well protected in the box and the attention to detail of the stitching is immediately obvious, specifically so on the shaft, with no loose threading.
The leather is of high quality, made with premium grain and a substantial sole, which will do nicely for teaching from the ground or working in the saddle. The blue and brown colours are darker and deeper compared to how they looked online, but this is not a disappointment.
I struggle to find well-fitting footwear due to my foot size. My feet are large — usually a UK size 12 — and to complicate things, they are also quite wide.
This means the size of shoe that I order depends on multiple factors, such as the design, whether the material has any ‘give’, and the toe shape (square toe, R toe, round toe, etc).
The Durango Rebel Pro is a cutting-edge design with a squaring off of the toe box.
I personally prefer a wider toe box. Aside from fitting my feet, I find that this allows my foot to function better, but that may be a rabbit hole for another time!
Fit
I ordered the boots in a size smaller than usual, as I find nothing worse than a boot that slops around on the end of my foot. Sure-footedness is something we need around horses, and leather does have give over time.
Ordering a size smaller suited my feet fine, with the contouring around the base of the shaft providing a nice fit around my ankle, and with room within the toe box. Therefore, I am happy to write that these are some of the best-fitting boots for my foot shape I have ever experienced.
The boots have well-placed pull straps for ease of getting them on. I am immediately aware of how comfy they are — a result of the Durango Dually Shank System — which adds extra stability.
A 7-layer, memory-foam footbed provides extra performance and cushioning, and I find that it aids with absorbing any concussive impact that can result from time in the saddle or as a result of a heeled-boot.
Durability
From the first day of wearing to the present day, the Durango Rebel Pro has proven to be a durable boot.
They are easy to slide on and off, and have a secure fit around the crown and shaft. The leather has shown no signs of drying out as some can do, particularity after the heat exposure of the past six months.
Naturally there are scuff marks on the toe and vamp after heavy use, with some added chunks missing around the counter. This reflects the practicality of my work and the level of use they have had, and so I would expect this.
When shopping for a boot, I naturally have a preference to Western attire. However, the importance is always on practicality and a boot that is multi-purpose.
As many of us who work and own horses can relate to, we practically live in a good pair of boots for several hours a day at a time.
For myself, an average day of lessons consists of active groundwork with a variety of horses, coaching from the ground, bodywork treatments or riding in either English or western saddles.
Therefore, I need a comfortable, durable boot that is suited for multiple disciplines, secure on varying terrain and that may turn a head or two in Morrisons at the end of the day!
Comfort and breathability
I have been wearing the Durango Rebel Pro for around five months. I’ve been teaching in them in the UK and attended clinics in the USA. As a result, the boots have done quite a few miles, been exposed to different weather and teaching conditions, and have been thoroughly tested.
I find them perfect for all aspects of teaching and training on the ground, and riding in both English and western saddles.
These are one of the most comfortable and breathable pair of boots that I have had the pleasure to wear in hot conditions. This is likely down to Durango’s X-Treme A.C. ventilated shaft and the airflow channels within the comfort system.
We have had one of the hottest summers on record here in the UK, while temperatures often reached the high twenties in the States, yet at no point did I feel that my feet were overheating.
Lack of rainfall means opportunities for wearing the Durango Rebel Pro boots in wet weather have been limited.
The outer sole is listed as oil-resistant and they are described as water resistant. Personally, I would not use a boot with this description in wet conditions.
The few times that I have worn the boots in the rain or on wet pasture, I have found that the outside of my boot was left with some staining of the leather oil.
Customer service
The sole itself has proven to be durable with minimal signs of wear. However, within the first few months of wear I noticed that there was splitting present at the top of the heel base on both boots and it was not caused by impact.
When I reach out to the customer service team at Durango, their response is prompt and they provide a replacement pair within the week. Customer service does not get much better than that!
Design
Key features of the Durango Rebel Pro are the design: it’s subtle, yet practical.
The overall aesthetic design is appealing — not loud as some western designs can be, which is not a preference of mine, but enough detail on the shaft for something a little different and for compliments to be given.
The practicalities of the Rebel Pro for use as a working boot, along with the addition of the ventilated shaft, makes them perfect for long days and warm working conditions. This, in my experience, is a rarity — especially in one that fits so comfortably.
Value for money
After months of persistent testing, the sole and heel show exceptionally minimal signs of wear on the underside. There have been no negative effects on my posture, and I have found the boot to suit my needs and exceed my expectations.
In my opinion, the longevity and use that one may get from this boot, as well as the customer support provided, makes the Durango Rebel Pro boots value for money, with a price tag of just over £200.
Key information
Full name: Durango Men’s Rebel Pro Western Boots
Colours: Brown and blue
Sizes: UK 7-11
RRP £230
- View the full range of Durango Western boots for men
- View the full range of Durango Western boots for women
Main image by Natasha Martin
