I’ve had a pair of Mountain Horse tall riding boots for 12 years now and they still look brand new. Admittedly, I only wear them for best and I have looked after them, but the quality is fantastic and they still fit me like a glove. It was for this reason that I was keen to test the new vegan side zip paddock riding boots from Mountain Horse.
First impressions
My first impressions were that they look exactly like a pair of leather boots – being vegan I was expecting them to look and feel different. The side zip gives them a modern, cool look and they carried the signature detail synonymous with Mountain Horse footwear.
The imitation leather was soft and smooth – it’s really hard to believe that they aren’t leather.
Fit
I’m a size 7 in shoes and have quite narrow feet with a high instep, and the first few times I wore these boots, they did feel quite narrow and a bit tight, although perfect in the length (a true size 7).
The more I wore them, the more comfortable they felt. The elasticated lace system offers flexibility to fit different shaped feet, and the zip makes it easy to get them on and off. The cushioned insole offers a comfy touch, too.
Performance
I’ve had these short boots for about six months now and have worn them through the hot summer on the yard grooming and poo-picking, and for riding — mostly hacking and schooling. To ride in, they fit well in my stirrup and offer good grip, plus there is a decent heel.
These boots have performed well through the summer and are a really smart, functional riding boot which wouldn’t be out of place in the show ring with a pair of chaps.
It’s been very dusty this summer, but a quick wipe over with a sponge and they look like new again. They’ve been wet a few times when washing off after riding, but dried quickly and the water didn’t leave any marks.
Value for money
At £79, these are much cheaper than the leather version, and have performed just as well. I’d definitely recommend them.
The Mountain Horse Veganza all-vegan side zip paddock riding boots are available in black and sizes 36-42 RRP £79
