ROCKY Original Ride: Are These Western Boots Ready to Ride… or Retire?
ReviewHowdy folks! Dusty Trails here. I’ve spent a lifetime kicking around in boots, from my grandpa’s farm to the city streets. So, trust me, I know a thing or two about Western boots. Recently, I got my hands (or rather, feet!) on the ROCKY Original Ride Waterproof Western Boot, and I’m here to spill the beans.
First Impressions:
Right out of the box, these boots just look right. That full-grain leather upper, with its tan foot and ochre shaft? Classic Western style, no doubt. The stitching? A nice touch. And those pull straps and loops? They look like they can handle some serious pulling. Getting them on wasn’t a struggle either, thanks to that expansion fit seam. A real lifesaver for those of us with slightly higher arches, you know?
The Rocky Ride System: Comfort or Just Hype?
ROCKY sure does talk up their eight-layer “Original Ride” comfort system. So, naturally, I was itching to see if it was the real deal. That insole? Feels pretty darn cushioned. I can see it molding to my foot over time, like a good memory foam mattress. And the EVA midsole? Definitely soaks up some shock. That’s key when you’re on your feet all day, right? I’ve been stomping around my ranch for days now, and I gotta say, my feet feel less beat-up than they do in some of my other, less-cushy boots.
Waterproof? You Betcha!
Living where it rains as much as it shines, waterproof boots are non-negotiable. So, I put these ROCKYs to the test. Muddy fields? Check. Standing in a creek? Yep, did that too (all for research, of course!). And my feet? Bone. Dry. Thanks, Rocky Waterproof System!
The Sole Truth:
That rubber outsole? Oil and slip-resistant. A huge win, whether you’re slopping around a farm or dodging puddles downtown. Plus, the right-angle heel gives you some serious stability. I felt totally secure climbing a ladder to fix a loose shingle on my barn the other day. No wobbles, no worries.
A Few Hiccups:
Okay, let’s be real. Nothing’s perfect. And these boots have a couple of things worth mentioning. While the cushioning is good, I wouldn’t call them the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. After a long day, I did feel a little ache in my arches. Also, the leather seems tough enough, but I’m curious to see how it holds up after a year or two of hard work. Only time will tell, I guess.
The Final Verdict:
Look, the ROCKY Original Ride Waterproof Western Boot is a solid choice if you want a Western boot that looks good and works hard. They keep your feet dry, they’re reasonably comfortable, and they give you good stability. Are they the absolute comfiest boots on the market? Maybe not. But for the price, they’re a darn good deal. Need a pair of boots you can count on for work or just kicking around? Give these a look.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Would I tell you to buy them? Yeah, I would. Just maybe think about grabbing some extra arch support if you’re planning on wearing them all day, every day.
Full disclosure: I got these boots for free to review. But hey, these opinions are all mine, based on my own two feet.