Well, since I have run a test, thought I would share my findings!  I am always looking for good paddock boots and I HATE overpriced Ariats that always fall apart on me, so I've been trying out the low end stuff as sort of an experiement on how they do.  I wear paddock boots constantly for just walking around the farm and riding, which sometimes entails 4-6 hour trail rides, so I use them hard.  So -- Gatsby vs. Saxon Equileather:

Saxon loses miserably!  Got them from Dover, the Equileather zip paddock boots ($40), got them this summer and they have already blown out and completely separated from the soles on both shoes.  They were comfy and great to ride in but only last maybe 4 months!  FAIL!

Got a cheap pair of Gatsby elastic-side paddock boots ($25) from Horseloverz last year -- those things are great!  They are still fully intact, no cracking, comfortable.  The only thing that happened was the lining tore, but I just threw a pair of drugstore insoles in and they work great.  I've had them and abused them now for over a year and they haven't given out yet.  Thumbs up! 

 I love my Ariats,I have lace-up and zip-front paddock boots. They have stayed in tact very well, but there's always a time to buy new boots.

I am really glad that you posted this. Now I know a good alternative for brand name paddock boots. :)

I'm glad I'm not the only one that goes through the Saxon Equileather boots so fast (I get the lace up ones)!  Thanks for posting about Gatsby, I think I'll try that one next time!

TWDQueen:

I'm glad I'm not the only one that goes through the Saxon Equileather boots so fast

Me too!!!  It always seems like the soles come off.  I think I'll be trying the Gatsby next time also.

Oh, good, I'm glad to hear it wasn't just me that murdered the Saxons -- I really couldn't believe how they just popped right off the soles one day!  I was tempted to try and fix them with some superglue (yes, I am THAT willing to save money!) but I was pretty sure it wouldn't hold there on the outside of the foot and the hole was about three inches long, ouch! 

Solaris:

I was tempted to try and fix them with some superglue

Too funny!!!  'cause I had thought about doing the same thing, but I figured the first time they got a little wet, it would just come undone.

I picked up a cheap pair of cowboy boots to wade through the muck around the farm.  The sole came loose after just one or times of getting wet.  But I glued the soles back on with PVC pipe glue and they are still going strong (better than a year)!

Glad to know that I am not the only frugal minded person here.

Thanks for the review!  I've been thinking about getting a pair of cheap paddock boots and almost bought the Saxons.  I'll definitely be looking into Gatsby. 

 My mom got me a pair of Equistar paddock boots for Christmas about 2 years ago and they are just now starting to separate at the soles. I really liked them and I think they are between $30-40 so they are on the cheaper end. Considering I have worn them nearly every time I ride and I have had my horse step on my foot a few times (ouch) I think they have done their job. I asked for a new pair for Christmas this year. 

This is a great thread with all the product reviews - thanks for posting! I have Saxon equileather tall field boots (got them ~6 months ago) and I'm pretty happy with it. I haven't had any problems with it structurally. Maybe it's just the paddock boots that have this sole separtion problem. Then again I ride like once a week in them.. maybe that's why mine held up well.

Solaris:

I was tempted to try and fix them with some superglue

LOL, I tried ShoeGoo glue and it worked okay on the part that didn't have the fake leather (the underside), but the sole wouldn't stick around the edges where the fake leather starts. 

Solaris:

Oh, good, I'm glad to hear it wasn't just me that murdered the Saxons -- I really couldn't believe how they just popped right off the soles one day!  I was tempted to try and fix them with some superglue (yes, I am THAT willing to save money!) but I was pretty sure it wouldn't hold there on the outside of the foot and the hole was about three inches long, ouch! 

Lol, I don't know the brand name of my paddock boots, but they lasted for quite a while. Sure they had a couple of cracks on the side where the boot bends when you walk, but were fine other than that. . . until the day Bennett decided to take a huge step over a puddle (she'd sooo fail as a cross country horse. Darn mare can't get her feet wet!!!) and landed right on my heel! Separated the sole from the boot. It didn't flop while walking or anything, but I also considered using glue on them. Until I found a pair of new boots for $31.00 at a tack store. Have no idea of the brand, but they're put away until next year.

I wear brown paddock boots because I have brown half-chaps. Anyone else wear brown and have a hard time finding them? Pretty much all the paddock boots I would see would be black. There were very few in the lower priced range that were brown.

IR -- haven't tried the Equistar although I have seen those, good to know! I just bought a pair of the Dublins that cost a bit more (about $70) but I'm hoping that they will last a little longer -- they have a really nice sole/shank structure that feels great to walk on, so I'm giving them a try. 

AG -- bummer!!  I have brown half chaps now, but I guess I just clash!

I have no probs finding brown paddock boots... but all I buy is Ariats. I LOVE them, haven't had any probs, they last me a LONG time and they are super comfy. But I will keep Gatsby in mind, who knows :)

Jessi

Hey, no Ariat talk in here!!!!  ;-P  This is for low-income folks!!