Surprisingly slip proof and very durable.
Full disclosure, I do not use these boots for equestrian related activities. I purchased these boots for wear with my pilot uniform flying corporate aviation. I needed a boot that could pass as a dress boot but hold up to the elements as well. Durability - I travel all over the world and end up walking through snow, slush and standing water on airport ramps all of it contaminated with things like fuel and deice fluid. These boots have held up great for the entire winter season. I polish them well once a week and they still look new after several months of abuse. Safety/All Weather Leak Proof - I was pleasantly surprised at how slip resistant the soles on these boots are. They have great traction in wet and icy conditions. The leather on the boots is very high quality and has stayed 100% waterproof even along the zipper. The tongue of the boot runs all the way to the top of the zipper for leak protection. Comfort/Fit - My feet are narrow at the heel and fairly wide at the toe with very high arches. These boots feel fitted to my feet. They are snug but not tight. If you have wide feet or are used to shoes that have lots of wiggle room you'll want to go with a wide size on these. They have great arch support for my high arches but someone with flat feet may find it too much support. The heel has kind of a built in cup to it inside the shoe to stabilize your foot. When zipped up these boots fit pretty snug around the ankle but have elastic built in to conform to thicker or thinner legs. If you have really thick ankles I could see them feeling over tight. The heel is higher than most dress boots but exactly what you would expect from riding boots or cowboy boots. Essentially the boot was purpose made to support your feet and ankles while standing in stirrups and it does a great job at holding your foot and ankle stable. Expect a long break in period. The leather is pretty stiff and the boots are close fitting so it took me a good week and a half of wear to get them molded to my feet and flexing well, now they feel like custom boots. Fashion - The cushioning foam insert section of the heel comes a light grey contrasting color. Probably cool in a dressage arena but weird looking in a cockpit and airplane cabin Sharpy Marker fixed it. The zipper is very bright brass and would normally be covered by chaps when riding but again covered by Sharpy Marker when flying. Overall, very satisfied with the boots.Boots in the photo are size 12 regular after several months of wear and tear with once a week polishing. Heel inset and zippers colored black with a Sharpy Marker.