There’s nothing like a worn-in pair of trail riding boots carrying the trail dust of countless horseback adventures. Here, we ask 14 Trail Rider magazine contributors, whose names you regularly see on our pages, some fun boot-and-chap-related questions. We also list contact information to the boot and chap makers mentioned, as well as other popular brands, in case you’re ready to break in some new footwear of your own.

BONNIE DAVIS

Type of trail riding she enjoys: All kinds, from high mountains to city trails, desert to beach. Also, around the pasture, because any trail is a trail to ride. I also enjoy horse camping.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I like Double H Packers, because I can lace them up as tightly or loosely as I like. And, they provide good foot and arch support when I walk around the camp, barn or just working around horses. Plus, if I trip on a rock, I don’t have to worry about twisting an ankle. The high tops protect me from snakebites. The heavy leather protects my toes, in case a horse steps on me. The heel ridge holds a spur, when I need one. And, they’re easy to clean.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Could you step over the horse manure and mud instead of walking through it?"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: You don’t need good boots to ride! Good boots are defined not as looking good, but protecting your feet. They should support your feet when you have to get off and walk and be comfortable when you’re just sitting in the saddle.

Do you wear chaps? No.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Just socks at home.

Do you have your eye on any new boots or chaps? I’m looking for a fancy pair of Double H boots that I can wear to meetings, rather than on the trail.

KENT KRONE

Type of trail riding he enjoys: Primarily recreational trail riding, including group rides, wagon trains, and organized rides. He and his wife, Charlene, do their own pack trips into wilderness areas of the western United States and Canada.

Favorite trail-riding boots: My current trail-riding boots are Tony Lama packers. Of all the packer-boot brands I’ve tried, the Tony Lama boots have worked best for me. I like them because the lace-up style helps them to fit snugly. This provides for a comfortable boot when walking around horse camp or on a pack trip where there’s a lot of walking and camp chores. The cowboy-style heel is long enough for the stirrup, and the small bit of tread offers good grip when walking.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "I’d rather ride than walk."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: Lace-up packers are more dangerous than regular pull-on boots. If the boot needed to be removed quickly in an emergency, a pull of the laces will do the trick.

Do you wear chaps? I wear chinks. I like Cenex chinks best. They’re made from soft leather and are comfortable. Similar ones can be purchased from Wyoming Outdoor Industries.

Favorite post-ride footwear: If I’m on a trail ride, camping with a camper and trailer, or on a pack trip, I generally wear my riding boots in the evening, although I’ll also have along an old pair of loafers for a boot break. At home, I hit the slippers or SASS-brand shoes.

Do you have your eye on any new boots or chaps? I have no immediate plans for new boots and chaps. I have to wear out the current ones, first.

CHARLENE KRONE

Type of trail riding she enjoys: Wherever Buddy and Kent go, Scout and I aren’t far behind. So the answer to this question is pretty much trails and more trails!

Favorite trail-riding boots: My current pair of riding boots are so beat up and worn out, I can’t tell what brand they are. I like pull-on boots; I stuff the bottom of my blue jeans inside them. They’re very easy to put on, fit well in the stirrups, and offer protection when I invariably get stepped on by Scout or Buddy.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Change your socks!"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: There’s an end to the trail. No way! I wear my boots until they look sad and pathetic. After that, they begin a new life as a birdhouse or planter.

Do you wear chaps? When it’s cold, windy, or brushy, I wear chinks. My chinks are soft and pliable. I bought mine from a Canadian leather craftsman. We’d just finished our pack trip into the Canadian Rockies and met this little old man who was selling his handmade goods from the back of his pickup truck. They’re special to me.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Slippers, or sometimes Adidas running shoes.

Do you have your eye on any new boots or chaps? I bought a pair of new, black Ariat boots for dress-up occasions. When my riding boots bite the dust, the Ariats will take their place. The chinks I have now will last until my last trail ride.

NANCY LOVING, DVM

Type of trail riding she enjoys: Mountain and recreational. I also did endurance riding for 20 years.

Favorite trail-riding boots: Roper CrossTrainers, which are no longer readily available. I wore them for everything: riding, hiking, and working, for almost 10 years. I bought a new pair every year until the company changed their lasts, and they were no longer available. I was first introduced to this brand when Roper was supplying boots and clothing for veterinarians working the 100-mile Race of Champions endurance ride in 1994. I loved my boots and wore them every day for every single thing I did.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Do I ever get a break? She wears me every minute of every day, for everything."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: You should have to break them in. They should fit right, immediately.

Do you wear chaps? In summer, I wear half-chaps — Ariats, I think. In winter, I wear custom-made full chaps.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Sheepskin slippers with a sole, so I can walk outside if need be.

Do you have your eye on any new boots or chaps? Nope.

JENNIFER NICE

Type of trail riding she enjoys: I’ve been competing in endurance riding since 1989. When I’m not taking the trail as part of an American Endurance Ride Conference event, I trail ride with my friends every weekend.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I’m a devoted wearer of Ariats. I currently have two pair, one for summer riding and one for winter riding. Both are paddock-style boots. My summer boots are made from breathable nylon, and they zip up. My winter boots are leather lace-ups. They hold up to the rigors of the sport, and offer good ankle and foot support, without causing circulation problems during long hours in the saddle. They keep my feet warm and dry. And I can run in them.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "God, I stink!"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: I don’t think there is one. There are many good companies making good footwear for specific disciplines, including trail riding. These companies have put a lot of thought and research into what works and is comfortable. I happen to prefer Ariats, but there are a lot of good brands.

Do you wear chaps? I wear Ariat half chaps, because they hold up to the rigors of the sport. However, I’m less particular about my chap brand than my boot brand. I have to buy a new pair of chaps every season, because I literally wear them out, so I buy what fits. I’ve found that smooth-leather half chaps last longer than the suede ones, and they’re easier to clean.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Flip-flops, so my feet can breathe. If it’s cold out, I put on Ugg boots.

Do you have your eye on any new boots or chaps? At the moment, no. I make my purchases out of necessity.

HEIDI NYLAND

Type of trail riding she enjoys: I live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and ride for the scenery as often as possible. I ride with my college friends at the ranches where they worked while we were in school, in the foothills and mountains around Laramie and Jackson Hole.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I have a pair of Roper Horseshoes that are a comfortable favorite. I like that the soles are similar to running shoes — the boots have a heel and are great for the saddle, but also support your foot when you dismount to explore on foot.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Be nicer when you kick me off." I’m not very patient with laces and don’t undo them properly when I get home. I kick them off as soon as I can. I love just going barefoot.

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: You need tread on the ground or extra grip to hold the stirrups. Some people buy fashion boots with thick "fat" soles. Those can be so dangerous! Your foot can get caught in the stirrup if your horse were to spook.

Do you wear chaps? I have a pair of faithful old show chaps from my college horse-show days. Now, I wear them for warmth. They’re a custom pair made by the chap shop at Rod’s Western Palace. They’ve held up great.

Favorite post-ride footwear: The fuzziest, craziest-colored slipper socks I can find. I keep clogs at my front and back doors for running out to do chores.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? I’d love a pair of deer- or elkskin chinks — something brown and cowgirl-looking, instead of my black full chaps.

LAUREL BERGER O’CONNOR

Type of trail riding she enjoys: My trail riding at this point is fairly short and casual. I look forward to my rides becoming longer when my kids (now ages 4 and 7) get a little older and can join in.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I wear a zip-up paddock boot that I like very much. They’re comfortable for walking and riding, and it doesn’t matter if they get scruffy.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Come on, when are you going to give us a real workout? Enough with these short rides already!"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: I don’t know of any.

Do you wear chaps? No.

Favorite post-ride footwear: I trudge around in moccasins. If I’m out and don’t have to care about style, I prefer old running shoes.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? My current boots still have a lot of wear in them before I start looking around for a replacement. I’m one of those "wear ’em till they’re falling apart" people.

LYNN PALM

Type of trail riding she enjoys: I love all types of trail riding for pleasure. I also use trails for training horses of all breeds and ages, and conditioning horses, too!

Favorite trail-riding boots: I like several kinds. Comfort, safety, and warmth are most important to me. I like the new Ariat Ultralight Endurance Collection, the Grand Prix Aquasport Zip Paddock Boot (available from Dover Saddlery), and the Tredstep Ireland Sport Horse. If I need warmth, I love the Mountain Horse Ice Rider Paddock Boot. On short trail rides and in the arena, I like English paddock boots made by Parlanti Boots, an Italian company (available from Maple Springs Saddlery).

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Don’t forget to keep me clean!"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: You have to have a big, heavy boot with big soles. That type of boot is tough to keep safely in a stirrup. I prefer the comfort and flexibility of an ankle paddock boot worn with a half chap, which offers close contact with the saddle.

Do you wear chaps? Yes. I like Ariat Terrain Half Chaps, Tredstep Ireland Half Chaps, and, for warmth, Mountain Horse Rimfrost Rider.

Favorite post-ride footwear: I love clogs if I’m outside. In the house, a soft, warm pair of slippers!

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? No, but I’m open to trying anything new.

AUDREY PAVIA

Type of trail riding she enjoys: Urban trail riding around town, and trailering out to regional and state parks.

Favorite trail-riding boots: Dublin Lace Up Paddock Boots, available from State Line Tack. They’re comfortable for both riding and walking.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Stop getting us wet — you’re going to ruin the leather!"

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: They only need to be comfortable for riding. Trail riders often have to walk, too.

Do you wear chaps? Sometimes I wear half chaps by Somerset Saddlery, Ltd.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Comfortable footies with lots of cushion.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? My Dublins are getting close to retirement. I’d love a pair of Ariat Cobalt Performer Pro Paddock Boots, because they look really cool and comfortable, but I might have to hit the lottery first!

GARTH RUMSMOKE

Type of riding he enjoys: All types of pleasure riding, from easy to rough, mixed with camping. I ride the whole continental United States — including state and national parks, Bureau of Land Management land, and wilderness areas — and on both private and organized rides. I do avoid road rides, such as wagon trains.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I’ve been wearing a Western boot made by Red Wing for at least 10 years. They’re made from rough-out leather, and are very comfortable for both riding and walking. They’re also low maintenance. I like the looks of just plain leather.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "I need a good cleaning and shine."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: You can get away with poor soles and heels. That type of footwear is very dangerous on horseback. We all need footwear that comes out of the stirrup easily, that offers good grip on the stirrup, and is still comfortable to walk in.

Do you wear chaps? When needed, I ride in full rough-out leather chaps with zippered sides and a product called Chap Extenders from Comfort Zone Equine Apparel. These extenders are for those of us who’ve grown too big for chaps. My chaps also have a pocket on one leg, which is very handy for small storage, like my gloves.

Favorite post-ride footwear: A loose, loafer-type shoe. Mason Shoes makes a great indoor/outdoor slipper. And of course my muck boots.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? New chaps are in the future. I think I’ll replace them with a like product. Same with the boots. Why change when I know they work?

J.F. SHEPPARD

Type of trail riding he enjoys: I mostly prepare horses for the trail. When I do go out on the trail, it’s to get a horse used to being out on the trail.

Favorite trail-riding boots: Justin Ropers. They’re comfortable and very durable.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "We’ve been in the stirrups a lot."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: Just any cheap pair of boots will be okay. Trail-riding boots should be tough and durable.

Do you wear chaps? No, not when I trail ride.

Favorite post-ride footwear: My bare feet, because it’s bedtime.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and or chaps? No, not at this time.

BEN THEYRE & VANESSA

Type of trail riding they enjoy: Adventure trail, with old endurance habits.

Favorite trail-riding boots: Jeeps, by Mountain Horse, a sort of Merrell with a neoprene gore. We like them because they do double-duty for hiking. They’re made from breathable leather.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "To those that much is given, much is expected."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: Pretty is as pretty does.

Do you wear chaps? Yes, by Mountain Horse.

Favorite post-ride footwear: Ugg boots.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? It took Vanessa 1,000 miles to make my current pair of half-chaps fit my legs just right, so it’ll take her another 1,000 miles to custom stretch a new pair for me. Mountain Horse needs to make its full-leather half-chap in larger sizes; it’s made from a great, heavy leather that withstands thorns and brush.

BOB WELCH

Type of trail riding he enjoys: Mostly cowboy work, long circles on rocky terrain. Brush is minimal.

Favorite trail-riding boots: I wear custom-made cowboy boots with a riding heel and tall tops. Right now, I’m wearing Beck Cowboy Boots, made in Amarillo, Texas. The under-slung heel keeps me safe and comfortable in my oxbow stirrups. I also have a spur ledge built to keep my spurs from falling down under the heel. I have all my boots made with about 14- to 16-inch tops, since I end up in a lot of country with rattlesnakes. Plus, tall tops reduce the wear on my shin against the stirrup leathers. If you ride in oxbow stirrups, it’s also important that the boots are built with a steel shank.

If your boots could talk, they’d say: "Watch where you step."

The biggest misconception about trail-riding boots is that: Lace-ups are okay to use.

Do you wear chaps? I wear shotgun chaps. The ones I’m wearing now were made by K Bar J Leather Co. out of South Dakota.

Favorite post-ride footwear: If I’m done outside, moccasin house shoes. If I’ve still got to clean stalls or do chores, crepe-soled Justins.

Do you have your eye on any new boots and/or chaps? I’m in good shape for boots and will probably continue to use Beck’s. I’m on my third pair, and they work for me, because the last they mold my boots from is a perfect fit. Also, the company will resole and clean the boots for a reasonable rate. And they’re just plain tough. I also have my chaps custom made. For my next pair, I’ll use the Wildflower Saddle Shop and Tad Knowles out of Elizabeth, Colorado.