If you have horses or take lessons at a nearby barn, one of the first things that you will probably want to buy for yourself is a good set of western-style boots. Even though some people work with and ride horses all the time without a proper pair of boots, western boots really are ideal. These are a few reasons why.

Avoid Damaging Your Other Shoes

When you're mucking stalls, walking through pastures and hopping on horseback, it's easy to damage your other shoes or get them dirty. Western boots are designed for this type of thing, however. They often last a long time even when you're wearing them for heavy use, and some people think that they actually look even better after a little bit of wear and tear. By investing in a good set of western boots now, you can protect all of your other shoes.

Ride Horses More Safely

Next, if you're going to be riding on horseback, you're probably going to be a lot safer if you are wearing western boots. It's not a good idea to ride horses when wearing sneakers or other flat shoes, since you'll need just a little bit of a heel to help you keep your feet in the stirrups. Another good thing about western boots is that they are typically designed so that you can slip your foot out of them if you need to. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation when you're on horseback, being able to slip out of your boots and get off of the horse's back — even if your boots are stuck in the stirrups — can prevent injury or even save your life.

Protect Your Feet and Ankles

When you're working with horses, there's always the chance that a horse hoof could end up on one of your feet. This can obviously hurt and cause injury, even with western boots, but a good pair of boots can help provide protection. Additionally, western boots are tall enough that they can protect your ankles and lower calves from mosquito bites, nicks from shovels or pitchforks, and more.

As you can see, if you're going to be around horses, it's a good idea to invest in a nice pair of western boots. Luckily, they're available at a nice range of prices, so whether you're starting out and are on a budget or if you have a little more to spend, you're sure to be able to find a pair of western boots that can provide you with these benefits and look great at the same time.