Breakdown

Comfort: 8.5

When it comes to comfort in a tall boot, the Contact Tall Boot truly does excel! From the moment I slipped them on, I noticed how perfectly they conformed to my legs. There is no bulkiness or pinching at the back of the knee, as there would be in new leather tall boots. The break-in time was minimal, and after a couple of rides, the leather around the foot area was broken in. Walking around the barn, doing chores, and being in the saddle, I almost forget that I'm wearing a classy-looking tall boot! 

Overall, I rated these tall boots as very comfortable, their only fault being the narrow toe box. Luckily, I knew these boots ran narrow and sized up from my typical foot size to compensate. While this did help alleviate the narrow toe box problem, the boots were slightly too long for me in the foot. Fortunately, I like my boots on the bigger side, so this wasn't a deal-breaker. The slightly larger foot size also made the height of the boot slightly too tall, which would have been problematic in a traditional tall boot since I have a shorter calf. However, the unique knit material conformed to my leg, making it a non-issue. Since I have a regular-width foot, I'd advise trying to size up to compensate. Narrow-footed riders will appreciate this boot, but for those with wide feet, this boot may not be a good fit.

Ventilation: 7

As someone who spends long hours at the barn in hot and muggy southern weather, breathability is something I cherish above all else in my riding gear. It was exciting to experience firsthand how these boots revolutionize ventilation and breathability. The technical mesh provided an exceptional level of ventilation, and I stayed comfortable throughout my hottest rides.

So why the less-than-perfect score? While the fabric was very breathable, I found the technical knit material to be fairly thick. Since it is a riding boot, I understand that it needs to be on the thicker side for durability, but I do think it slightly took away from the overall breathability. That being said, the Contact Boot still offers more ventilation than your traditional leather boot and I was impressed that my legs and feet stayed cool and dry during long training sessions and vigorous barn chores in the summer heat.

Foot Support: 9

Having spent a significant amount of time in these boots, I can confidently say the foot support of the Contact Boot is outstanding! From the moment I put these boots on, they offered great arch support and a very cushioned feel. My feet never felt fatigued or sore, and the boots cradled my feet. I was impressed with the support these boots provided right out of the box, and I'm confident that any equestrian would enjoy this aspect.

Overall Support/Stability: 6

One of my favorite features of this boot was the compression support around the calf. I have an old back injury that resulted in nerve damage in my right leg, and the compression made a noticeable difference in reducing my muscle fatigue and helped prevent muscle cramps during longer rides. This was a huge plus for me, and I would highly suggest these boots for riders who may also struggle in this area and are looking for more compressive support. 

While the Contact Boots offer incredible support in some areas, I struggled with the lack of ankle support. Although it did help me keep my heels down, there was too much freedom of movement in the ankle, which took some getting used to and turned out to be something I do not prefer. Interestingly, a friend at my barn who wears these boots daily loves this aspect, saying it alleviated her ankle pain over time. While the compressive support of the calf is fantastic, the lack of ankle support left me conflicted, so I gave the Contact boots a middle score for overall stability and support.

Traction: 9

The Contact Boots impressed me with their exceptional traction in the stirrups and working around the barn. The grip on the sole worked well in the stirrups and provided a very secure feel on the flat and over fences, allowing me to focus more on sinking into my heels. Even during a summer rain shower, there was no slipping, which I was really pleased with. These boots were just as reliable off the horse, and I felt like I never had to worry about slippery situations, even in a concrete wash rack. This boot is just as grippy in and out of the saddle, so I’d give it high marks here.

Weight: 8

As a rider who values comfort and performance, the lightweight design of the Contact really stood out to me. For anyone who spends long hours in the saddle or at the barn, you are sure to appreciate the reduced weight. I believe these boots would be perfectly suited to a trainer who spends long hours in the arena teaching but needs to be ready to pop on and school a horse at any moment. 

The innovative stretch tech material allows a much lighter feel than your traditional leather boot. While the material is still substantial and there is a bit of weight to the boot, it is noticeably less heavy than a leather boot. If you are like me and value the little details that make a big difference, then you will enjoy the lightweight feel! 

Durability: 9.5

One of my favorite features of these tall boots is the technical knit shaft, which is far more resilient than traditional leather and is super easy to clean. No more spending time cleaning, conditioning, and polishing boots! Just a quick wash every once in a while with soap and water keeps the Contacts looking sharp.

These boots stood up to everything I threw at them and still look fantastic. Through countless hours in the saddle, mucking out stalls, riding in the rain, and bathing my horse, they quickly dried and looked good as new. The craftsmanship and materials are top-notch, which is just what you would expect from EGO7. The knit is not only durable but also incredibly easy to care for, making these boots perfect for busy riders who need gear that can keep up with their demanding schedules.

Breakdown Summary