Boots, Bras, and Balance

By Maddy B. Gray

I was bumbling around before dawn one morning last week, looking for a bra to wear before getting dressed, swilling some coffee, and heading out to the barn.
I have a grand total of two bras in my possession. One is usually clean. One is usually in the wash. (Ok, I may have a few lacy things, but they don't count for everyday wear.)

Sad, huh?

I had to laugh as I pulled on my boots and considered my Boot to Bra Ratio: about 7 to 2.

Balanced or imbalanced?
You be the judge:

No, I’m not going to post photos of my undergarments. But I will wax nostalgic about my boot collection.
First, in my defense: Boots are essential for one's comfort, for utility in all four seasons, and for versatility.
I used to tell my sons: If Mom isn’t happy, no one’s going to be happy.

That’s the way I feel about my feet: If my feet aren’t happy, nothing else will be either.

I have boots I ride in regularly. I have boots in which I do mostly barn chores. I’ve tried to have dress boots, but inevitably, they make their way to the barn after a night on the town.

Most are Ariats. After trying Justins and others, I’ve found Ariats to be the ones I can stand in all day. I have a wide foot and tend to be tough on footwear. Ariats can handle the abuse. (The same cannot be said for their clogs.)

Most of my boots have little or no tread. Treads stick in stirrups. Treads drag mug into the house.

Since I know my precise size, I usually order from BootBarn.com. They have the most styles and the cheapest prices. I also discovered with one not-so-good pair, that BootBarn has good customer service.

Pictured on this page:
An old black pair of lacers. I bought them during one of my many summers in Montana and they have served me well. They’re no longer water proof or terribly comfy, but I can’t stand to part with them.

A new pair of lacers. They’re awesome but not broken-in enough to be super comfy yet.

Yummy cowboy boots with multi-colored stitching and another black and tan pair. Both Ariats. Both great riding boots.

I have a low cut pair of insulated barn boots. These boots take the most grief. I slather them with beeswax a few times each winter.

For subzero cold, I break down and wear these ugly Timberland boots. They are nice and warm, but make me feel like I have the feet of a studly football player, circa 1983.

Then there is the low cut Cole Haan dress boots, purchased 20 years ago in the basement of their Freeport store for 45 bucks. They're the only ones not smelling distinctly of manure. I can go out on the town with them (but I try to clean the mud off first).

I suppose my barn collection would not be complete without my two identical pairs Dansko clogs. Why identical, you ask?

Well, last spring I spent so many soggy barn days in my original pair, it stretched out.
Still comfortable, they now required two pairs of socks to stay on my feet.
I splurged and bought another pair. In the long run, I figured it was better than doubling up on my sock supply.

I mean, heck, who cares about socks and bras, anyway!

View Reader Comments:

Add your comment!