Footwear Of The Tsataan
Knee High Riding Boots: The Tsataan have adopted more modern footwear. They keep their feet supported and dry with black knee-high boots. With plenty of space around the calf, there’s enough room for the wearer to tuck in their pants, so as to not get entangled in overgrown brush. The sole of the boot is composed of dense rubber, with a prominent heel to insure the foot doesn’t slide through the stirrup when riding.
My Version Unlike the traditional Mongolian boot, my boots by Ariat International came just above the ankle. Known for their exceptional riding boots, I chose the Creston H20 insulated lace-up boot with round toe. The waterproof leather and Thinsulate Ultra insulation was perfect to combat the harsh climate, and the shock-absorbing EVA midsole provided plenty of cushion for long days of trekking and riding.
Given the extreme cold in the West Taiga Mountains, proper insulation was crucial. During morning rainstorms and treacherous river crossings, the waterproof leather held up. However, the bulkiness of the boots proved dangerous when my foot got stuck in the slender Mongolian stirrups. If I had been knocked off a horse or reindeer while riding, I would have been dragged.
