1. ARIAT Women’s English Paddock Boots
2. ARIAT Women’s Scout Zip Paddock Boots
3. Saxon Ladies Syntovia Zip Paddock Boots
4. HORZE Rover Field Tall Boots
5. London Fog Women’s Irie Riding Boots
6. Equistar – Ladies’ Field Boots (All-Weather)
7. Gloria Vanderbilt Women’s Riding Boots Knee High Boots
8. Dublin Ladies River Grain Boots
9. Equistar Ladies Cadet Flex II Rubber Tall Riding Black Boots
Horse Riding Boot Buying Guide And FAQ
Features To Look For In Best Horse Riding Boots
Discipline - You may find you need a different pair of horse-riding boots depending on the discipline or completion you are in. Tall boots are traditionally worn for equestrian events and short boots are preferred for casual riders. While all horse-riding boots are similar in style, you should still look at getting the right boots for the type of riding you are engaging in.
Safety - While horseback riding is an enjoyable activity, it can also be a hazardous one if you’re not careful. The first thing you should always look for in horseback riding boots is their safety features. The heel of horse-riding boots may look stylish, but its main purpose to lock into place and prevent your feet from sliding out of the stirrups. It’s also a good idea to ensure the horse riding boots you purchase have a reinforced toe cap, just in case the horse steps on your feet.
Fit - Like all boots, horse riding boots need to fit well for your comfort and safety. If they are too tight, they will feel like they are cutting off the circulation to your feet. Too loose and your feet and legs will be swimming in them and this can be a problem as well. Look for a snug fit and wherever possible, check to see if there are elastic inserts that offer extra flexibility and a better fit if you are wider in the calves. Front laces and zippers can also make it easier to adjust the fit when you need to wear the boots for extended periods of time.
Comfort - When you are sitting on top of a huge creature like a horse, you need to stay focused. The last thing you need to deal with is the distraction of uncomfortable boots. Most equestrian events tend to be all-day affairs which means the boots will be on your feet for most, if not all of the day. You want horse riding boots that are comfortable and breathable to keep your feet from pain and swelling. This is also important for those who need to wear riding boots while carrying out their duties on a farm. You may find yourself looking for stray animals or fixing sections of fencing far away from the main building and the walk back can be grueling if you are in uncomfortable boots. Look for horse riding boots that have some type of cushioned insole and padding in the shaft lining.
Materials - There are a number of materials used in the production of horse-riding boots. The main materials for the uppers or shaft are leather or leather-like materials. You can also choose long-lasting materials like rubber. Make your choice appropriate to the climate and weather conditions you like to ride in. If you usually ride in damp climates and long grass, look for materials with some water resistance to keep your feet from becoming wet. If the climate is on the cooler side, you may also want an inner lining with a touch of insulting. Alternatively, if the weather is usually hot, you want something breathable and moisture-wicking.
Durability - Horse riding and working on farms can be quite arduous and you simply can’t afford to have flimsy horse-riding boots. Even the lower-priced boots can become expensive if you are constantly replacing them so look for horse riding boots made from good quality materials that are known for their durability. That way, you won’t be facing the pain of frequently breaking in new boots and you’ll save your money as well.
Cost - There is definitely a pair of horse-riding boots for every budget and even if you do buy a pair at the cheaper end, you can still get a decent pair. If you are only a casual rider, then you don’t need to get the most expensive pair of boots. However, if you are a regular rider or compete in a lot of events, proper equestrian boots are a must and you should be prepared to look at those in the mid to high-end range.
Types Of Horse Riding Boots
As you’ve seen from the boots in this guide, not all horse riding boots are the same. Apart from things like heel size and boot height, it’s important to understand that some of these boots are specific for horse riding while others may only be suitable for wearing around the farm. Here are some of the main types of riding boots and the primary purpose they are intended for.
Tall Boots - The standard for most equestrian boots is for tall models that come just up to the knee, similar to hunting boots. These boots are usually pull-on styles or have a full-length zipper that makes the boots easier to put on or take off. Unlike your usual shoe size where you can just pick up your regular size and go, tall horse riding boots can be a little trickier. Your height is a factor as some shorter people find tall boots going over the knee which can cause discomfort. The thickness of your calf is also a consideration so make sure you know the circumference of your calf and ensure the shaft of your boots will be wide enough to fit comfortably around your calves.
Short Boots - The shorter horse riding boots are often more popular than their taller counterparts as they are easier to put on and they are quite comfortable. Short boots are often referred to as paddock boots and are suitable for wearing on the farm or for more casual occasions. This style of horse riding boots are easy to put on and a lot easier to clean than taller boots. Some are simple pull up models while others have a zip closure.
Field Boots - These types of boots are usually worn by riders competing in eventing and jumping disciplines. They typically have a lace closure in the front that allows the rider to tighten or loosen the boots as needed which provides more comfort and flexibility.
Dress Boots - Every type of shoe comes in a dressier version and that includes horse riding boots. Dress boots for horse riders are traditionally worn during formal events such as fox hunting and dressage. Although this type of horse-riding boot is more of a fashion statement than anything else, they are still held to very high standards of workmanship and the materials used to make these boots.
Horse Riding Boot FAQ
Q: Can’t I just wear sneakers to go horse riding?
A: If you absolutely must wear sneakers while horse riding, you can probably get away with it, but keep in mind that you are putting yourself at risk by doing so. One of the main features of horse-riding boots is the box style heel that sits snugly on the stirrups keeping your feet in place. This heel prevents your feet sliding too far forward into the stirrup so that if you do fall off the horse, you are less at risk of having your foot stuck in the stirrup while the rest of you falls down.
When it comes to completion of any kind in horse riding, you will not be permitted to compete in anything but proper horse-riding boots. The regulations in equestrian events have been put into place after careful consideration to keep both the rider and the horse as safe as possible at all times.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that because you are sitting when on a horse, that your footwear is not important. As with all sports and recreational activities, horse riding is more enjoyable when you are properly equipped. Get the best horse riding boots you can afford and enjoy your time with the most noble of all creatures.
