The riding boot is a type of shoe designed specifically for mounted sports, including equestrian activities and also polo and field competitions. Modern riding boots are made from leather or synthetic material such as nylon or polyester.
A type of boot that has been in existence for over five centuries originating from the 16th century in France, when it was designed to be worn by Royal Hussars when they were attacked by Afghans during the Battle of Diversey.
They were, in fact, made of leather and featured a heel and a long spur to accommodate the spur worn on the rider’s heel. The heel was raised in height for added comfort when riding, and because the boot was made for such rough work, it had to be sturdy enough to protect the ankle from falling off when falling from a horse.
Riding boots today vary in length, color, and material; the most common materials are leather and synthetic.
Table of Contents
- What Are Riding Boots
- 1. Tall Boot
- 2. Low heel boots
- 3. Paddock Boots
- 4. Jodhpur Boots
- 5. Rubber Boots
- 6. Wellies
- 7. Hunt Boot
- 8. Western Riding Boots
- The Best Horse Riding Boots
- 1. Ariat Thoroughbred Turf Boot
- 2. Naturalizer Reed Riding Boot
- 3. TuffRider Child’s Starter Lite Paddock Boot
- 4. Dublin River Boots III
- 5. Ariat Women’s Kinsley Dress Boot
- 6. Ego 7 Orion Field Boot
- 7. Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot
- 8. Ovation Sofia Field Boots
- 9. Ariat Ascent Women’s Tall Boot
- 10. Tredstep Donatello Zip Up Paddock Boots
- 11. Ariat Women’s Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boot
- How to choose the right riding boots
- FAQs
What Are Riding Boots
Riding boots are a type of shoe with flexible, lightly padded leather uppers and soles designed to be worn while riding horses or driving cattle. These boots form part of the standard attire for hunters and riders on horseback. They allow the rider to freely move their feet and legs about without restriction from their stirrups, unlike other types of footwear which can be uncomfortable for longer periods of time due to friction from the tree.
Riding boots were first worn by the upper classes of Western Europe. They were derived from Hessian boots, which had been originally designed for horse riding about one hundred years earlier.
Early riding boots were built with high heels, so as to keep them out of mud and dirt during horse travel. This made the wearer tall and top-heavy, so over time the heel was lowered into a more manageable height (usually under two inches) while also adding some support for the ankle. This positioning allowed the rider to remain in place and feel stable while riding.
1. Tall Boot
With this type of riding boot, your heel is the highest point; some will not even reach your ankle. Tall boots are typically used for dressage, hunt seat, and jumping horses.
2. Low heel boots
Low heel boots are often preferred by dressage riders. The low heel provides good ankle support for the back muscles without being too rigid. Keep in mind that low-heeled riding boots are not always best for long hours of wear, as they lack proper arch support and can cause fatigue in the feet and lower leg area.
3. Paddock Boots
These boots are made of a thick, durable sole that is perfect for absorbing shocks. Paddock boots have a higher front-to-back foot arc which allows for better control and easier transition from the stirrups to the ground. Made with a stiff insole and lining, they will help increase your speed and agility when in the saddle.
4. Jodhpur Boots
The Jodhpur boots are sheepskin riding boots with a traditional design, usually featuring a few rows of buttons down the front. One of the most common types of riding boots, it is often called “India” by those who wear them as they can be easily found in any variety. This type is particularly appropriate for those who want the ease and convenience of instantly donning their own boots without having to worry about getting their feet wet from heavy mud.
5. Rubber Boots
Rubber boots are one of the most common types of riding boots, and they remain popular for their durability and ease of care. Rubber boots provide protection from dirt and moisture, but not from cold weather.
6. Wellies
Usually made of rubber or plastic, these are the not-so-fashionable choice for riding in rainy or snowy weather. Wellies’ll keep your feet eco-friendly and dry, but don’t expect to look good while wearing them.
7. Hunt Boot
The hunting boot is lighter and has a shorter shaft, which makes it perfect for riding to the hunt field. But not only can you wear them on horseback — they’re dressy enough to wear with your favorite jeans too.
8. Western Riding Boots
The most common type of riding boots. They are equipped with a steel shank and toe to protect the horse while riding. Cowboy boots: Their stitched welt is similar to that of a cowboy boot, but it features steel shanks and toes to protect your horse while you’re still on the ground. They also vary in color and design and often have a rubber sole and vamp. The most common boot style is the closed-toe boot. Closed-toe boots are the type of boot that has a stitched or sewn-in welt along the ankle, which is why they’re often called “stitched boots.”
The type of riding boots designed to protect your horse while you’re still on top of him. They are usually equipped with steel shanks and toes. The closed-toe type also comes in many different color combinations and designs. These types of riding boots are also available for both men and women.
The Best Horse Riding Boots
The most important piece of riding gear is the boots. This article has the best 11-horse riding boots for different types of riding you can perform, whether it is a trail or shows jumping, endurance, or cob. With these boots, you’ll be able to enjoy your time on horseback more than ever before.
1. Ariat Thoroughbred Turf Boot
These are lightweight and incredibly durable, which makes them perfect for cross-country jumping or cruising on trails with tough terrain underfoot.Features: The Ariat Thoroughbred Turf boots feature a durable yet lightweight construction that doesn’t weigh you down too much. When it comes to the sole, these boots feature a Vibram sole, and it offers great traction and shock absorption. Here is Ariat’s website.
2. Naturalizer Reed Riding Boot
This is another great option for those who need boots that can handle tough terrain, as well as those who like to hike on their horses.
Features: This pair is extremely lightweight and features resistance and support inner boot.
3. TuffRider Child’s Starter Lite Paddock Boot
This version is great for those who tend to sweat a lot when hiking on horseback, as it’s made from a water-resistant yet breathable mesh.
FEATURES: Great for those who sweat a lot on the horse as it is breathable and resistant, which can keep you cool.
4. Dublin River Boots III
Dublin River Boots III is made from nylon, and it’s lightweight. If your horse tends to sweat a lot when you’re hiking, this boot will keep you dry and comfortable.
Features: A great option for those who like to hike with their horses, as it can keep your feet cool and drier. This boot also features extra cushioning to make your trips on the horse more comfortable.
5. Ariat Women’s Kinsley Dress Boot
This pair of boots is a great choice for those who have a hard time finding boots that fit properly. Ariat Kinsley Dress Boot feature an extra-wide foot and a wide calf to give you a nice, comfortable fit.
FEATURES: A great option for those who have very large or wide feet as well as those with wider calves. These boots are also made from nylon, and they have extra cushioning to make your horseback riding trips more comfortable.
6. Ego 7 Orion Field Boot
Another great option for those who like to hike on their horse as it’s extremely lightweight and durable. This boot is also made from Vibram, and it offers great traction and shock absorption. Here is Ego Shoes’s website.
7. Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot
Ariat Women’s Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot feature a durable yet lightweight construction that doesn’t weigh you down too much. When it comes to the sole, these boots feature a Vibram sole, and it offers great traction and shock absorption.
Features: This is the perfect pair of boots if you’re looking for a lightweight pair of riding boots that are durable as well as rugged. When it comes to the sole, these boots feature a Vibram sole which is very rugged and durable enough for most types of traveling horseback riding trails.
8. Ovation Sofia Field Boots
These over-the-calf boots feature a durable yet lightweight construction that doesn’t weigh you down too much. When it comes to the sole, these boots feature a Vibram sole, and it offers great traction and shock absorption. FEATURES: Ovation Sofia Field Boots is another great pair of riding boots from Ariat as this pair is extremely lightweight and features resistance and support inner boots. These boots also offer a medium height and wide calf, which gives you a nice, comfortable fit.
9. Ariat Ascent Women’s Tall Boot
Ariet Ascent Women’s Tall Boot is made from nylon, and it’s lightweight. If your horse tends to sweat a lot when you’re hiking, this boot will keep you dry and comfortable.
FEATURES: This is another great option for those who like to hike with their horses, as it can keep your feet cool and drier. This boot also features extra cushioning to make your trips on the horse more comfortable.
10. Tredstep Donatello Zip Up Paddock Boots
Tredstep Donatello Zip Up Paddock Boot is made from nylon, and it’s lightweight. If your horse tends to sweat a lot when you’re hiking, this boot will keep you dry and comfortable.
FEATURES: A great option for those who like to hike with their horses, as it can keep your feet cool and drier. This boot also features extra cushioning to make your trips on the horse more comfortable.
11. Ariat Women’s Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boot
Ariat Women’s Heritage IV Zip Paddock Boot is made from nylon, and it’s lightweight. If your horse tends to sweat a lot when you’re hiking, this boot will keep you dry and comfortable.
FEATURES: A great option for those who like to hike with their horses, as it can keep your feet cool and drier. This boot also features extra cushioning to make your trips on the horse more comfortable.
How to choose the right riding boots
There are many different types of boots to choose from. There are casual riding boots for everyday wear, stylish riding boots for fashion, protective riding boots for safety, waterproof riding boots that can even be worn during the summertime just by using the right insoles. Now you may think that choosing between all these different styles is easy, but it can often leave you confused about which one will prove to be best suited for your needs. It can also lead to wasted money on a pair of novelty donkeys instead of getting the right tool for the job.
Let’s examine the different types of riding boots that are available to you so that you can decide which one is right for you.
Leather
This is the most common material to find in riding boots. They are very durable and offer incredible support but can be a bit heavy, hot and hard to dry if they get wet. The best leather comes from Italian or Spanish cows, so if possible, go for these.
Inside the leather, you will find a layer of synthetics, which are very comfortable. Their main purpose is to make the boot lighter, dampening noise and making it more breathable.
Leather-lined or Textile Lining
This is another type of material that can be found in riding boots. They are usually made of cotton, polyester, or nylon. While these materials offer better breathability and have less effect on comfort, they can also be quite uncomfortable when riding.
The most common material for this is nylon. It is very flexible but also very hard to dry, so it can be quite wet when they get wet.
Suede
This is another great eather option for riding boots. They are pretty soft and offer decent cushioning, but they are relatively light when compared to leather or textile-lined boots. They are not waterproof at all, but they do hold in the heat and sweat quite well.
Suede-lined or Textile Lined
These boots are made of synthetic linings, like the ones mentioned above. They offer the same level of breathability and waterproofing, but they are also very durable, easier to clean, and provide better ventilation.
They still retain their shape well, but they can get quite sweaty if you ride for hours on end. This is due to the lining materials not being able to allow moisture to escape.
All-leather
These are boots that are made of nothing but leather. They are the most durable of them all but require a bit of breaking in. You can find all kinds of styles, from fashion to safety, so you have quite an array to choose from.
If you’re just starting out riding, these might be the most comfortable boots for you because they will mold to your feet over time with each ride that you take.
All-leather lined
These boots are an improvement from the original leather ones. They still retain most of the characteristics of a good riding boot, but they have a fabric lining instead of a leather one. They are also easier to clean and more comfortable in comparison with leather-lined ones. Since they have a lining, you shouldn’t be concerned about them getting wet when they get wet, although it is still not advisable to ride in them in the rain.
All-leather with textile lining
These boots are half leather, half textile. They are less durable than all-leather boots, but they are easier to clean when they get wet. They also tend to retain their shape better in comparison with all-leather ones. These boots tend to be worn over time since the leather stretches with each ride you take and the liner with every stop you stop at.
FAQs
What boots are best for riding?
The best boots are the ones that will keep you dry and comfortable. These are typically Gore-Tex boots.
You can find a wide variety of riding boots, but it’s important to know that they’re designed for different types of riding. Riders who enjoy jumping or stunt riding should opt for a flexible shell with well-molded innersoles so they can move easily in their boots without feeling too restricted by the rigid materials found in other products.
What are horse riding boots called?
Horse riding boots are called boots because they typically enclose the ankle and usually above the heel. They may also cover part of the foot, while shoes usually only cover the top of the foot. Sometimes horse riding boots can be found in different colors, such as white or brown. Horse riding boots may be made from hard-wearing leather or from a soft material that is easy to clean and maintain.
How long does it take to get out of horse riding boots?
It depends on how tight they are. A new pair of boots usually measure about an inch in the front of the ankle, but the distance gets smaller after that.
What type of boots are used for horse riding?
Typically, horse riders wear athletic shoes, though certain styles may work for this activity. Athletic shoes come with a flat sole and come insoles that are more flexible than most other types of athletic shoes. Some also have a special grip on the bottom, which makes it easier for the rider to stay in place. Boots with a wedge heel can provide similar benefits.
What are the types of boots that are used for horse riding?
There are many different types of boots that are used for horse riding. The choice depends on what you want out of your boot. There are ones that are made to match your pants, which are usually required by professional riders.
Are long or short riding boots better?
The answer to this question will depend on a few factors. Firstly, what is your riding discipline? Long boots are better for cross-country, while short boots are more appropriate for show jumping.
Secondly, what is your height? Longer boots that come up higher on the leg provide added protection from briers and cannot be seen over in the saddle when in full extension. Short boots offer a more streamlined look and can be seen under the horse’s belly, which allows for better control of their hind limbs during steep banks.