Tips on How to Choose the Best Horse Riding Boots
Whether you are new to the world of horseback riding or a seasoned equestrian, you need some basic gear to enjoy the sport. Horseback riding can be a dangerous sport, so you need to make sure to stay safe and comfortable at all times and not let injuries ruin your fun. A common danger when horseback riding is the risk of getting stuck with your foot in the stirrup and that’s one of the main reasons why it’s important to wear the right horse riding boots.
Different Types of Horseback Riding Boots
Boots made for riding come in several different styles. Whatever style you prefer, any riding boot should have a suitable small tread and heel. This can help prevent your boot from slipping through the stirrup and protect your feet if they get stepped on. Also, your riding boots can help you increase your control over the horse when needed.
The riding boots you choose should be a good fit, safe and sturdy, but also stylish. You can find a wide range of horse riding boots and select a pair that meets your needs and style. To help you narrow down your choices, here is what you need to know about some of the most popular styles of riding boots.
Tall Boots
Tall boots are essential for English style riding events and shows. They come up almost to the knee and many riders find them very comfortable as they fully protect the English saddle from chafing their ankles and calves. Different styles of tall boots include dress, field and hunt boots.
Dress Boots
These are tall equestrian boots with no lacing. They are stiff and are often worn in horse shows as they are very stylish. Some dress boots may come equipped with a zipper, but usually, you could simply pull them on. When it comes to choosing the right colour, black is often considered to be the formal choice, but you can opt for brown dress boots, too, and pull off the look.
Field Boots
Field boots reach up close to the knee and are different from other riding boots by the lacing at the ankle. It offers more flexibility for the rider at the instep and ankle. This feature makes field boots more comfortable when jumping and riding as well. They are used in the hunter/jumper disciplines, event show rings and can be worn at the lower levels of dressage competition as well.
Hunt Boots
They are very similar to dress boots, but they have a cuff at the top. Hunt boots are durable and a common choice for dressage riders.
Western Riding Boots
Known as well as cowboy boots, these boots differ from all of the horseback riding boots out there in a few ways. The heel is higher up and the shaft is shorter, so they fit more loosely. Most of them don’t have laces, but still, they pull on relatively easily. They are traditionally made of smooth cowhide, but suede and roughout look are popular options as well. Western riding boots are designed to accommodate spurs, which are not used in English style riding.
Paddock Boots
These short-laced ankle boots are recommended for saddle-seat style riding and are worn by both beginners and professionals. Many beginners prefer them while learning to ride because of the flexibility they provide. You can wear them for everyday pleasure riding as well without compromising on comfort and style.
Tips on How to Choose Your Horseback Riding Boots
Always Think Fit First
One of the key factors to consider when choosing horseback riding boots is a snug fit. Riding boots should fit as close to the skin as possible, but without pinching the foot, ankle or calf, so they can allow the rider to feel the side of the horse and signal them if needed.
Combine Comfort and Style
Comfort is one of the most important considerations, even if you are purchasing your riding boots for fashion purposes. That’s why it’s always a good idea to look for the perfect combination of style and fit, so you will always look great and feel comfortable wearing your riding boots.
Select a Suitable Shape
Riding boots typically have round toes, but pointy toes are more stylish. Another rising trend these days is square toe, so you can choose based on your personal preferences and select the shape your find most suitable for your needs and style.
Break Them in Properly
Keep in mind that any new horseback riding boots require some time to break them in properly. You can expect discomfort at the beginning, during your first few rides as for most riding boots it takes a few days or weeks of constant use.
Get Safety Stirrups
To prevent the risk of getting stuck in the stirrup with your foot, you should wear boots with a high heel and covered ankle. Safety strips can be a good option as well as they open up, so if you should fall off, your foot can come free. If your foot runs through the stirrup when you fall, you could be dragged and hurt. There are many types of stirrups with features to help you stay comfortable during your horse riding, so you can enjoy your favourite sport and lessen the risk of getting injured.