- Riding boots are essential for the rider and provide protection for the legs
- Riding boots serve as a good leg fixation for riders
- Riding boots avoid the pinching of stirrup leathers and dampen friction on the saddle
What Are Riding Boots?
When riding, boots, ankle boots or mini-chaps are essential for maximum protection of the rider’s legs. They reduce the constant rubbing on the saddle, which can cause redness and irritation.
Riding boots are also recommended to secure the rider’s foot without getting stuck in the stirrup in the event of a fall. In contrast to conventional boots with or without heels, the height of the heels is decisive for riding boots in order to position the foot correctly.
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What Are Riding Boots Used For?
Riding boots Serve a good leg fixation for riders. They are essential for maximum protection of your legs. They dampen the constant friction on the saddle, avoid the pinching of stirrup leathers and ensure that your legs are firmly fixed on the horse.
Many riders have two or more pairs of boots depending on how they’re riding. If you plan to compete, you will likely need a pair of boots for training and a pair for competition.
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What Types Of Riding Boots Are There?
In classic riding, we differentiate between 5 types of boots.
- The dressage boot is made of sturdy leather, which allows the leg to be held firmly and straight. It is characterized by the fact that the zipper is attached to the front.
- The jumping boot is made of softer leather, which allows a better flexion of the ankle to accompany the rider’s balance position and the horse’s jumps.
- The touring boot with a thicker sole for better grip in the stirrup and stronger leather that can withstand all weather conditions.
- The polo boot, which has reinforcements on the ankles and shins to protect the rider from blows during play.
- The rubber boot is generally used by novice riders and children. These boots will stand up to anything, but they are not very comfortable to ride on.
Black Leather Riding Boots
black leather riding boots are more aesthetic and comfortable, but also much more expensive than simple rubber boots. The foot breathes better because leather is a noble and natural material. They are also popular in competitions.
The zippered versions are used in show jumping while the zipperless models are more popular in dressage, each with its own style.
Traditional snaffle boots are boots without a zipper, so they are slip-on boots. The most famous model used by the Republican Guard and military schools in the Saumur boot. These models have internal or external bootstraps that make it easier to put the boot on. It is important to note that these boots must slide on the leg. Therefore these boots are not suitable for strong calves. In this case, you have to fall back on classic tailor-made riding boots with zippers or boots made to measure.
Classic Riding Boots
Let us leave aside the custom-made boots, which are still the domain of the shoemaker, and consider the so-called half-made boots. In fact, some of these leather boots come in a variety of calf sizes and shaft lengths.
The Heel
The boots must-have heels so that you cannot get caught in the stirrup in the event of a fall. The height of the sales is crucial when choosing and buying. This ensures that the foot is well-positioned. The heels should therefore be about 2.5 to 3 cm high. The heels can be provided with small studs that allow the spores to be optimally positioned and held in place.
The Soles
The soles should be rather thin so as not to get caught on the sides of the stapes. Boots with thick or heavy soles, such as hiking boots or snow boots, are not suitable for riding. They also have a lot of grips, which is great for riding on the one hand but makes it difficult to slide your foot in and out of the stirrup on the other.
With leather boots, it is important that the sole is sewn/glued and not just glued, either according to the Goodyear or the Blake system. This is a guarantee not only of quality and comfort but also of high resistance. The soles can also be repaired.
There are two types of sewn soles, leather soles or rubber soles. The rubber sole can be notched or smooth. Leather soles are made from a smooth cowhide, which is very thick leather. Leather soles allow the feet to breathe, they even enable heat to be exchanged with the outside air.
Materials Of The Riding Boots
The riding boot test shows models in different materials, from cotton canvas to leather to synthetic materials. Of course, leather boots are usually much more expensive, but they also require more maintenance. The better the quality of the leather, the better the construction, the more comfortable and expensive the boot will be.
Cowhide is firmer and coarser than calfskin, which is finer and therefore more sensitive at the same time. But it all depends on the quality. Better cowhide leather than bad calf leather.
Style – With Or Without A Zipper
With the zipper you can easily take off the boots. But it requires patience when closing, be careful of dust and sand so as not to damage the closure.
The zipper is mostly located at the back of the boot, although some models on the market offer a side zipper.
Riding boots without a zipper are more or less easy to put on, but much less easy to take off. Arm yourself with a boot puller or brave and strong friends! Good models offer the option of adding a zipper later.
The boot shaft: The closed boot shaft is very popular with dressage riders. It’s a bit of an ordeal at first, but apparently, riders who are skilled cannot resort to less stiff boots.
The Colors And Decorations
The traditional riding boots are completely black, but there are also slightly colored models. Before deciding on a pair of boots, please familiarize yourself with the requirements of the rules of the discipline you are practicing. For example, riding boots with colorful accents are popular in the world of show jumping, but they are not very popular in disciplines such as dressage and hunting. So first make sure that the boots you find in the riding boot test are compatible with the competition rules of the discipline you are practicing.
How Do Riding Boots Have To Fit?
To be comfortable, you have to choose the right size boot, neither too wide nor too tight. It is therefore advisable to wear breeches when trying on them. You have to check whether you can put a finger between the boot and the leg to ensure optimal comfort. The boot should also be comfortable around the ankle without swimming in it. It is important that the foot is supported in its hold, but the boots must never be too tight.
Which Are The Best Riding Boots?
Mountain Horse is undoubtedly one of the most famous equestrian brands. Known by amateurs and professionals alike, the brand develops new collections for riders every season. The choice of footwear is extremely important. There is something for every taste and budget. A favorite is often mentioned in the riding boot test: the Souverain High in brown leather. This pair of boots has a unique design with its two-tone leather and closure on the front of the foot. A pair of boots that can be worn around town as well as in the riding club!
The Tattini brand offers equestrian products for horses and riders. With more than a century of experience, the brand offers a range of boots that are virtually bespoke. The design of the Tattini riding boots is simple but elegant, with a choice of fancy finishes (rivets and fasteners in different styles). The main focus is on the quality of the leather used and the technology used to offer the riders perfect boots.
After all, the HKM brand offers products with a very good price-performance ratio and is therefore rated positively in the riding boot test. These entry-level boots, which are more geared towards hikes and tours, keep what they promise. The neoprene boots have a good waterproofness. The products in this series are rated very well by their users!
How High Do Riding Boots Have To Be?
As far as the height of the shaft is concerned, it is important to be able to put two fingers between the boot and the hollow of the knee. Measure the distance to it in the sitting position. It is very important that the riding boot is at the correct height so that it does not get stuck in the saddle.
When you take your measurements, you should do so in your usual riding clothing. Best in the morning when your legs are rested.
What Should I Look Out For When Buying Riding Boots?
There are different models of riding boots, more or less expensive depending on the material and quality. Choose the right model depending on your level, your practice and your riding style.
From a stylistic point of view, too, there is something for every taste and price. Most models today are equipped with a zipper to make it easier for you to put on and, above all, take off the boot. You have the choice between leather or synthetic, models with or without a buckle and also different colors. All of this is above all a matter of taste!
Now all you have to do is choose the right size for your riding boots! The size of the boots corresponds to the size of your shoes. However, depending on the brand, it is possible that they do not fit in the same way. If you have the opportunity to try them on before you buy, this is ideal. If not, don’t hesitate to look for advice in the riding boot test and on the internet.
You will also need to check the height of the boot and the diameter of the calf. There is nothing more uncomfortable than a boot that is too tight on the calf or too far up. In the latter case, the tip of the boot rubs against the hollow of the knee, which quickly becomes very annoying.
Riding Boots Recommendations
Black Riding Boots Womens
Black riding boots are a great option for women who are looking for a fashionable and comfortable pair of footwear. They are perfect for everyday wear, as well as special occasions, and can be worn with virtually any outfit.
They come in a variety of styles, from traditional tall boots to more modern ankle boots. Black riding boots are usually made of quality leather, which is both durable and fashionable. They are also often lined with a soft material such as sheepskin or faux fur for extra comfort and warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Boots Are Best For Riding?
The best boots for riding are tall, supportive, and waterproof boots with a good sole and heel. Look for boots with features designed specifically for riding, such as a steel shank, breathable material, reinforced toe, and moisture-wicking lining.
What is the Difference Between Riding Boots and Regular Boots?
Riding boots are specifically designed for horseback riding and have a few specific features that regular boots do not. Riding boots are made of a harder, stronger material than regular boots, and have a heel that is slightly higher than the toe and curved up at the back. This helps keep the rider’s feet in the stirrups while riding. The top of the boot also has a thick piece of leather that wraps around the calf, helping to keep the rider’s legs in place. Additionally, some riding boots are designed with a small zipper on the side, making it easier to get them on and off.
What Are Riding Boots Called?
Riding boots are often referred to as “equestrian boots” or “paddock boots“.
