Horse riding boots can be expensive but they are also a non-negotiable of equestrian life. Great riding boots can make every day just that much better, while riding boots that don't do what you need, don't last, or aren't comfortable can be a real drag! Finding the best riding boots is not easy but it is 100% worth getting right!
HorseSports has been providing riding boots of all styles to horse riders across New Zealand since 2007 so we've got a few tips to share!
6 Steps to Finding your ideal Riding Boots
1. Know your need.
Depending on what riding you do your riding boots will be very different!
Happy hacker? You might like jodphur boots with chaps, or casual riding boots that cross over between yard duties, watching the kids sports games, and riding your horse.
Dressage queen or Showhunter? You're probably looking for stylish tall riding boots, and maybe a pair of yard boots to slip into when you dismount.
Showjumper or Eventer? Stylish hard wearing tall boots that are comfortable when you're walking around the event yards and checking your horse between classes - plus some waterproof trainers for walking the cross country twice.
Pony Club mum? Maybe some stylish wellies for you, and inexpensive but safe jodphur boots for the kids (until you blink, and they grow out of them!).
2. Find your bliss.
Good looks don't help if your riding boots aren't comfortable!
If riding boots are too tight they can restrict circulation and make feet numb or tingly. Too narrow in the toe and they'll pinch. Too loose and the heel sliding up and down can give you blisters. Sole too thin and your feet will ache by the end of a long day.
3. The perfect hug.
Riding boots are infamous for being too narrow in the calf for many horse riders. After all, we are athletic people with strong legs that work hard! Look for riding boots that gently enclose your calf, and offer some ankle support - but still allow your leg and ankle to bend and flex easily. Elastic inserts can be a huge boon if you're on the more muscular side!
4. You've gotta have soul.
A slim leather sole is elegant and looks amazing in the saddle for classes where the rider's appearance matters. They can also be replaced by a good cobbler when they wear - but they don't offer as much impact reduction as thicker rubber or plastic soles do.
As a general rule, the more casual the riding boot, the more tread it is likely to have. If you plan to be trudging about a muddy yard or feeding out, a casual riding boot may be the perfect choice as they tend to be very comfortable and take good care of your feet, as well as being waterproof.
6. Everyone needs closure.
Paddock boots can have an elastic section each side to allow them to slip on and off easily and this is so handy if you're going in and out of the house or swapping to gumboots for the field or for children.
If you choose tall riding boots with a zip, look for a nice leather strip at the top to cover the zip. If you want boots with laces, a good option is 'laced-look' elastic for effect with a handy zip up the back for speedy on-off. Some jodphur boots have a zip up the front which is great as it sits under your chaps and not against the horse.
Bonus #7. They're not a riding boot, but...
As well as a zip-front waterproof jodhpur boot, LeMieux offers the Trax waterproof trainers for horse people who know they WILL wear their nice sneakers to the field!
Checking your riding boot fit
There are three ways you can get your riding boot fit right. Obviously the most guaranteed way is to come into the HorseSports Auckland tack shop in Takanini and slip your feet into the boots you have your eye on.
If you're shopping online, you can check the sizing with our team and get any tips on the fit and style of the boots over the phone. Of course if the boots arrive and are not the right size, you can send them back and swap sizes - just keep the tags on, don't rip the packaging - and try them on while you're on carpet so they don't scuff!
