Discover the Country & Stable comprehensive guide on buying riding boots - practical and essential pieces of equestrian dress for horse riding.

Combining style with functionality, riding boots are an essential piece of equestrian attire. They complete the necessary kit of any horse rider whether you compete, or simply enjoy heading out on a hack.

Whether you’re new to horse riding, or an experienced rider looking for more information on the different styles of women’s boots and men’s boots stocked here at Country & Stable, we can offer you everything you need to know with our guide.

What are riding boots?

A good pair of riding boots help offer a correct leg position, safety and comfort. These are usually made from durable materials such as rubber or leather. They also give your lower leg protection in preventing any irritation when the rider’s leg is up against the horse side and saddle. The low heel on riding boots assist in preventing the foot slipping through the stirrup. A steel toe cap can offer further protection for the toes.

Choosing the right riding boots for you is important. There are a number of factors that could influence your decision.

The different types of riding boots…

There are several styles of riding boot and each lend themselves to the different styles of horse riding. Before buying riding boots, ensure that you take an accurate measurement of your calf width and height. This is especially important if you are thinking of buying knee length riding boots. To measure for height, stand with your knee slightly bent and measure your leg from the heel to the back of the knee. 

Depending on your chosen style of riding, the type of riding boot available to you may differ. If you are planning on taking part in competitions, you will require competition footwear like a field or dress boot. We do recommend checking with the authority overseeing your particular discipline such as ‘The Pony Club' or 'British Dressage' or 'British Showjumping' or 'British Eventing' or 'British Showing Association' as to which type of boots are permitted to ensure you have the correct competition dress.

Long Boots

The traditional style of riding footwear, long boots, include the dress boot and the field boot. Each style can be pulled on and off the foot, or may feature a long zip that runs up the rear of the boot.

Dress boots - Featuring no lacing and more a traditional style. Dress boots are a plain style of boot and more often than not worn in horse shows such as dressage competitions and show jumping. Black is often considered to be the formal colour. Dress boots sometimes feature a higher cut, called the ‘Spanish cut’, on the outside of the leg, extending up over the outside of the knee.

Field Boots - A classic style of riding boot that features lacing at the front. They allow for full flexibility and ease of movement. This design style allows the rider to bend their ankle when taking part in all kinds of riding, including competing.

Specially crafted in premium full grain leather, the Ariat Heritage Compass H2O Boots are crafted with Waterproof Pro™ to keep your feet dry and are constructed with a 4LR™ four layer footbed for ultimate comfort.  A Duratread™ outsole for maximum wear resistance ensures these boots have longevity. These riding boots are a footwear essential that perform in the field or in competitions.

Our Ariat Ladies Bromont Pro Tall H2O - Insulated Boot are made from full grain leather which make them extremely hard wearing and durable. The Primaloft® insulation keeps out the cold air. The elasticated side panel and gusset on the inside knee makes them comfortable and easy to wear.

Short Boots

Designed for yard work and everyday riding, they are often less expensive than long riding boots and are ideal for beginners. Combine with a chap to offer further leg protection or a leather gaiter to elevate the look to compete in.

Jodhpur Boots - These are low rise, flexible boots typically worn often with half chaps to protect your legs when riding. Sometimes jodhpur boots feature elastic insets to help them slip on and off with ease. They are also recommended for small children just starting out in the world of horse riding.

Available in both children’s and adult's sizes, the classically designed Toggi Ottowa leather Jodhpur Boots are very comfortable boots designed for women and men. These feature a breathable full leather upper, and a strong hardwearing Neolite sole. Along with an elasticated side gussets for style and ease of wear.

Paddock Boots - Finished with a rubber sole for grip, paddock boots are ideal for rougher terrain such as the stable yard. As with jodhpur boots, require the use of half chaps or gaiter for horse riding.

Looking for a pair of paddock boots? Whether you’re working in the yard or headed out riding, our Ariat Mens Heritage Zip Paddock Boot features a breathable lining, elastic twin gore and zip to make these boots perfect for taking on and off quickly.

Riding boots for everyday wear…

You may also want to choose a pair of riding boots to wear everyday. These can also make for a robust and stylish addition to your country-wear wardrobe. Perfect for long walks with the dog or perhaps adding a smart, tailored spin on an otherwise casual look.

The Ariat Ladies Grasmere H2O Boot is a stylish and practical boot that can be worn casually, in the yard or out riding. They’re fully waterproof and crafted with the finest full grain leather. Along with Thinsulate insulation and moisture wicking plaid lining making these boots seriously robust in all weather conditions.

The Ariat Telluride Zip H2O will work as hard as you do. Crafted in full grain leather fully waterproof for unbeatable protection, wear these out the yard, or out in town to perfectly finish off your country-wear attire.

Caring for your riding boots…

If you have invested in a new pair of riding boots, it can be an expensive business to ensure you are getting the desired quality. Therefore taking care of your riding boots is important to make sure you are getting the most out of them. Read our handy

Leather riding boots require the most care and need to be cleaned regularly and conditioned using suitable leather products. Synthetic riding boots can simply be cleaned with water and mild detergent.

To maintain your riding boots shape, they should always be kept upright in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. The use of boot shapers will help the boots to keep their natural shape. Find out more about boot care in our taking care of your boots blog.

Still thinking of buying a pair of riding boots? Discover the Country & Stable range of women’s boots and men's boots from leading brands.