It’s important to wear proper boots when working around and riding horses. Good boots help protect your feet from getting stepped on. They help prevent your foot from sliding through the stirrup should you fall off your horse when riding. Flip-flops, high heels, sandals, clogs, garden shoes like Crocs, and canvas running shoes have no place in the barn. When you’re choosing any type of riding gear, including footwear, always think ‘safety first’.
What Boots Not to Wear
Boots made especially for riding come in several different styles. Any riding boot should have a small tread and a heel that is about 1 inch to 1 ½ inch high. This will help prevent your boot from slipping through the stirrup. Boots with thick or heavy treads, like hiking boots or snow boots are unsuitable for riding. These boots tend to be wide, with a big boxy toe, which means they may get caught on the sides of the stirrup. They also have a lot of grip, which can make it harder to slide your foot in and out of the stirrup.
Western Boot Styles
Western boots traditionally tend to have a slightly higher heel than English. Some western-style boots have crepe soles, which may not slide out of the stirrup easily. Many of the more inexpensive boots are made of vinyl. This may be less comfortable for your feet and may break down faster than a good pair of leather boots, which can be repaired. They may not breathe like leather, but they are easier to clean up if they get soiled.
English Boot Styles
English boots come in several different styles as well. The tall black dress boots, we see in old British hunting scenes, are common in the dressage ring and in eventing, and are pretty much correct in almost any English discipline. Some backyard riders and trail riders find that a comfortable pair of tall boots is good protection and support for every day. Other’s find them too hot and cumbersome. Field boots look like dress boots but have a lace-up over the instep. These are worn in the hunter show ring and are more comfortable if you have a foot with a high instep. Both types of tall boots may have a zipper up the back so they’re easier to get in and out of.
Jodphur or paddock boots are English styles of riding boots that only go up the ankle. They are often worn by children in the show ring. But many adults also wear these. They can be worn with or without half-chaps for everyday riding. Jodhpur boots come in pull-on, zipper, or laced styles. Some people prefer the zipper style because they’re quick to put on and take off. Feet with high arches can feel cramped in the zipper or pull-on styles.
Boot Materials
All of the above mentioned boots come in different materials from cotton canvas and synthetics to leather. Of course, leather boots tend to be much more expensive and require more care. The better quality the leather and better the construction, the more comfortable and the more expensive the boot will be. A good pair of boots is an investment. With good care, they should outlast the cheaper version by many, many years. You can’t deny the feel of good-quality boots, so if new boots are out of reach, check out the nearby consignment shops for used boots you can afford.
Both English and Western-style boots come in synthetic materials. The rubber riding boots heat up, hold the moisture and can be hard to get off. They’re great though when the weather is wet, or if you’re only riding in a few small shows and don’t want to part with the cost of leather boots.
Many riders have two or more pairs of boots, depending on how they ride. If you’re planning on showing, you will probably need to have separate boots for at home and at the competition. Of course, every discipline requires a different pair of boots, so if you plan to show English and Western, you’ll probably need both types of boots. Winter riding means you may need a pair of lined riding boots to keep your feet warm.
Already-Owned Boots
You may have something in your closet that will work just fine, without the expense of buying boots made specifically for riding. As long as the tread and heel are appropriate, they aren’t too big for the stirrup, they fit well and support your foot, they should be fine. Dress boots with a zipper along the inside of the calf won’t be suitable. Always view your horseback riding attire with an eye to safety, which is far more important than how you look.
