What are riding boots, and why are they necessary to wear when riding a horse? You will find all you want to know in this guide.
In short, riding boots are made for horse enthusiasts and competitors all of ages and genders, and they range significantly in price and quality.
The standards established for each discipline will determine the type of boots appropriate for such events. You might not be familiar with all the various kinds of horse riding boots if you are new to riding.
Keep reading, you will know how to choose riding boots and why should you wear them.
What Are Riding Boots?
Riding boots are boots which have been designed specifically for use in horseback riding.
Since many of the features made for horseback riding are also helpful on a motorcycle, there are many different styles of riding boots that are tailored for various equestrian sports. Riding boots are also occasionally worn by motorcycle riders.
Riding supply shops generally carry an array of riding boots for their customers, and these boots can also be ordered through supplier catalogs.
Related Post: Are Riding Boots Still In Style 2023?
The History of Riding Boots
Riding boots first became popular during the 1600s when they became a standard part of military uniforms. They were made of leather and guarded the legs to stop them from rubbing against the saddle while riding.
Their height was chosen to prevent the saddle from causing the rider’s leg discomfort. To keep the rider’s foot in the stirrup, these early riding boots had a short block heel.
Types of Horse Riding Boots
Field Boots
These are a particular style of English riding boot that almost reaches the knee. The lacing at the ankle sets them apart from other boots and gives the rider more flexibility at the instep and ankle. As a result of their increased flexibility, these boots are more comfortable for general riding and jumping. The fact that the mounted police wear a similar set of boots is an interesting fact about these particular ones.
Hunt Or Top Boots
As their name implies, hunters typically wear hunter boots. They are typically black and resemble standard tall dress boots. They also come with a contrasting tan cuff at the top of the shaft.
Jodhpur Boots
Short ankle boots that are typically simple to put on are jodhpur or chelsea boots. Although some variations include zippers or buckles, the modern styles typically use elastic insets to make them easy to slip on and off.
These boots are frequently mistaken for paddock boots because of how short and nice they are.
Dress Boots
Dress boots are high, unlaced equestrian boots. They are therefore more rigid than field boots.
Although they occasionally have a zipper, most people just pull them on. Due to their stylishness, they are frequently worn at horse shows. Black is frequently thought of as the formal color, but brown dress boots are also an option.
Paddock Boots
These are short laced ankle boots. They are typically worn by children when riding. For saddle-seat riding, they are the required footwear, and they are also worn by adults who ride for fun on a daily basis.
Western Riding Boots
Cowboy boots are a common term for western riding boots. They differ from all of the aforementioned English riding boots in a number of ways.
First off, they typically have a higher heel and a shorter shaft, which results in a looser fit. They almost always pull on fairly easily, but the majority of them tend not to have laces.
Spurs, which are not used in English riding, can also fit in these boots.
Tips for Selecting Riding Boots
When selecting riding boots, it is critical to try them on, and ideally to bring in the stirrups you use to make sure that the boots are a good fit.
Riders should test their flexibility by performing a series of bending motions while wearing riding boots, noting any pain.
During a riding session, riding boots that pinch or feel uncomfortable in the store may hurt. In addition, riding boots should feel snug and supportive rather than loose, as the latter can compromise the rider’s ability to control the horse or feel secure in the saddle.
Why Do I Need Riding Boots?
There’s an obvious reason for wearing boots, and this happens to be the same reason you would usually wear boots for any activity – the weather.
Rain, mud, and occasionally very cold weather are inevitable when you ride all year long. Most riding boots come with varying degrees of insulation and some type of built-in waterproofing.
Your feet will stay dry and maintain a healthy temperature if you wear riding boots made specifically for the weather. This will improve your sensitivity, which will improve your ability to control your horse.
Related Post: How to Clean Riding Boots?
What’s the Difference Between Horse Riding Boots and Casual Shoes?
Equestrian boots are made specifically to satisfy all of the comfort and safety needs of riders on horses.
In order to keep the feet from slipping in the stirrup, they have a special structure on their heels. Regular sports shoes are unable to provide the proper support the rider’s feet require.
Final Thoughts on What Are Riding Boots
Riding boots are an essential component of equestrian attire, whether you’re hacking out, schooling, doing yard work, or competition riding, a good pair of riding boots are a necessity for a rider’s safety, comfort and correct seating position
When the weather gets chilly and you need to protect yourself from the cold, these boots are a go-to pair of shoes.
Riding boots have come to represent traditional English style and will always be linked to their equestrian heritage. Interested in riding boots? Keep reading:
FAQs
Can You Wear Riding Boots Casually?
Yes of course. Riding boots are a casual shoe that looks more elevated than your sneakers and gives you a polished look.
Why Are Horse Riding Boots Important?
Wearing boots for horseback riding is important for safety and stability while in the saddle.
Are Riding Boots Still in Style 2022?
Yes, it is still in style.
