The TuffRider Starter Paddock Boots is a best buy for the price. After spending hours on research and comparing, this best horse riding boot works for trail and competitive riding. It features a synthetic leather fit which is able to withstand all kinds of weather. The traction and cushioning on each boot is worth relying on. And so is the slip on and off technique. With little to worry about, you won’t find these difficult to wash on a regular basis. These do best to keep your feet warm and avoid all muck and dirt without compromising the leather.
For a high buy, go for the MuckBoots Arctic Pro Hunting Boot. It’s the perfect hunt boot for men with durable double reinforcement at the instep, heel, as well as Achilles. For weather resistance, it boasts of a 2mm thick thermal foam underlay with the support of best synthetic fabric. These are pull-on shoes that have both a waterproof shaft and a stretch, form-fitting fit. Both these features offer better maneuverability that won’t stick to your feet in the long run. Everyone needs a cool and dry interior that won’t cause sweating on a summer day.
If you want something on a budget, consider the Forever Link Mango-31 Combat Boots. It’s a military, tie-up and low heel boot for women. Made with synthetic leather, it features the best height for horseback riding. The arch support keeps your feet comfy, prevents sweat and heat, and withstands the general wear and tear of daily riding. The dependable synthetic fit can last for a long time without stinking up your shoe closet. All in all, these shoes proved to be the most cozy of the affordable bunch. And we recommend them also for their flattering fit and appearance.
A Little Background
Just as you need the best footwear for your job, you need the proper equestrian riding boots for this. If you’re looking for some durable and comfortable, you’ve come to the right place. Before we begin, what you also need to know about the purchase of the best horse riding boots is its background.
There are many types of riding boots to look forward to for horse riding. But the most classic pair featured a high rise, right up to the leg to avoid bruising the leg of the rider. Without such protection the leather material of the saddle can easily injure the skin that rubs off against it as you ride.
Horse riding, as appealing as it might look, it is a challenging sport. Contrary to popular beliefs, horseback riding is more than sitting on a horse and letting the horse do all the work of riding and galloping through the track. A horseback rider, when practicing for hours on end, can experience serious sore muscles, bruising, and chafing along with mental exhaustion. Hence, horseback riding is a sport that requires both technique and discipline to move forward.
With that said, competitive horse riding demands the use of protective gear including a horse riding helmet, saddle, and boots for safety. This often means both the rider and the horse need to be prepared to boost athleticism and agility on the track. Such performance is not possible without equestrian footwear.
To better understand where equestrian boots come from, let’s discuss the different types of horse riding boots on the market.
Types of Best Horse Riding Boots
English Boot Styles
The best equestrian boots are those that are designed for horse riding. These boots also fall under the category of English riding boots, featuring field boots, dress boots, paddock boots, top boots, and hunt boots.
Field Boots: Field boots are such that were traditionally used by field officers. They feature a higher than usual lace system which promotes comfort and cushioning. The super-flexed ankle design helps riders navigate over fences for smooth and safe horse riding. Buying field boots is useful and efficient for jumping skills. Competitive use includes for show jumping, hunting, or any kind of activity that involves series of jumping phases.
Even though field boots were used by police officers, they make best companions for riding on mounted gear. Mounted gear for horseback riding is more common than you might think.
Dress Boots: Unlike field boots, dress boots lack a higher lace system. This makes them stiffer and more durable than the former. Dress boots are traditionally worn by hunters, dressage riders, and eventers. Some unique-fitting dress boots are also worn by show jumpers. Black is the most common boot color for dress boots. Upon request or thorough research, you will be able to find boots that reach higher up toward the outside of the knee for extra protection.
Hunt or Top Boots: These boots feature a “cuff” at the top. Which makes it the only appropriate form-fitting and best horse riding boots for hunting.
Paddock Boots: Paddock boots, also commonly referred to as Jodhpur boots, are shorter than other pairs. They’re used for everyday riding or occasional riding. These shoots reach right above the ankle, and not an inch higher. Making them less costly and appropriate for pleasure horseback riding. Paddock boots are also worn, on many horse riding occasions, by children. You can combine them with extra protective gear such as half chaps for make them look and function like tall boots.
Truth be told, paddock boots are a cheaper alternative to field boots. However, higher grades of paddock boots feature durable leather toe protection, a sturdy lace system, and deep-grooved soles for added protection.
Western Boot Styles
Western horse riding boots feature a slightly higher build than English boot styles. Most western style boots offer crepe soles, ankle or knee-height boots, and a higher heel. If you wish to ride in something comfortable and stable, opt for western boot styles.
High-priced models are good for everyday use as they provide support and stability. On the other hand, inexpensive boots, which are made up of vinyl especially the upper or lower design, are easy to clean and maintain in the long run. However, these won’t provide as much durability and breathability as leather boots.
How We Picked
The features of the best horse riding boots makes it a little easier to find the right fit. Factors that you need to take into consideration such as the material of the boot and the level of protection they provide.
Material
Materials such as leather, vinyl, and other finer quality materials make up common horse riding boots. Even though the quality and finish of each material differs in terms of size, color, shape, and design, it’s always important to buy the best material for the best protection. A finer and high-quality leather boot would be more expensive than say a vinyl boot. So the quality of the best horse riding boots definitely increases the value of one. You will also find boots made with cotton canvas materials, though they are generally the least expensive choices to invest in.
Leather boots require more care than any other models. The higher the leather polished quality, the longer lasting the boots will be. Plus, this also increases the boot’s cushioning and stability. By investing a significant amount on boots, you’re outlasting all other cheaper models on the market. And this is only possible once you invest in a high-quality, leather horse riding boot.
Do not opt for rubber horse riding boots as they lack support and stability. They can increase moisture and sweat buildup inside the soles, which also leads to heat accumulation. However, they’re great for the wet weather as they hold up against water and act as a release for all the water that will most likely lodge inside the boot shell. You can buy rubber riding boots only when you’re riding or presenting for a short show during the monsoon season.
Level of protection
After deciding on the material of the riding boot that will work the best for you and your horse, you need to figure out how much protection you need. Some high-quality horse riding boots are much more durable than others. This means they offer the most extreme protection against collisions and general wear and tear.
For high level of protection, look for additional features or components such as high-rise design, thick soles, or a sturdy lace system. These offer specialized protection in areas where you need it the most, especially for competitive riding.
If your boots fail to cover your ankles, they’re not designed for horse riding. The shorter the boot height, the less protection they have to offer to riders. This can lead to severe injuries to the feet and legs in case of a fall or collision. You need the kind of boots that improve your toe to ankle to feet posture against withstand blows or to prevent your ankle from twisting.
Our Pick
The TuffRider Starter Paddock Boots is our best equestrian pick for most people. It had a synthetic leather design with all-weather protection. This starter zip paddock boot makes riding lessons much simpler. They’re good enough for wide calves, while the sole has a breathable and form-fitting structure. What’s more? If you have additional gear to strap on, this pick suits most kinds of gear. Include chaps and saddle accessories. Some of its advantages are the easy to clean leather, elastic on each side for a more slip-proof and secure fit, and the under sole grip.
Flaws but Not Dealbreakers
The few drawbacks to this pick are that it might be too stiff for some people. So if you have sensitive feet or a minor injury that needs extra care, you might have to look the other way. Also, the pick lasts for months of consistent use, so they do not last very long.
Our Step-Up Pick
If you want shoes that offer a stable and waterproof design, go for the MuckBoots Arctic Pro Hunting Boot. They’re warm footwear that are just right for outdoor use including for snow or mud use. If you train for longer hours, you need the breathability that these shoes have to offer. The boot feels comfortable with thicker socks, especially if you’re wearing it during the winter months. One thing we liked the most about this boot is that it runs a bit higher taller than other styles. Which makes it more comfortable and unbreakable than other hunting shoes.
Our Budget Pick
If you’ve decided to go with the Forever Link Mango-31 Combat Boot, you’ve made the right choice. This is a nice, grippy, and comfortable boot. However, the stiffness might be hard to break-in at first, but with regular use they’re one of the most snug shoes you can wear. If you’re wearing this boot, I recommend you wear thicker socks to go with its design. Also, it’s good to buy a size small as they run bigger than normal sizes. The soles add plenty of cushioning while providing arch support and of good quality durability. You will like the faux-sock fit and appearance of this boot.
Best Pick for Girls
The CC Little Girls Flat Riding Boots meets all criteria for children. The design features a high-knee synthetic fabric with heel height of an inch. Which is best enough for girls just starting out with their horseback riding training. Available in a versatile black, tan, and brown color, these best horse riding footwear is hard to match. It features a quilted winkle back shaft that goes with everything she wears. And they have good durability to move forward with. The kind that will last for years. If your daughter dislikes shoes that are too stuffy, this breathable pair is the best of the bunch.
Best Pick for Boys
The Dream Pairs Riding Boot is a great boot for boys who want reinforced durability to go. This boot packs a good punch with its padded soft faux fur insole. The shaft height is plenty for comfort and cushioning. And the heel height offers the best elevation for riding for longer hours. This pick has different features for sole comfort than other picks. It has a durable sole quality, a different cut, and the shaft is much more breathable. And that is precisely why the Dream Pairs Riding Boot is easy to walk, gallop, train in without putting too much pressure on the feet or ankles.
Best Pick for Women
The Rampage Hansel Regular Riding Boot is a good leather pick for many reasons. It compliments what you wear for horse riding. With a softer shaft lining, the boot is breathable and comfortable to wear for long hours. The inner zipper closure makes slipping the boot on and off easy. The synthetic sole as well as the boot opening offer great cushion support to the entire foot. More importantly, the double buckle system and button strap offer a tight fit at that calf. This is especially important for women with wide calves. On an ending note, this pair is a good competitor at a valuable price for most women.
Best Pick for Men
The Timberland Men 6 Field Boot is another leather pick, but best for men who want a comfortable and breathable fit. Timberland is famous for its line of durable and premium shoes. This one in particular offers the best performance for horseback riding. Especially for offering good padding and reinforced stability. The direct-inject and boot laces quality is recycled nylon, distinguishing this pick from the bunch. The leather upper offers a handsome cut, best for surviving muck, wet mud, and deep puddles. The bottom line is that the leather fit holds up to all kinds of use and daily wear and tear.
Best Pick for Daily Use
Featuring faux fur lining and an enclosed zipper lining, the Bruno Marc Stone Combat Boot is a man-made durable horse riding boot. It is an ankle boot making it one of the most flexible pairs for consistent use. With a heel measuring an inch from the ground, you won’t face trouble in mobility. If you face difficulties bending over long enough to tie up the laces, the easy zip enclosure of this boot will keep you satisfied. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wearing them every day. They’re warm, comfortable, and accessible.
Best Pick for Dress Boots
The Polar Fox Mike Ankle Boot offers excellent traction for the price. They’re among the high performers moderate-level riding. The rubber sole is rugged and breathable for a secure fit. The outer shell is constructed with a mix of materials such as leather, synthetic, and metal accent pieces. This makes it a good dress boot competitor on the list. This one has a lace-up closure coupled with a soft, yet durable cushioned insole. You can go to any heights with this pick. Especially when you want comfortable durability at a cost-effective price.
Best Pick for Combat Boots
Our last pick of the list is the Global Win Ankle Combat Boot. Combat shoes do not shy away from ruggedness and comfort. They may have a slightly higher price tag, but from the moment you put them on, you know it’s a worthy investment. This ankle boots offer better postural and stability features. The rubber sole and leather design make it easy to maintain for a long time. And the non-skid outsole makes it best enough for wet weather conditions. Other features of this best combat boot are a suede upper and fur lining that keeps moisture, water, and sweat away for good. The perfect pair for keeping your feet warm and cozy all day.
The Competition
We are committed to provide you the most recent and best picks from our research. With that said, for this article, we found shoes that suit girls, boys, women, and men. Plus, we have categorized picks for daily use, for dress wear, and combat shoes. All of our 10 picks have stood out based on dedicated research and consumer feedback. At last, the features that make the best equestrian footwear are also the features that make up all products that we’ve mentioned above. So we sincerely hope you make the best choice possible for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is there that the best horse riding footwear can prevent equestrian foot injuries?- You may definitely have protection footwear in your closet that you assume is good for horseback riding. But unless they’re certified horse riding footwear, the design of any other protective gear isn’t appropriate enough. You need to invest in the right footwear to yield the best results. This can be best explained and understood with an example.
A study aiming to offer a clear diagnosis and prevention conclusion on specific foot injuries resulting from equestrian sports concluded that wearing protective and adequate riding footwear can protect the feet from sustain foot lesions and other types of fractures. This study took into consideration over 258 children over a 12-year study period. Amongst these patients, many suffered from foot lesions, mid-foot fractures, Lisfranc fractures and dislocations, and other fractural displacements. All these were categorized as traumatic obstructions resulting from the same traumatic accidents, and that is from horseback riding.
The accurate reasons for the injuries were also demonstrated during the course of this study. These includes the horse falling on the patient’s leg, twisting of the ankle, or indirect, yet impactful collision of the feet by an external object such as the pavement or ground. Hence, this study emphasized the need for protective footwear to promote safety, cushioning, agility, and maneuverability during riding. (1)
- What is the right sizing chart for the best horse riding footwear?
- This is probably one of the best boot sizing guides you’ll find on the market. It’s always important to take proper measurements of your feet before buying any kind of footwear. And studies recommend that you take your measurements at the time of buying or right before you place an order online. If you’re buying in store, make sure you request for assistance to take the proper measurement. For boots, your feet measurement is not the only thing that’s important. A well-fitted boot may likely not fit around the top, especially when it’s knee high. This makes the boot difficult to slide in and out.
That said, here’s what you need to know about the correct fitting and size of the best horse riding footwear.
Measuring for best horse riding footwear:
Do not take the measurement without wearing what you generally wear with horse riding footwear. This could mean breeches, tights, or socks. You need to sit upright on a chair with your feet flat on the surface. Make sure your knees are at a 90 degree angle. Take a measure tape and wrap it around the widest part of your calf. Then measure the height from the floor right up to the back of the knee (that’s where to the top of the boot lies).
For a better and comfortable break-in period, add 1 and a half inch to the complete height measurement. This also allows better breathability.
| SIZE | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Slim Calf (in centimeters) | 30.5 to 33 | 33 to 34.3 | 33 to 35.5 | 34.3 to 35.6 | 35.6 to 36.8 | 36.8 to 38.1 |
| Regular Calf (in centimeters) | 33 to 35.5 | 35.5 to 36.8 | 35.5 to 38 | 36.8 to 38.1 | 36.8 to 38.1 | 38 to 39.4 |
| Wide Calf (in centimeters) | 35.5 to 38 | 38 to 40.1 | 38 to 40.6 | 39.4 to 41.9 | 40.6 to 41.9 | 40.6 to 43.2 |
| Height | 45.7 | 45.7 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47.6 |
- Does the term “you get what you pay for” apply for buying the best horse-related footwear?
- It’s important to understand that quality is not always distinguished based on price. However, in the case of equestrian footwear, the phrasing is accurate. This doesn’t mean you need to drop in hundreds of dollars without researching the product first. If you’re spending serious money on buying the best horse riding footwear, you need to spend time on researching and comparing different models too.
You need to spend all of your hard earned money on a brand that’s popular and sells only specialty horse riding footwear. But if a pair has rugged protective components to offer, you won’t regret paying a high price for it. In fact, a high-quality pair of horse riding footwear can save you tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenditure that you could have avoided only if you bought the right pair.
If you decide to indulge in competitive or casual horseback riding, you need to plan a good budget for investing in high-quality and best pair of shoes.
Wrapping it Up
The lifespan of the best shoes varies depending on how many times you wear it and how well you maintain them each month. The conditions the shoes are subjected to such as snow, mud, dirt, rain, etc. But the best of the best pick that withstands all weather is the TuffRider Starter Paddock Boot. If you quickly want to know what to get, this is the one you should go for.