Knee-high boots have become a staple in winter women’s fashion, but they also have a rather utilitarian purpose in the equestrian world. Investing in proper riding boots as you improve your horse riding capabilities not only ensures comfort, protection and competition-ready style – but is essential for riding safely.
What should I consider before investing in a pair of riding boots?
What’s the difference between paddock, jodhpur and riding boots?
What’s the best way to break in a pair of riding boots?
Wear your new riding boots gradually – around the house and in the stables. Provided you have the room to wear them without affecting your circulation, a decent pair of thick socks can help too. If you’re really struggling to break them in, consider investing in a boot stretcher and shoe stretch spray to make the job easier.
We’ve curated a selection of the best riding boots for beginners and experienced riders alike, as well as those simply looking to cut a chic equestrian-style silhouette.
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Best horse riding boots at a glance
Ariat Palisade Tall Riding Boot
Best for: a traditional silhouette
While on the more expensive end of the equestrian accessory spectrum, Ariat boots are an investment in heritage and tradition. These tall riding boots are a modern take on a traditional field boot, featuring an exposed full zip and boot slide for ease of entry, as well as technically advanced support and comfort inside and out. Crafted from supple, premium-grade full-grain leather, we love the sleek and contoured look of these elastic lace-equipped boots.
Buy now £300.00, Ariat
Ariat Keswick Steel Toe Paddock Boot
Best for: stable work
Offered in a perennially chic distressed brown hue, these are a classic pair of American-style paddock boots for all your stable work needs. You can also wear them to ride, for they feature a stirrup-friendly, barnyard acid-resistant sole with a rugged steel toe cap for unbeatable safety, performance and comfort.
Buy now £145.00, Ariat
Gabor Brook Slim Calf Fit Leather Riding Boots
Best for: slim fit
For a stylish pair of riding boots that you could also wear with a pair of denim jeans, look no further than Gabor’s Brook Slim Calf Fit Leather Riding Boots. Offered in black and brown leather, these flush yet roomy riding boots are equipped with elastic panels to enable more movement during wear.
Buy now £190.00, Jones Bootmaker
Fouganza 500 Adult Synthetic Horse Riding Jodhpur Boots – Black
Best for: a value-for-money synthetic finish
Offering flexibility and style at a budget-friendly price, these Jodhpur’s by Fouganza feature an anatomic and elasticated design to suit riders with different calf sizes. Though crafted from synthetic leather, they’re incredibly robust and even fitted with a lateral seam at the heel. The soles of these boots feature safe grooves to provide better grip on stirrups.
Buy now £59.99, Decathlon
Harry Hall Buxton Jodhpur Horse Riding Boots
Best for: fashionable Jodhpurs
Fashion meets function in Harry Hall’s deep chestnut Jodhpur riding boots. Phenomenally comfortable and easy to pop on thanks to the pull-on design, they only get better looking with wear. Don’t be fooled by chic aesthetics, for these boots are constructed with a strong resin rubber outer sole for exceptional durability in any environment.
Buy now £54.95, Amazon
HyLAND Londonderry Winter Country Riding Boots
Best for: winter
Perfect for those in colder environments, HyLAND’s Londonderry Winter Country Riding Boots are lightweight, fleece-lined and complete with a waxed leather finish which will keep feet dry no matter the conditions. The riding-appropriate rubber soles also come with double stitching for strength, anti-skid grips and flex comfort technology.
Buy now £89.65, GS Equestrian
Shires Moretta Gianna Brown Riding Boots
Best for: tall boots which won’t break the bank
Available in a variety of fits ranging from extra slim to extra wide, these versatile and value-for-money tall boots have been designed with a flattering dressage cut top. The inner calves feature hard-wearing leather which offers supportive and durable comfort, while the soft outer lining sits snugly against your legs. They also feature shock-absorbing runner soles with steel shanks and ActiveFit insoles with an Impact Support System.
Buy now £107.99, GS Equestrian
Milton Ladies Leather Paddock Boot Black
Best for: stylish paddock looks
Stylish enough to wear from paddock to town, these boots by Milton feature two zips on either side of the front panel for a unique aesthetic. They’re supple and supportive from first wear thanks to the premium leather from which they’re made, making them perfect for those who don’t want to waste time breaking them in. A tech anti-slip sole provides superior grip, while a dual-density foam cushioning system insole delivers comfort all day long.
Buy now £44.00, Premier Equine
