Riding boots
Buying riding boots: The right model for every purpose
Anyone who wants to buy leather riding boots today is spoiled for choice, because it has been a long time since there has been just one model. The boots go with the fashion and become more and more specialized for different purposes. This article is intended to show you the advantages and disadvantages of each model and thus make the decision for your dream boots easier.
The material for riding boots
The first criterion for riding boots is the material. Here is a list of the most common designs.
- Rubber riding boots
Rubber riding boots are very robust, can withstand mud and water and are relatively inexpensive. However, the durability is usually relatively low, because the inner lining wears through quite quickly and they clearly promote sweaty feet. The biggest disadvantage, however, is that the boot gives a bad feeling for the horse. Therefore the boots are not so well suited for fine riding, for example in dressage. Rubber boots are ideal for children and beginners, for whom the investment in expensive leather boots is not yet worthwhile. If you lead your horse more often or have to lead it from muddy paddocks, rubber boots might be a good option.
- Leather riding boots
Leather riding boots are much more sensitive and require regular care. But they offer a good feeling for the horse and a high wearing comfort once they are broken in. However, tournament boots are also relatively expensive. Beginners' models cost between 150 and 200 Euros, high-quality branded boots can cost 400 Euros and more. Good leather boots are also very durable if they are cared for carefully. This makes leather riding boots ideal for riders who intend to practice the sport intensively for a longer period of time and whose legs do not change too much. If you want to ride in higher classes, leather riding boots are a must, because they are common and part of the equipment.
- Boots made of textile material
In the meantime, riding boots are also available in modern textile material, as used in the sports shoe industry. These boots have a high wearing comfort and are very light. The annoying break-in is omitted and the contact to the horse is still good. However, the design is quite unusual and therefore the boots are rather not suitable for tournaments, at least in dressage. With 250 to 300 Euros the boots are also relatively expensive.
Winter or summer boots
Whoever walks around the stable in winter quickly gets cold feet, so lined winter riding boots are often tempting. However, you should be aware that these boots do not allow fine contact with the horse and quickly become too warm when riding indoors. However, if you invest in winter riding boots, you are sure to have warm feet during your stay in the stable and during comfortable rides. An alternative are warm winter boots which are only exchanged for the boots shortly before you get on. Warm shoes in combination with chaps are just as well suited for the terrain.
The shape
Not all riding boots are the same. For each of the equestrian disciplines, special, particularly suitable models have been developed.
Dressage boots
Dressage boots are supposed to make a particularly long slender leg and do not have to allow too much flexion in the knee. Therefore these boots are especially long. The inner edge of the leg ends about a finger's breadth below the knee joint gap. This way the boots do not pinch the hollow of the knee when walking. The outer edge is traditionally pulled up to a dressage arch and extends beyond the joint gap. In addition, the outside of the boot is made of particularly strong leather and a very stiff whalebone is processed. This should give the boot firmness. The inside of the bootleg is made of finer softer leather to allow a fine contact to the horse.
Jumping boots
Jumping boots are usually somewhat shorter and end about two finger widths below the joint gap. This way the boot does not pinch in the hollow of the knee, even in a light fit. The outer edge of the boot leg is about as high as the inner edge or only slightly raised. The entire shaft is made of slightly softer leather and thus allows more movement in the ankle joint. On some jumping boots the upper part of the shaft is worked as a differently coloured gauntlet. However, these boots are only used for very high jumping competitions and hunting. With the jumping boots one can also ride dressage without any problems. Therefore the youth and allround models are mostly jumping boots.
Field Boots and Polo Boots
Field boots or polo boots have an integrated elastic band at the front in the transition between foot and shaft which is covered with a lacing. This increases the wearing comfort when riding a lot with short stirrups.
In addition, the boots are made of a softer leather that shrinks quickly. Often these boots have a zipper or a velcro fastener which makes them easy to put on and take off. This type of boot is not suitable for dressage competitions in the higher classes, but is often seen in show jumping and is a comfortable training boot.
Spanish boots
Spanish boots are mostly made of suede and are closed with buckles on the side of the shaft. These boots are comfortable leisure boots and fit to the traditional costumes. However, they are not suitable for an FN tournament.
Leisure boots
Recreational boots are often described as mixtures of boots, boots made of less sensitive leather or coloured leather. These boots are usually very comfortable and not as expensive as noble dressage boots. As there is a great variety here, everyone has to judge the individual models according to their own needs.
Other shapes
In addition, there are many special shapes, such as baroque boots in which the front part of the shaft is extended beyond the knee, or particularly thin and light models for racing and endurance riding.
The colour
The traditional colour for riding boots is black. There is no way around it for dressage boots for tournaments.
For show jumping boots in the upper classes, the gauntlet may have a different colour at most and here too, muted colours are more appropriate.
What colour your leisure, training or show boots are, however, is entirely up to you. Leather boots are now available in many colours, for example cognac, dark green, red, grey or brown. Some manufacturers even have colourful boots in their range. So you can find the right one for every taste.
Ankle boots- shoes for riding
For those who find riding boots too uncomfortable or who do not yet want to invest in expensive boots, they can wear sturdy shoes for riding instead. These shoes should fulfil the following conditions:
- The shoes should be firm and protect the feet from being stepped on.
- The shoes should have a clear heel to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup.
- The soles should be firm so that the pressure of the stirrup can be well distributed.
- The shoes should not be too wide, so that the foot does not get stuck in the stirrup.
- The shoes should go over the ankle to stabilize the ankle joint.
If you want to ride for a longer time without boots, you can add chaps to the shoes. These leather pieces are strapped around the lower leg and protect against chafing when riding.
