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How to Choose the Best Horseback Riding Boots

horse riding boots
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Did you know the earliest photo of a boot was discovered in a cave in Spain? It’s dated between 12,000 and 15,000 BC. The horseback riding shoes we know today didn’t appear until the 1600s.

Selecting good riding boots is an essential investment in your horseback riding gear. Keep reading to pick up some tips on how to choose the best ones.

Why Wear Horseback Riding Boots?

In every sport, there is essential equipment that protects the player or assists in some way. For baseball players, it’s the uniform, bat, or the mitt. Horseback riders rely on their boots.

What’s in a Boot?

Boots come in various materials; synthetic, rubber, leather, and fabric are the most common. They also have varying price ranges. You will find they come with designs that offer water-resistant, insulated, waterproof, and can have breathable material.

Choose one that suits you.

Leather Horseback Riding Boots

You’ll find that when most people think of riding shoes, leather is the material that comes to mind. There are many benefits to leather horseback riding shoes and that’s one of the reasons why they are the preferred choice.

  • Durable – leather riding boots are resisting to tears, abrasions, and rips when compared to other materials
  • Water-resistant – while leather boots are resistant to water they aren’t waterproof
  • Comfortable – once broken in they adjust to the shape of your foot providing a great fit that is comfortable
  • Breathable – leather is surprisingly breathable to keep your feet comfortable in warm or cool weather

Leather horseback riding shoes will cost the most compared to other materials but will outlast any of the others.

Synthetic Riding Boots

You’ll find that synthetic riding shoes resemble their leather counterparts. If you don’t ride every day they are an excellent choice, they will be durable but won’t last as long as leather. 

Rubber Riding Shoes

If you ride in a wet climate rubber boots can be an excellent choice. Rubber has a tendency to be very warm and cause your legs to perspire. Often this can make it difficult when it comes time to remove them, but they are great for mud and sandy areas.

Styles of Riding Boots

Women’s equestrian boots come in many styles and men aren’t far behind. Shoes made for English riding differ from those made for Western riders. Experts suggest being wary of clunky soles as these can get stuck in the stirrups.

Look for shoes with leather soles if possible and having a heel is a necessity.
If you aren’t planning to compete wearing the same boots you train in, the height of the boot can be a personal preference.

Choosing the Best Horseback Riding Shoes

You may find yourself unable to choose due to having so many options in horseback riding shoes. Look for shoes that not only look great but are comfortable. Whichever shoe you choose make sure it has a heel, traction, and a hard toe, the rest is just aesthetics.

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