10 Best Rated Horse Riding Boots – Most Comfortable Equestrian Boots for All Riders

F rom the protective helmet to the comfortable pants or breeches, everything you put on before you mount your horse needs to be appropriate for you to feel like you’re coming straight out of a country Hollywood movie. One of the most noticeable pieces of your ensemble, mainly because of the eye-level position, is going to be the pair of boots on your feet.

There are several models that you could choose from, with different features and styles; however, the main task that a good boot will accomplish is providing a comfortable and safe enclosure for your feet. This is why, if you haven’t found a suitable pair already or if the old one needs replacing, we’ve compiled a top of the best-rated footwear.

How to Find the Best Fit for Your Shoes

Buying a new pair of shoes might seem like a simple enough task, but there are some things that you should consider before. Many people tend to buy shoes based on the size of the pair they have at home that fits them the best, but that can be a mistake seeing as not every manufacturer has the same sizing chart. As Buldt and Menz eloquently put it in their research paper – “Footwear fitting is acknowledged as being vitally important as in most cases fit governs function. This means that footwear cannot fulfill its intended purpose if it does not fit the foot correctly”.

Therefore, we put together the following tips to help guide you in your quest of finding the perfect fit:

1. First and foremost, measure them. This step can be enough when you’re buying flip flops or slippers, as those don’t have too many features to consider. Two things to remember are that if two sizes happen to come up, go with the biggest one to accommodate both feet well, and always measure yourself in the evening.
2. Make sure that the width and the depth are a good match. The former should hold the widest measurement (the one just before the toes) comfortably and the latter should be enough to prevent your toes from getting chafed.
3. Allow a bit of room. Don’t choose a pair that won’t allow a bit of wiggle room from your toes to the tip, as you might feel too cornered during a long day or you won’t have the option of wearing thicker socks.
4. Try the shoes in different positions. Many do this already, which is a good thing. Trying them on means putting them through the positions you normally go through in a day (be careful and avoid damaging the pair).

Top 10 Horse Riding Boots Compared

Photo	Product	Sizes Available	Type & Style	Shaft Length	Materials	Closure	Features	Price
Best Overall	1. Sam Edelman Women’s Penny Riding Boots	13	Riding, Women’s Knee Length	16.75″ (Excluding the Heel)	Leather, Synthetic, Basto Crust Leather	Full Back Zipper with Tab	3 Sizes come in a Wide version, Beveled Topline, Small Elastic Gusset, Snap Detailing, Stacked Heel, Antiqued Button, Burnished Leather, Rounded Toe, Color-matched Interior, 0.25″ Platform Height, Pull Strap	Check Price
	2. Frye Women’s Melissa Button 2 Riding Boot	6	Riding, Women’s Calf Length	15.5″ (Excluding the Heel)	Leather, Rubber	Pull-On	Extended version comes with a 15.5″ calf circumference, Asymmetric Topline, Contoured through the ankle, Cushioned Leather Insole, Heel has added traction, Button details on topline, Burnt Orange Interior	Check Price
Editor’s Choice	3. Ariat Women’s Western Boot	12	Western, Women’s Mid-Calf Length	8″ (From Heel Upwards)	Leather, Synthetic Materials	Pull-On	7 Sizes come in a Wide version, 4LR Technology, 2 Pull Straps, 4-Row Stitching, Grooved Sole, Stitched Design Details, Varied Inner Colors	Check Price
	4. Dublin Ladies Boots River III	11	Riding, Women’s Calf Length	16.5″ – 18.74″	Leather, Tough Tech Rubber	Pull-On with Adjustable Lace	10 Sizes come in a Wide version, 8 Sizes come in an X-Wide version, Nylon Lining, Waterproof, Cupped Heel, Double Layer Cushioning for Arch Support, Steel Arch Sole Foundation, Non-slip, Elastic Top Gusset, Moisture-wicking RCS Footbed System, Tough Tech Rubber with Traction Control Grip	Check Price
Best For Beginners	5. TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots	11	Paddock/Jodhpur, Women’s Above-the-Ankle Length	6″ (From Heel Upwards)	Synthetic Leather, PVC	Front Zipper	Leather Lining, Elastic Gussets, Breathable Interior, Detailed Stitching, Spur Rests, Rounded Toe, Tested in Various Weather and Terrain, Moderate Tread on Soles	Check Price
Best For Wide Calves	6. LifeStride Women’s X-Anita Knee High Boot	13	Riding, Women’s Knee Length	17″ (From Heel Upwards)	Synthetic Leather, Other Synthetic Materials	Side Zipper	11 Sizes come in a Wide version, Round Toe, Stretch Knit Back Panel, Decorative Straps with Metal Ornaments, Soft System Comfort (Insoles), Flexible Traction Sole	Check Price
	7. Naturalizer Women’s Jessie Knee High Boots	16	Riding, Women’s Knee Length	15.5″	Leather, Synthetic	Side Zipper	10 Sizes come in a Wide version, Breathable Lining, Flexible Sole, Extra Cushioning, Elastic Calf Goring Panel, Non-Slip Outsole
	8. EQUISTAR Women’s All-Weather Synthetic Equestrian Boot	11	Field, Women’s Knee Length	Regular 17″-18½”, Wide 17¼”-18½” (Excluding the Heel)	Synthetic Leather, Other Synthetic Materials	Full Back Zipper with Tab and Laces	9 Sizes come in a Wide version, Yellow/Brown Interior, Leather Lining, Very Narrow Profile Design, Shaft is cushion lined with Dry-Tex (moisture-control), V-style Gussets at the top, Twin Spur Rests, EquiStar Sole System	Check Price
Best for the Money	9. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee High Riding Boots	13	Riding, Women’s Knee Length	20″-23.7″ (From Heel Upwards)	Synthetic Leather, TPE Rubber	Side/Inner Zipper	Faux Fur Lining, 3 Different Styles (Utah – Buckled Ankle & Top Straps, Quilted Accent / Army – Buckled Top Strap, Button Embellishments / Turtle – Buckled Top & Ankle Straps, Inner & Outer Zippers, Knit Topline Detail), 0.5″ Platform Height	Check Price
	10. Ovation Ladies Quantum Zip Paddock	10	Paddock/Jodhpur, Women’s Above-the-Ankle Length	7″ (From Heel Upwards)	Vega Premium Synthetic Leather, DuraLast TPR	Front Zipper	Perforated Calfskin with Cambrelle wicking material, Stitched Round Toe, Elastic Gusset, ComforLast Technology (Insoles), Wear Resistant, Pull Strap	Check Price

1. Sam Edelman Women’s Penny Riding Boots

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We’re going to start this comparison with a highly praised model from Sam Edelman that can meet all the expectations you might have from this type of product. First off, let’s discuss the structure and materials used for this beautiful pair. It has a leather-only body that goes from the bottom of your foot up to the top line of a 16.75-inch shaft, synthetic soles with a 0.25-inch platform, and a basto crust leather heel that is stacked and has a height of 1.25 inches.

The 13 sizes it comes in have a calf circumference of 15 inches for the regular version and a 16-inch one for the wide version. All have a full back zipper with a top snap tab, making them a good fit for legs with a bigger muscle mass that might struggle with a pull-on closure. In total, they reach a 1.25-pound weight, meaning that you won’t even feel them when you lift your legs off the ground.

Features

If you’re worried about matching them to your daily outfits, know that the Penny comes in 5 color options, those being Black, Ink Navy, Olive, Darl Brown, and the most popular, Whiskey. All 5 are also color-matched on the interior lining. To give a more genuine feeling to the color, the leather is burnished around the heel, the tip, and other spots along the shaft. To allow a more comfortable fit, there’s a gusset at the top and a pull strap on the side. All this detail work plus the length and the detail buttons make the Penny a great match for breeches, jeans, skirts, or even dresses, therefore you’ll be able to style them however you want.

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2. Frye Women’s Melissa Button 2 Riding Boot

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Next on our list is a beautiful pull-on pair from Frye. This brand is well known for decades for being on the feet of soldiers, generals, politicians, and several celebrities, assuring qualitative and durable wear for each, thus becoming a proper icon in the footwear world. The Melissa Button 2 model lives up to the company’s reputation by being an all-leather build, with the only exception in the material being the rubber in the heel. Initially, these come just under the knee, but the use of this soft material and the fact that to put them on you need to pull them mean that the 15.5-inch shaft length will drop in time and bunch a bit on your ankles becoming a calf-length, so keep that in mind.

Variety & Features

When it comes to variety, the Melissa Button 2’s give you 4 colors to choose from and 6 sizes, all having an Extended version (wider calf) with a 15.5-inch circumference, as opposed to the regular 14.5-inch one. The features consist of a cushioned insole for extra comfort, a contoured ankle for support, added heel traction, a burnt orange interior lining, and button details on an asymmetric topline. As long models might not be to everyone’s taste, we’ve also included shorter pieces, like the Ariat Women’s Western Boot.

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3. Ariat Women’s Western Boot

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Usually, our choice is a product that meets several criteria, such as practicality, durability, price, and design, all needing to come together in a reasonable package. This time is no different, as the women’s Ariat model fits our needs easily (before the end of the article, we will also present you with men’s riding boots from this brand). This Western look, mid-calf length option is great for hotter climates that don’t allow for longer shafts.

The Fatbaby comes at a pretty unnoticeable weight of only 1 pound, considering the all-leather choice of material when constructing the shaft, vamp, counter, and instep parts. The leather body is coupled with a thick synthetic stepping surface that comes at 1-inch tall, making the pair suitable both for walking and riding.

Sizing & Style

Putting them on is easy thanks to the fact that they are pull-on, which is why the opening is 12 inches and there are 2 pull straps stitched onto the inner and outer parts as well. Size-wise it comes in 12 options, with 7 allowing a wider fit. This model sports 4LR technology and grooved bottoms for a comfortable grip when walking. There are a dozen designs to choose from, all coming with different stitching patterns, various colors, and an inner lining that matches perfectly. Going for a unique-looking pair won’t be a hard feat, and it will definitely stand out when you wear it.

Men’s vs. Women’s Ariat Boots

Ariat makes riding boots for both men and women, so everyone can find the horse riding gear they need when shopping from this brand. Next, we will present you with a comparison table where you can find a brief listing of the important stats of our current Ariat pick, and the Ariat Men’s Western Cowboy Boot that you should look into if you need men’s apparel. Check it out and if the special guy in your life needs a pair of boots, consider buying Ariat. You won’t regret it!

Specification	Ariat Women’s Western Boot	Ariat Men’s Western Cowboy Boot
Type	Women’s, Western	Men’s, Western
Available sizes	12	14
Style	Mid-Calf Length	Mid-Calf Length
Heel height	1″	1″
Materials	Boot: Leather; Sole: Synthetic	Boot: Leather; Sole: Duratread with EVA Midsole
Price	Check Price	Check Price

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4. Dublin Ladies Boots River III

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Dublin, the next manufacturer, brings forth a waterproof pair for this comparison. Your feet won’t ever get wet, they will stay warm, and comfort won’t be an issue all day long. Starting with the inner part, the design of the insole is specially created to offer the best support possible thanks to the elements it comprises. Those are a steel foundation to keep everything in place, then a layer with a cupped heel and arch support, a padded little heel cushion, a full layer of padding, and lastly, a lining that will keep any sweating in control.

The inner lining of the shaft is nylon and the outer material is leather. The waterproof feature is guaranteed thanks to the tough tech rubber used to mold the outer bottom part, which also makes the boots anti-slip. Color-wise, there are 5 options that can match just about any outfit.

Sizing

The River III offers 11 size options, 10 of which allow for a wider fit, and 8 which go even further with an X-Wide version to fit larger calves. The length of the shaft ranges from 16.5 inches with the smallest size, to 18.74 inches with the largest one. Whereas the regular calf size is between 16.5 and 18.58 inches, the Wide is between 17.16 and 19.33 inches, and the X-Wide is between 17.79 and 20 inches. All of these different sizes allow a wider range of customers to find the perfect fit for this calf-length riding model. A pull-on wearing style with lace to adjust the top tightness and a 1.25-inch heel are the features that will allow you to do just about anything around the ranch.

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5. TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots

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When you’re at the beginning of the road, you’ll be safer going for a shorter model that can allow you to make mistakes without the added restriction of a long shaft, which is why a paddock type like the ones from TuffRider would be a perfect choice. The Starter has a height that goes a little above the ankle (about 2½ inches), so you get protection in that area, and you can pair them with half chaps if you want more coverage while still having plenty of flexibility in your calf.

The boots we are reviewing here are for women, but if you need riding gear for the kids, TuffRider has you covered, so you won’t need to look at the products of another firm. In the next comparison table, you can check out the TuffRider Kid’s Starter Back Zip Synthetic Leather Field Boots, alternative boots from the same high-end brand that are perfect for your kids.

Specification	TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots	TuffRider Kid’s Starter Back Zip Synthetic Leather Field Boots
Type	Women’s, Paddock/Jodhpur	Kid’s, Knee Length
Available sizes	11	7
Style	Above-the-Ankle Length	Knee Length
Heel height	1″	1″
Materials	Boot: Synthetic Leather; Sole: PVC	Boot: Premium Synthetic Leather; Sole: Synthetic
Price	Check Price	Check Price

Materials & Build

The build of the Ladies Starter paddock boots is synthetic leather with PVC soles and 1-inch thick heels from the same material. Their weight comes to 2.5 pounds, with the color choices being black or mocha, and the sizes you can expect are 11 in number, 2 also including the Wide, and 2 the Narrow counterparts.

With a zipper in the front and elastic gussets on the sides, putting it on and taking it off is quick and easy. For added grip, the soles have a moderate tread and are weather tested. Extra details on these are the spur rests in the back, but if you are an inexperienced rider it would be better that you don’t use them yet, as you might unintentionally hurt your horse.

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6. LifeStride Women’s X-Anita Knee High Boot

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Finding a good pair of feet warming gear that can fit you right from top to bottom can prove to be quite challenging, but the task only gets harder when you have features that are a bit different from what manufacturers consider to be ‘average’, like wider calves. With this 17-inch knee-length LifeStride model, however, finding a snug, or even a roomy fit is no problem because its structure is designed with large calves in mind. The primary material is synthetic leather and the back panel, the star of the show, is a fabric knit that allows for stretching, giving the X-Anita a chance to mold perfectly on your legs. There are 13 sizes to choose from, with 11 of them available in an even wider version.

Their shape is elegant, with slender ankle buckle decors, a long shaft, rounded toe, and they also come in 5 color options that are even throughout, giving you the option to wear them both while riding and with smart casual outfits. For comfort, the insoles have a Soft System and the outer soles are flexible with added traction for a secure footing.

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7. Naturalizer Women’s Jessie Knee High Boots

The 100% leather knee-high boots that we tested from Naturalizer made all the difference in the world while riding. This comfortable footwear distinguishes itself from competitors not only through the qualitative material used in the manufacturing, but through the breathable design. With these boots on, your feet won’t sweat as easily, no matter how long you ride your horse.

The sole is flexible, another plus that helps equestrians improve their skill. What we really liked during our 2-week testing period was that the extra cushioning kept our feet pain-free even after more challenging riding sessions. When it comes to size, you are bound to find the right fit since there are 16 normal sizes to pick from, and 10 wide version sizes. Of course, the reasonable asking price does not hurt either since it makes these shoes accessible to a wider range of customers.

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8. EQUISTAR Women’s All-Weather Synthetic Equestrian Boot

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Moving on, we have another proper horse riding field pair, but this time we have one that comes in adult sizes. EquiStar brings us a model with two versions, a regular with a 17-inch to 18½-inch shaft length, and a wide with a 17¼-inch to 18½-inch length, both versions coming in 11 sizes (except for size 10). The long synthetic leather build brings the product to a weight of 3.79 pounds, a fact which might add a feeling of security for some, but could also be uncomfortable for others.

With this equestrian footwear, black is the only color choice and it comes with a yellow or brown interior lining. The fitting has a narrow profile design, and thanks to the fact that the material is stiffer, the length will hold its shape and give the impression of a dress boot. For added comfort, the shaft has Dry-Tex to manage any extra moisture, the sole has a special EquiStar System, the topline has elastic gussets to keep a snug fit, and the heel has twin spur rests on which to add an accessory that will help with steering the horse when you’re riding.

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9. DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee High Riding Boots

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Looking for a more affordable option should never mean also having to give up on finding stylish shoes. A good pair with 3 different style options, all fit for casual wear, and a friendly price tag comes from the Dream Pairs manufacturing company. They present us with a knee-length, 2.9-pound model that comes in 13 sizes, with matching shaft length and calf circumference. Here, the heel is higher than what we’ve been used to with this list, namely a 1.6-inch with a 0.5-inch platform. The closure type is an inner zipper on all styles with adjustable straps. All models have synthetic leather construction with faux fur lining and TPE rubber on the soles, but here are the design differences:

• Utah – This one has buckled straps both near the topline and on the ankle and the back half of the calf has a quilt pattern stitch as an accent.
• Army – Only the topline strap remains with this one and down the outer side, there are 8 button embellishments as accents.
• Turtle – Lastly, here the ankle strap returns, bringing us back to 2, and the accent is represented by the knit topline and a second zipper on the outer side.

*Pictured is the brown Utah model.

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10. Ovation Ladies Quantum Zip Paddock

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This last model is our second paddock type from the list with a similar price and overall look to the TuffRider Starters we reviewed earlier, with the exception that the Ovation has a shaft that goes maybe 1 inch higher. This one has a 2.4-pound Vega premium synthetic leather body, the sole and heel being constructed from DuraLast TPR. The closure is the same as with most paddock types, meaning a front zipper and the topline also has a pull strap in the back to make things easier.

The size choices are 10 in total, only with a regular version, and the style differences are underlined by either a brown color or a black one. For comfort, the insoles have ComforLast technology and elastic gussets on the inner and outer sides that help with a snug fit that won’t cut off your circulation. This pair’s other features consist of a perforated calfskin inner lining with a Cambrelle material that acts as a moisture controller and a stitched, rounded toe.

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What to Wear When Riding a Horse

As you might know, horse riding requires you to wear certain pieces of equipment so that you can have fun while being 100% protected. Now, that doesn’t mean that you have to take out your credit card and start throwing money left and right, because, the truth is, as long as you remember the following three important rules you’ll be good to go.

1. Protect your Head
Something that you’ll need, and for which there’s no other way around, is a sturdy, safety-tested helmet. Your head is at the top of the list when it comes to the body parts that need to be protected because even the smallest hit has the potential of creating a wide number of unpleasant medical issues. Make sure that the helmet you get fits you right, has proper ventilation, and meets the safety standards required. The best ones are those that can keep you safe even from a blow coming from a horse’s hoof.
2. Protect your Body
Two very common occurrences during the back and forth movement that your body goes through during riding are chafing and sore spots created by inadequate clothing. The truth is, even with the right clothing, if you’re a novice, sores might still happen until you get the hang of the proper position and that’s why you have to make sure that the risk is low from the start by choosing the appropriate materials. Long and seamless garments are the best choice, as there’s no skin and no hard lines to create friction. Be sure to go for a breathable fabric too, to keep yourself as comfortable as possible.
3. Protect your Feet
Since your feet also play a very important role in this activity, you need to make sure that nothing can affect them and lower their performance. Choose a well-fitting pair of boots that can offer enough support, a warm and dry interior, and a bit of heel to keep you from slipping out of the stirrups.

If you make sure to follow those guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your hobby to the fullest. Yes, there are other pieces that you can add once you decide that you want to invest more into your outfits, like tailored jackets, breeches, gloves, and so on, but those are optional if you’re not planning on going towards a more professional route.

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Buying Guide

This part of the article is specially tailored around the most important aspects that you need to consider when choosing the right footgear. Those aspects are:

Safety

Any horse riding gear should meet a minimum number of safety requirements so that you won’t have any problems down the road. Those requirements when referring to footwear are a heel with a 1-inch or 1½-inch height and a treaded sole. The tread could go from light to heavy, but anything is better than a smooth sole which can cause accidental slipping from the stirrups. Extra features could include reinforced toecaps and reflective strips for rides during the night.

Materials

Footwear build materials are another important factor, as they will always be in contact with your foot and leg when you have them on. The most comfortable options are those made of leather, as they tend to be soft and also mold on your leg with time, but they are also the more expensive and high-maintenance way to go. If you are set on getting a leather model, you can also opt for treatment solutions that can make the material weather and moisture-proof (they will need regular reapplying).

The alternative means going for synthetic leather, which is cheaper, but it can feel stiffer during those first few rides. With this option, it can be easier to find weatherproof models, with or without insulation, depending on your preference. Rubber types are also an option, but they don’t provide as good stability, plus, they tend to overheat the feet and be difficult to pull off when you’re done with them. Their advantage, however, is the cheaper price.

Length & Type

These riding companions are more versatile than you’d originally think, coming in various heights and having various purposes (yes, other than being good for riding). Here are the 3 main types:

• Long: This type is also separated into 2 different categories having to do with their purpose and design.
  1. Field – this type’s name is a reminder of the past, as this footwear was also used by those who served in the Army in the “Field Grade”. The details that make them distinguishable are the presence of tying laces and the soft, creased shaft that allows for greater control and range of movement with the leg position while in the stirrups. Because of this ‘freedom’, this type is usually the first pick for more intense activities (jumping, hunting, etc.)
  2. Dress/Dressage – this type has a more preppy style, a stiffer build material, and it doesn’t drop the way its counterpart does because it’s mean to maintain a sophisticated appearance. If you didn’t guess already, it’s used mainly in dressage, as it doesn’t necessarily imply unpredictable weather or terrain.

Pros	Cons
More stability and support	Possibility of chafing
Can be used for casual or smart-casual wear	Require more maintenance
Better protection during cold weather	Certain models aren’t TSA approved

• Calf or Mid-calf: These are an alternative for those who don’t want to deal with a whole lot of material on their legs while riding. It provides the same benefits, minus the upper calf and knee protection that you can get from the former, and these are actually the most common choice.

Pros	Cons
Freer leg movement	Less calf protection
Good for hotter climates	A bit less ankle support
Can be used for casual wear	–

• Short: Also known as paddock or jodhpur, this type is good for lighter work and casual to moderate horse riding (for the latter, fastenings might be required). They only come up to the ankle and have a low heel, but often a thicker sole. The materials are more often than not weatherproof or synthetic. Usually, riders couple the paddocks with half chaps, which make them similar to the long ones and provide more grip.

Pros	Cons
More flexibility	Might not last as long
Lighter on the feet	Less stylish look
Less luggage room occupied	–
Easy to take off	–

Interesting Features


As with any piece that is part of a wardrobe, features that add to the style of functionality can influence the buying decision. The things you can look for when it comes to this kind of product are:
• Closure Method (Zipper, Pull-on, Straps, Laces)
• Added Technology (ATS, 4LR, Insole Comfort)
• Foot Health Benefits (moisture-control, anti-bacterial, odor-control)
• Climate Control Linings (faux fur)

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Frequently Asked Questions





Should I ride my horse in boots?
Yes, and the reason for that is that horse riding isn’t as safe of an activity as it might seem at first. You might get stepped on, you might get chafed, your foot might get caught or slide from the stirrup, or it might even step in something unfortunate, and all those factors could lead to you getting hurt or getting in a sour mood if your gear isn’t appropriate.


Why are horse riding boots so expensive?
To put it simply, there are quite a few processes involved in the making of such products, and some of them are different from those involved in making a regular pair of shoes. Certain materials and expert manufacturers might be needed to create and test the extra features, and all that can cause a spike in the final price.


Why do horse riders wear long boots?
The reason why is because they prefer to not have chafed legs, and the long type offers extra protection in the calf area, and sometimes even in the knee area.


How long do horse riding boots last?
As with any product, it depends on the brand, the price, use time, and maintenance work. Those models that are cheaper will probably offer you a couple of years of wear, whereas those made of genuine leather can give you a decade or more. The thing is, no matter what kind of pair you buy, you must also do your part in taking care of them (cleaning, not leaving them in a moist place or in direct sunlight, conditioning, etc.) so that you can get maximum use out of them.


Should horse riding boots be tight?
They should be tight enough to offer you support and not slip off your legs, but not so tight that you can feel your blood flow struggling to reach your feet.


Do you have to wear half chaps with paddock boots?
If you want to. When simply walking around, half chaps aren’t a necessity (unless, maybe, you need to keep warm) but when riding you might want to put them on to keep your legs safe.


What height riding boots should I get?
It depends on the material. If you go for genuine leather it will be softer, so you should get a plus 2 inches taller shaft than your idea of an ideal height because it will drop over time. If you go for synthetic, those tend to be stiffer and only drop 1 inch or less, so you can get the height you want, give or take 1 inch.


How do I break in tall riding boots?
By continuous wear before putting them on when riding. Wear them inside, mold the soles on stair edges (this will break in the ankle part, too), condition or wet the leather with water and wear them until they’re dry (only use conditioner on genuine leather, and take note that too much water can stain), use boot trees after you take them off, or use them to ride a bicycle. All these actions will get your boots ready for riding.





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Conclusion


Now that you’re all caught up on every detail there is to know about buying brand new footwear for your upcoming riding sessions, or even for casual wear, the last words that we’re going to leave you with are a few recaps of the models that stood out from the rest.

Best Horse Riding Boots for Sale: Sam Edelman Women’s Penny Riding Boots
The overall best product of the list, the Sam Edelman model is made from the softest leather, able to hug your leg comfortably and keep you safe from unnecessary chafing. The back zipper glides like a dream, the color range is made up of 5 options with a burnished finish, giving you a sophisticated look, and from the 17 sizes available, 9 of them come in a wide version which is meant to suit calves that are a tad larger. The sole has a good traction and the small elastic gusset can allow you to flex your muscles freely. A bonus is that the knee-length coupled with the asymmetrical topline and stylish design make the Penny’s a great choice for riding or complementing various outfits.

Editor’s Choice: Ariat Women’s Western Boot
Our favorite model is one more suited for a ranch environment and hotter weather, as it comes with a mid-calf length in a gorgeous Western-style package. The Fatbaby is an extremely lightweight pair with a body made entirely out of leather and a sole made from synthetic materials (with an added 4LR technology). Having a pull-on closure, there is a strap on either side to help you put them on, but you don’t really need to struggle too much, as they have a 12-inch opening. The Western-style is accompanied by about a dozen designs that can brighten anyone’s day.

Best Horse Riding Boots for the Money: DREAM PAIRS Women’s Knee High Riding Boots
The Dream Pairs model is a very surprising one considering that the style variety and comfort features come with such an accessible price tag. The styles in question are Utah, Army, and Turtle, all coming with different detailing and colors, and they are all faux fur lined to keep you toasty even during the colder months of the year. There are 13 size options, inner full zipper closure with adjustable straps, and the heel is 1.6 inches, which is higher than every other model on the list. Other perks include the fact that they are also good for large calves and can be used in casual day-to-day outfits.

Best Horse Riding Boots for Beginners: TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
For those who are dipping their toes in the riding world for the first time, the TuffRider paddocks are a good, weather-proof model that can keep their feet protected but still allow for plenty of free movement. Paddocks are usually used in casual riding and don’t take well to rough activities, which is why beginners might find them perfect for their lessons. With 11 sizes that come in regular, wide, or narrow fits, you’ll be able to find your match, and with the front zipper and dual elastic gussets, putting them on or taking them off will be a matter of seconds.

Best Horse Riding Boots for Wide Calves: LifeStride Women’s X-Anita Knee High Boot
Women with calves that are on the larger size are generally well-acquainted with the difficult process of trying on an endless amount of knee-length footwear only to end up disappointed. With the X-Anita from LifeStride, however, that feeling will be left in the past as these have a generous 15-inch calf circumference, and you can even go for the wider version if necessary.

The materials are synthetic, both the leather and the heel, but the detail that makes this model a match for bigger calves is the fabric panel that takes up the back half of the 17-inch shaft. For style, they have 5 color options and ankle strap details, and for comfort, they have a soft insole system.