Ocean Grove Podiatrist, Talks best riding boots for horse riding….

It is important to wear proper footwear when working around and riding horses. Good boots or shoes and safety stirrups help protect your feet if they get stepped on, and help prevent your foot from hooking the stirrup should you fall off when riding. Thongs, Sandals, clogs and often gumboots don’t provide a lot of protection, although they may come in handing when feeding or rugging the horses. When selecting a riding boots its important to think safety first, but here are some other features to consider when selecting a riding boot:

TREAD SOLE AND HEEL

Whatever style you choose, any riding boot should have a small tread sole and a heel that is about 2-3cm high. This will help prevent your boot from slipping through the stirrup. Boots with thick or heavy treads, like hiking boots are unsuitable for riding, although they may be suitable for working in the stable. These boots tend to be wide, with a big boxy toe, which means they may get caught on the sides of the stirrup. They also have a lot of grip, which is good while you're hiking but will make it harder to slide your foot in and out of the stirrup if you fall off.

STYLE

Western boots traditionally tend to have a slightly higher heel than English. Some western-style boots have crepe soles, which may not slide out of the stirrup easily. You can also find ankle height boots. This might be more comfortable and can provide you with good stability.

English boots come in several different styles. Traditional dress boots; those tall black boots that are still common in the dressage ring and in eventing. Many trail riders find that a comfortable pair of tall boots is good protection and support for every day, but they can sometimes get hot. Field boots look like dress boots but have a lace-up over the instep, and often worn in the hunter show ring.

Paddock (or Jodphur) boots are English styles of riding boots that only go up the ankle. They are often worn by children in the prevent the jodhpurs from bunching up the leg. Many adults also wear these for everyday riding. A good pair will be comfortable for wearing around the stable, although you may not want to use leather boots for cleaning and feeding.

All types of tall boots may or may not have a zipper up the back so they’re quick to put on and take off, but feet with high arches can feel cramped in the zipper or pull-on styles. If you find a perfect pair of new or used boots, but they are difficult to put on, it is possible to have zippers put in or replaced by a cobbler if they get worn.

Running shoe style boots are available for those who like a casual look that is both comfortable and durable, and doesn’t require the care leather does. They were as comfy as running shoes, with a little extra support in the sole and ankle. 

MATERIAL

All of these boots come in different materials from cotton canvas and synthetics to leather. Of course, leather boots tend to be much more expensive and require more care. The better quality the leather and better the construction, the more comfortable and the more expensive the boot will be. Try on a pair of $400 boots, compared to the $100 boots, and you’ll quickly feel the difference in comfort and support.

Many riders have two or more pairs of boots, depending on how they ride so if you have any questions relating to riding boots or require a footwear assessment to find the right riding boot…feel free to call, text or emails as I’d love to help! Happy Riding!

Amy Hawker

Podiatrist - Ocean Grove, Geelong and Torquay

0409092298

hello@stancepodiatry.com.au