The best short riding boots – whether they are jodhpur or paddock boots – are not only safe to wear in the saddle, but smart and comfortable, too. Often worn with half chaps or gaiters to reap some of the benefits of wearing long boots, short boots are a popular choice for both adults and children – and are always part of a beginner’s riding kit.
How to choose the best short riding boots for you
There’s more to think about than you might realise when it comes to choosing a pair of short riding boots. The first difference you might notice is the leather – nubuck leather is hard-wearing, easy to look after and clean, while full-grain leather is more formal and traditional. The sole is an important consideration and the tread should be shallow and compact, which helps to prevent your foot becoming caught. Rubber soles are more flexible and shock absorbing, while wooden or wood composite soles can offer more support. Some boots also have steel shanks to provide arch support, which encourages good posture and reduces fatigue.
Insoles have a real effect on how your boot feels to wear. Leather insoles are hard wearing but have minimal cushioning, whereas cushioned insoles offer varying levels of padding and shock absorption depending on the material. Some boots have memory foam insoles, which mould to the shape of your foot for added comfort and support.
Short boots can be pull-on, zipped (front or rear) or laced. It’s down to you which you prefer, but there are some advantages to each. Pull-on boots usually come with tabs to help you get them on and off, but like zipped boots can not be adjusted. Lacing gives you the option to adjust, which is particularly good if you have skinny ankles. They are a bit more of a faff to put on, but some come with a rear zip, too, to make this easier. A front zip is the simplest option if you’re looking for easy access.
If you want to pair your short boots with half chaps or gaiters, it’s not essential that you find a matching pair, but if they’re designed to go together they’ll not only look smart but fit well. Don’t forget, if you ever wear spurs with your short boots, you’ll need to opt for a pair with spur rests.
Best jodhpur boots
Tredstep Medici II paddock boot
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: UK 2½–11
RRP: From £149
H&H review: 10/10
This European-style short boots from Tredstep have a specialised insole that combines the ability to mould to the shape of the foot with 3D arch support and a durable shock-absorbing heel. They also have a Coolmax-lined footbed and stretch panels around the ankle, as well as spur rests. They are available in a range of styles – front zip, laced with rear zip or double front zip.
We found these boots to be soft, comfortable and sturdy. They’re great for any discipline and worth the investment.
Read H&H’s independent Tredstep Medici paddock boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Mountain Horse Aurora Zip Paddock Boot
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–43
RRP: £129
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
These Mountain Horse boots have a non-slip durable rubber outsole with a multi-directional grip pattern and a water-dispersing heel tread, which combined provides great grip in all weathers. They have a pressure-absorbing insole that provides comfort and helps to reduce fatigue. The memory foam footbed gives added heel cushioning that reduces impact. Also available in a laced style.
Read H&H’s independent Mountain Horse Aurora Zip Paddock Boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or ebay.com
Bareback Footwear Kentucky Jodhpur Boots
Colours: Brown, navy or Havana
Sizes: UK 2½–12
RRP: £129
H&H review: 10/10, H&H Approved
These boots are designed to be a yard and riding boot. They are made from a combination of buffed waxed calf skin leather with a tough nylon Condura fabric for durability, and lined with a Dermo Dry moisture-wicking lining. They benefit from a padded full ankle and collar, fully adjustable laces for to aid fit and support and removable insole.
We loved these boots. They were extremely comfortable, prevented sweaty feet, easy to put on and take off, and highly adjustable.
Read H&H’s full Bareback Footwear Kentucky boots review.
Ariat Ascent boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: UK 3–8½
RRP: £120
H&H review: 9/10
These modern boots are completely different to anything else in this guide. They have a flexible, lightweight build with a breathable, sock-like fit for comfortable compression, ankle support and instep comfort.
We found these boots to be incredibly comfortable and great for wearing around the yard. Plus, despite having a different look to other short boots, we think they are definitely smart enough to compete in when paired with the Ariat Ascent half chaps.
Read H&H’s independent Ariat Ascent paddock boots review.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
Brogini Trieste premium laced paddock boot
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–46
RRP: £85
H&H review: 8/10
Crafted from a supple Brazilian leather, these Brogini boots are classic and traditional, but packed with modern features. The anti-skid rubber sole offers flexibility with shock-absorbing properties, while the high-density insole offers arch support.
We like how these boots zip up at the back and, although they took a little breaking in, we felt they were good value considering they are smart enough to compete in.
Read H&H’s independent Brogini Trieste paddock boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Harry Hall Harrow zip jodhpur boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: £89.95
H&H review: 8/10
Made with a soft leather, these Harry Hall boots have an antique brass front zip, leather pull-on tab and elasticated panel meaning you can slip these on and off with ease. They feature spur guards and a ridged sole, while the curved stitching and brogue detail on the toe give these boots a smart finish.
These boots aren’t available in half sizes, but they were comfortable and we really liked the detailing and thought they were particularly smart if you like the traditional look.
Read H&H’s independent Harry Hall Harrow boots review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Dublin Paramount Side Zip Paddock Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: From £112.99
These boots are made of Argentinian full-grain leather, with a soft cow leather lining. They are designed for a slim look and have a RCS Ultra (Rider Comfort System) footbed that offers sweat control, a shock-absorbing heel and a moisture-wicking liner. The contoured arch and shank provide stability, while the durable sole gives good grip.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Supreme Products Show Ring jodhpur boots
Colours: Oxblood
Sizes: UK 3–9
RRP: £54.99
These boots from Supreme Products are designed with show riders in mind. Featuring elasticated sides for a comfortable fit, and a heel loop for ease of taking on and off, these boots have a slimline leather sole that ensures a picture-perfect look for the show ring. Also available in children’s sizes (RRP £43.50).
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Hy Equestrian Wax Leather Zip Boot
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–43
RRP: £44.99
These zip-up boots have a supple calf leather upper, elasticated side gussets and a synthetic lining. Pull-on and fleece-lined versions are also available.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Fouganza Classic Leather Jodhpur Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: UK 3–10½
RRP: £34.99
These simple boots are designed for all weathers. They have elastic side panels that make them easy to put on and take off.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Toggi Abbot boots
Colours: Black or bitter chocolate
Sizes: EU 36–46
RRP: £99
These handmade leather boots from Toggi have a classic toe overlay. To ensure they’re easy to get on and off, these boots have elasticated panels and a front YKK zip.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Just Togs Shoreditch short boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 37–43
RRP: £65
The premium grain leather of these Just Togs boots ensures quality and durability, while the technical sole system provides comfort and support.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Tuffa Morgan zip front jodhpur boots
Colours: Black or conker brown
Sizes: UK 3–12
RRP: £85
The uppers of these leather-lined Tuffa boots are padded for a comfortable fit, while the rubber soles are non-slip and the close-fitting ankle closes with a YKK zip for maximum support.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
You might also like:
The best half chaps and gaiters to pair with your favourite short boots
14 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget
Our pick of the best riding tights on a budget
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
What’s the difference between jodhpur boots and paddock boots?
These styles of short boot are very similar, but a few design differences set them apart. Jodhpur boots are typically, but not exclusively, worn by younger riders. They are often pull-on in design, although some come with a zip. A good example are the Dublin Elevation jodhpur boots.
Paddock boots, such as the Ariat Heritage IV, tend to have a thicker sole, which allows them to be worn on the yard as well as in the saddle. They also usually come higher up the ankle, offering slightly more support, and are normally laced or zipped.
Are short or long riding boots better?
It really depends on who you are and what you’re wearing them for. Short boots tend to be favoured by children as they are accepted in the show ring and for competition, but they also allow beginner riders more freedom of movement at the ankle. That said, they are popular with many adult riders of all abilities, too.
Short boots don’t offer the same support and protection that a pair of long leather boots would do and, for this reason, many riders opt to pair their jodhpur boots with half chaps or gaiters. Short boot and half chap combinations may also solve problems for riders looking for non-standard sizings at a more affordable price point.
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