The best winter horse riding boots combine the performance of regular riding boots with essential protection for cold, wet conditions. Look for boots that offer insulation without sacrificing feel, ensuring you maintain control in the saddle. High-quality options provide the same contact as the best long leather boots, but with the extra benefit of additional warmth.
Though some riders wear a pair of the best country boots in winter, they aren’t designed for riding and will struggle with the demands of muddy, harsh yard conditions. For optimal performance, choose boots built specifically for winter riding.
These practical and robust boots from Hy are stylish, lightweight and comfortable to wear. Made of a water-repellent oiled leather, they will keep you dry in all weathers and the technical lining will allow your feet to breathe. A full-length YKK zip at the rear of the boot ensures the boots are quick and easy to remove, while integrated stretch panels on the back of the calf for comfort and freedom of movement whilst riding. The PU sole is stitched for double strength and features anti-skid grip, which is ideal on an icy morning.
They were tested for H&H by professional riders Jamie and Georgi Broom who said: “We wore these for going across fields, as well as mucking out and riding – they were really easy to clean and stood up really well to everyday wear… they’re really good value for money.”
Ariat Heritage Contour II Waterproof Insulated Boots
Colours: Black or waxed chocolate
Sizes: UK 3–8½, with a range of width and height options
RRP: £300
Reasons to buy
Smart enough to use as competition riding boots
Warm to wear on cold and wet rides
Comfortable to wear
Reasons to avoid
For the cost, you might rinse every time you walk through a muddy field
Ariat describes these boots as perfect for “everyday winter riding”. They’ve been upgraded recently to be more waterproof and include warming insulation. They also have 4LR (four-layer rebound) technology, which provides your feet with the comfort and support they need as you walk and ride. They have a smart Spanish topline, elasticated laces and a full-length elasticated panel on the side to ensure a good fit.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Brogini Kendal Sub-Zero Tall Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–42
RRP: £140
Reasons to buy
Very good for yard work
Well insulated, and very warm
Easily adjustable
Reasons to avoid
If you don’t feel the cold this style will be too hot
These boots might not be suitable for competition riding, but they are designed to withstand the harshest weather and keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -20°C. The calf is insulated and lined with faux fur (as is the foot), while the outer is made of a durable, water-repellent fabric that will hold up on overgrown bridleways. It fastens with five Velcro straps that allow for a tailored fit.
(Image credit: Fototext)
Mountain Horse Snowy River Tall Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–43, with two calf width options
RRP: £269
H&H Review: 7/10
Reasons to buy
Insulation and faux-fur foot lining provide superior warmth in cold weather
Built in steel shanks add stability and support, particularly useful for long wear
Rugged outsole good on slippery surfaces
Reasons to avoid
Sizing comes up a little large
Made from full-grain leather with a faux-fur foot lining and 200g Thinsulate insulation these Mountain Horse boots will keep your feet plenty warm, while the waterproof foot will also keep them dry. Built-in steel shanks provide improved stability, while the rugged outsole helps maintain optimum grip in slippery conditions and the ergonomic ShockX insole ensures comfort.
They were tested for H&H by professional event rider Sam Jennings who said these boots “were great in the cold weather” but came up a little large, especially around the calf and ankle.
These casual riding boots from Shires are a practical option on chillier days. The fleece lining will help keep your feet warm, while the durable, water-repellent leather will help them stand up to winter wear. The leather-covered elastic calf panel offers responsive fit, while the dressage-cut tops provide an elongated leg line. The boots feature a YKK zip at the rear, non-slip spur rests, an ActiveFlex insole and anti-shock cushioning. The sole provides reliable grip in all weathers and activities. They’re also available in children’s sizes.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Hy Equestrian Londonderry Winter Country Riding Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–41
RRP: £129.99
Reasons to buy
Easy to clean and hose off really well
Well waterproofed
Versatile and good value for money
Reasons to avoid
Require breaking in
These smart, fleece-lined boots will keep your feet dry thanks to the water-repellent waxed leather finish. They also have a full-length YKK zip and a hidden stretch panel to ensure a great fit. The rubber sole is designed for durability and performance, with double stitching for strength and anti-skid grips. I have a pair of these boots and found they needed breaking in as they were initially a bit tight and pinched behind my knees, so ensure you have time to break them in to get a comfortable fit.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Brogini Monte Cervino Zipped Country Riding Boots
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: EU 36–43
RRP: £125
Reasons to buy
Retain heat well
Zip on the outside, good for sensitive horses
Good for riding and yard work
Reasons to avoid
Casual design doesn’t offer the more polished look of more formal riding boots
Designed for the colder weather, these Brogini boots are fully lined with a dense faux fur to help retain heat and are made of a water-resistant leather. The rear of the boot features a covered elastic panel that ensures a flattering close fit while still being comfortable. The full length zip at the side of the boot – with zip cover at the top – is designed to make fastening easy.
How to choose the best winter horse riding boots
Although they’re not all designed to be yard boots, many winter boot options have features to help them cope with winter life on the yard. You’re more likely to find waterproof, breathable and insulating materials as well as grippy soles – and these are all features you should look out for – but make sure you look out for flexibility at the ankle and features to help you get them on and off easily, too.
These extra touches will make a real difference to your day, especially when it’s -2°C on a morning in January. Last but not least, you want to find a pair that’s comfortable and will stand up to daily wear — riding boots often lead a pretty tough life!
Can you wear riding boots in winter?
Yes, you can wear riding boots in winter, but it’s essential to choose ones designed for cold and wet conditions. Standard riding boots may lack the insulation and waterproofing needed for winter weather, making them less suitable for colder months.
Winter riding boots, however, are specifically made for these conditions, offering features like insulation to keep your feet warm, waterproofing for protection against snow and mud, and soles with better grip for icy or slippery surfaces. These boots ensure comfort and safety while riding during the winter season.
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Oscar joined Horse & Hound in October 2023 and is the magazine’s dressage editor and sports manager, overseeing coverage of equestrian sport. After studying equine science at Myerscough College, he spent four years working for leading dressage rider Emile Faurie, competing at the 2015 National Dressage Championships and travelling with the yard to CDIs including Aachen and Saumur. He holds a master’s degree in Literature from York St John University (2021).
