Having a proper pair of children’s riding boots is important because the soles of wellington boots, casual ankle boots and trainers aren’t appropriate for stirrups – usually because they have too much grip or don’t have a suitable heel – plus riding boots offer more protection from stray pony hooves while your child is on the ground.
When it comes to choosing between long or short boots, young riders and beginners tend to ride in jodhpur boots, while more accomplished riders tend to prefer long boots. If your child is likely to be wearing their new boots for yard chores or in muddy fields in the winter, it might be worth considering some long rubber riding boots so they stay dry and don’t ruin a smart pair of leather boots.
Aside from rubber riding boots, most boots are usually made of genuine or synthetic leather. Real leather tends to offer more grip and feel, and lasts a long time if it’s looked after. On the other hand, synthetic leather is usually cheaper and can be wiped clean without needed to add any leather cleaner or conditioner. Other things to look for on short boots are pull tabs, as these will help your child put the boots on and take them off easier.
We’ve rounded up the best boots on the market. Jump straight to…
Made from a quality grained synthetic leather, these boots have a RCS (Rider Comfort System) footbed, high arch and in-built shank for improved comfort and stability.
These boots are designed for everyday riding and wearing at the yard. They have a cushioned insole and steel shank to give extra support, and are made of a waxed water-resistant leather and hard-wearing TPR sole. The boots also have a pull tab and elasticated side gussets to make them easy to put on and take off.
Made with a durable synthetic leather upper, which is quick and easy to clean, these boots have been designed with practicality in mind. They have shock-absorbing insoles and wicking properties to keep feet comfortable all day long. The elasticated panels, front zip and pull tab help with putting on and taking off.
Ideal for everyday riding, these boots are made of full grain leather for long-lasting resilience. They have wicking to prevent sweaty feet, supportive insoles and shock-absorbing soles.
These classic boots have two pull tabs to allow easy putting on and taking off. The elastic sides provide flexibility and stretch, while the moulded soles give added comfort.
These leather riding boots are suitable for everyday horse riding as well as competition. They have a leather lining, cushioned insole and elastic gusset for comfort, while the stitched resin/rubber outer sole ensures these boots have a long working life.
These boots feature lace fronts for a classic finish, but with a black glitter panel at the top of the boot for a modern twist. They have an elasticated back panel for superior comfort, ease of fastening and close contact feel, and sturdy zip fastening with secure press stud closures. They also feature spur rests and guards, as well as an anti-skid sole for stability.
Ariat Heritage Contour Field Zip Tall Riding Boots
Colours: Black
Sizes: UK 2–4, in two calf widths and two heights
RRP: £195
These smart, classic boots have a four-layer supportive and cushioning footbed, and a durable outsole that provides maximum wear resistance and flexibility.
These boots have a synthetic leather leg, which has stretch properties for a good fit, a leather panel on the inner part to aid grip, plus a real leather foot.
Made from a stretch PU with a leather upper, these boots have a breathable lining and RCS (Rider Comfort System footbed). They feature a high Spanish-cut top line and have a rubber outsole for grip and endurance.
These smart field boots have a close leg fit that is achieved by pairing hard-wearing leather inner calves with softer outer panels that hug the leg. They have wicking linings to prevent sweaty and cushioning, supportive insoles, plus shock-absorbing rubber soles with steel shanks.
These soft leather boots have an elasticated lace front, spur rests and guards, and stitch detail on the toe cap. They also feature two pleated elasticated leather sections at the back of the boot for a comfortable fit. The top of the wide, user-friendly zip is finished with an elasticated strap and plain black press stud to the side.
These synthetic long boots are good for beginners who are starting out with horse riding or those who need a pair of boots to double up for yard chores.
Sizes: EU 33–40 (double sizes), in regular or wide
RRP: £120
Slim outer sole with dirt-repellent tread and elastic along the back of the shaft for a great fit. This boot features also a double size removable insole that allows for the inevitable foot growth so the boots can fit for longer.
Your choice of tall or short riding boots for your child will depend upon a number of factors.
Firstly, the popular option for beginner riders is a short boot. They are comfortable, take less wearing in and are not as much of an investment should your child decide riding isn’t for them. More experienced children who ride regularly – or perhaps loan or own their own pony – are a more obvious candidate for long boots.
Next, consider your budget. Short boots have a lower price point in general than long boots, and looking for a leather alternative boot could save you even more. Children grow rapidly, so it’s likely you’ll need to replace your son or daughter’s boots a few times if they are a committed rider over several years.
Additionally, factor in how much time you’re willing to put in caring for a pair of boots. Riding boots require frequent cleaning and conditioning to maintain their integrity. This is especially true of leather boots. Therefore, short boots are easier to care for than long.
Plus, long boots are more protective and can help mitigate rubbing and chafing from the saddle or stirrup leather. You can always buy a pair of the best half chaps to partner with your child’s short boots to address this, too.
Finally, if your child wants to compete, consider the requirements of their chosen discipline. In the show ring, young riders are expected to wear short boots with jodhpur clip. However, if your child is interested in dressage or showjumping, they might be keen to wear tall boots. If you son or daughter wants to try a bit of everything, short boots paired with chaps or gaiters could be a great compromise for all disciplines.
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Georgia is Horse & Hound’s deputy website editor and equestrian products expert. She curates content across the website with a particular focus on upcoming equestrian events horse care and buying advice. She also manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices via our buying guides. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015.
