Find the perfect boots for you this winter *Promotion*

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Good riding starts with good boots. The best ones will support and protect your feet, fit like a glove, last a lifetime and allow you to send clear signals to your horse. But the choice of boots on the market is mindboggling and it can be confusing to understand which type is best for you. Derby House knows this because many riders come to the online retailer for advice about choosing their footwear. To help you out, here’s a quick guide to what you should expect from different types of boots.

Riding boots usually come in three different styles: jodhpur, paddock and knee-length (or long) boots. Both jodhpur and paddock boots extend to just above the ankle and are often worn with half chaps or gaiters on top to protect your leg. Both generally feature elastic stretches on each side of the ankle area to make it easier to slip on and off, although some also come with a zip or laces. They are generally cheaper than knee-length boots.

Knee-length versions can come as field boots (with lacing at the ankle) or dress boots (the type generally used for competing). They can be made of leather or synthetic material. Synthetic riding boot are more affordable and low maintenance — you can simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth, making them an excellent choice for people who are learning to ride (they are not suitable for competing). Leather riding boots soften and mould to the riders foot and leg to help maintain a correct riding position, but they do require more maintenance to prevent the leather cracking and drying.

Whichever type you choose, fit is the key consideration when looking at buying riding boots — you want to avoid boots that chafe and rub your feet. Experiment with different models to find out what suits you best and remember that some brands offer different calf and height options to give you a more custom fit. However, be aware that once you start to wear your long boot they do tend to crease round the ankle which makes them shorter in height.

Mucking out is part and parcel of owning a horse and requires specialist footwear. Many people find their riding boots cannot cope with horse urine or the bacteria in dung and decaying straw. Neither riding nor country boots necessarily have the density and type of rubber needed to protect against muck. Those boots you were annoyed with because the sole split, were they sold as “yard” or “stable” boots? If not, then that may be why the sole failed to perform. Yard boots, by contrast, are designed to withstand the yard environment, which makes them more durable — plus they may offer better protection to your feet, as many have toe caps or other useful features. Invest in a pair of yard boots and you’ll be able to keep your riding and country boots looking, feeling and performing at their best.

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