Choosing the Perfect Type of Riding Boot for Your Needs

Two main categories of riding boots exist for the English sport horse disciplines of hunter, jumper, dressage and three-phase eventing: tall boots and paddock boots. Both styles share a common feature: an approximately 1" high heel.

If you’re new to riding or if you have a child enrolled in riding camp, your instructor may have already mentioned the prerequisite of riding in a boot with a small heel. Although this heel is not foolproof, it is a precautionary measure to prevent a rider’s foot from sliding through the irons.

The choice of whether to ride in a tall or paddock boots depends on a variety of factors, including discipline, riding comfort level, showing versus schooling or pleasure, budget, instructor’s input and more. By understanding the fit and functionality of each type of riding boot, your choice will become clear.

Tall Boots: Field, Dress and Dressage

“Tall boots” is a broad term that encompasses field, dress and dressage boots. Each boot style nods to the tradition of the equestrian sport, offers details that reflect current fashion trends, and most importantly, provides specific functionality to support the rider. In essence, riding boots become an aid to the rider in aiding their horse.

Field boots are worn in the hunter/jumper disciplines, in eventing, and they are permissible at the lower levels of dressage competition. They are made of soft, supple leather that will crease at the ankles; some synthetic leather versions are available that look and feel like leather, but come at more attainable price points.

Field boots are easily recognized by a lace system at the front of the insteps, which, combined with the ankle creasing, allow the rider to achieve a correct heels-down position for jumping and enjoy flexibility in shorter stirrup lengths. Contemporary laces are often elastic “speed” laces requiring no bow tying.

Field boots have a contoured cut through the ankle and calf designed to flatter the rider’s leg profile. An upward curve at the outer top, called a Spanish topline, can range from moderate to high. It may be accented with a logo plaque, faux swagger tab, or textural details at the cuff. Toe caps may be plain or punched, and spur rests are common. Most boots have a full-length zipper up the back for easy on/off. Pull-on styles are rare today.

If you plan to show, consult your coach about preferences in look, fit, or brand. If not showing, but you love the classic look of black field boots, plenty of stock options exist. Brown field boots or custom details are also widely available through custom boot makers.

Dress boots, worn in formal hunter classes and in jumpers, present a more polished appearance than field boots. Their popularity in some hunter classes is increasing, and they may be seen at the lower levels of dressage competition. Dress boots are equally soft and supple as field boots but do not have laces at the ankles.

Contemporary dress boots often feature flexible design technology at the insteps or ankles to support comfortable flexion with minimal break-in time. Most have a full-length zipper at the back, though some modern styles feature an ergonomically curved zipper at the side or back of the calf.

Dress boots, like field boots, have a contoured cut through the ankle and calf with a Spanish topline that may be accented with plaques, toe caps, or other details. Plenty of stock and custom options are available.

Dressage boots are much stiffer than field or dress boots. Constructed with a stiffener up the back, they should not drop or crease much at the ankle. Their “stove pipe” design supports a flat foot position and long, elegant leg position, providing maximum contact with the horse’s sides. Some feature softer inner calf panels for feel, while others remain stiff all around.

Most dressage boots have a full-length zipper toward the front inside of the calf to avoid interfering with leg aids. Pull-on styles are still custom available. Dressage boots often feature a high Spanish topline and may include plaques or cuff details. Stock and custom options vary widely in stiffness and style, with classic black dominant but also available in patent, brown, navy, and other finishes.

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots, an ankle-high style, are worn by riders from beginners to professionals. They transition easily from stable to saddle, require little maintenance, and fit any budget. Many beginners prefer them for flexibility and affordability, while experienced riders use them daily to preserve their tall show boots.

Available in black or brown leather and synthetic styles, paddock boots are easier to fit than tall boots as they don’t involve calf measurements. Paired with half chaps, paddock boots offer the feel and function of tall boots while adding protection against breeches twisting, rubbing, or riding up.

Summary:

• Outside the show ring, anyone can wear field, dress or paddock boots for all-around riding, including jumping, flatwork or trail riding.
• Tradition, competition rules, and trends influence the type of tall boots worn in the show ring; always consult your coach for guidance.
• Because dressage boots are stiff with little flexion, they are not suited or comfortable for jumping.
• Tall boots require some break-in time; expect mild discomfort for the first few rides.
• Half chaps over paddock boots simulate the feel of tall boots, with easy on/off convenience and all-day comfort.