Here are some overall points to consider about the fit of your new tall riding boots:
Field boots are designed to drop, soften, and crease around your ankle to allow for proper leg position while riding. The amount of drop depends on the softness of the leather and the boot cut. Because of this, new boots should initially rise high enough at the knee. Final height depends on choices you made when ordering. See How to Measure for Tall Boots for help with sizing.
Dressage boots are crafted of stiffer leather and are not designed to drop much or soften at the ankle. They should stand high enough at the knee to achieve an elegant, elongated leg in the saddle.
All tall boots require a break-in period. Dover Saddlery offers products to help you adjust, from slippery Zocks™ to Effax® Boot Miracle Stretch Spray. As your boots break in, they will become more comfortable.
Steps to Assess Tall Riding Boot Fit
Follow these steps to be sure your new tall boots fit properly:
- Put on the breeches or riding tights and socks you plan to wear with your boots.
- Pull on or zip up your boots. They should be snug around your calf without cutting off circulation. Zippers should close fully while standing. Riders with wide calves may find wide calf boots more comfortable.
Note: If boots are too loose, they will drop too much, fold deeply at the ankle, and end up too short.
- Check the height. For field boots, the front should rise to the middle of your kneecap. For dressage boots, the front should reach just under the kneecap. Expect them to feel uncomfortably tall at first.
Note: The crease at the top will disappear when the boots drop. You can test future fit with a heel lift in the footbed. Some riders use heel lifts temporarily for comfort during break-in.
- Check the feel of the footbed. Ensure comfort keeping the ball of your foot on a stirrup pad. If you sized up to gain height, insert a gel sole, air cushion, or padded footbed to fill extra space.
