What types of riding boots are there?

1. Jodphur boots – the classic all-rounder

Alongside classic long riding boots, jodphur boots are among the most popular footwear for the stable. On the one hand, they offer the best conditions for riding with their slim fit and riding-friendly heel, and on the other hand, they are ideal for comfortably mucking out stables or just fetching the horse from the paddock thanks to the low shaft. Jodphur boots are available in different designs: more robust designs made of rubber or with a thicker sole are suitable for stable work, while the narrow and fine leather Jodphur boots in combination with a stylish boot shaft come pretty close to the look of a long leather riding boot and are therefore even suitable for use at a competition. While the over-ankle jodphur boots are a welcome and airy alternative – especially for the warm summer months – for riders who prefer to wear breeches or riding tights, jodphur boots are standard footwear for riders who wear jodhpur breeches.

In addition, the inexpensive rubber pull-on ankle boots in particular are perfect as starter boots for young riding beginners who need new shoes more often due to growth.

Advantages: airy, flexible, heel suitable for riding, classy boot look with half chaps or gaiters, quick to put on, comfortable

Versions: lace-up jodphur boots, pull-on jodphur boots, zip-up jodphur boots

Materials: rubber, synthetic leather, leather

Price: £22.90 to £149.00

Ideal for:

Beginners, yard work, leisure riders, all-round, riders wearing jodhpur breeches.

Jodhpur Boots

2. Yard boots – the sturdy choice for yard work

Yard boots must have a high degree of robustness. Moisture, dust and dirt from the outside cause boots to be subjected to a great deal of wear and tear when working in the stable. In addition, riders expect yard boots to be comfortable to wear, as they are usually worn for several hours at a time and the intensity of movement is very high when performing daily tasks in the yard. Yard boots can usually be recognised by a thicker sole, which has the best shock-absorbing properties and at the same time offers an optimal insulating layer to the ground, so that cold and moisture cannot penetrate the boot. In addition to ideal breathability, the keyword „waterproof“ must definitely come up when buying yard boots in order to withstand muddy paddocks and rain-soaked fields. A big focus on yard boots is also on a comfortable sole that provides maximum comfort with a soft footbed and optimal cushioning properties. Many leisure riders want an all-round boot that makes changing boots for riding obsolete. Therefore, most yard boots have a heel and fit well in the stirrup, so they are also perfect for riding.

Depending on the style, yard boots are also worn during leisure time, e.g. when walking the dog or on hikes.

Well protected – yard boots with steel toe cap

Accidents can happen quickly both when handling the horse and when working in the stable. To prevent foot injuries, e.g. when the horse stands on your foot with its hoof, there are yard and riding boots that are equipped with a steel toe cap.

Advantages: flexible, robust, waterproof, comfortable, breathable

Versions: lace-up boots, lace-up ankle boots, pull-on ankle boots

Materials: synthetic leather, leather, polyurethane

Price: £44.90 to £119.00

Ideal for:

Yard work, all-round, leisure riders, walks

Yard boots

3. Riding boots – ideal for leisure time with your horse

Riding boots are almost indistinguishable from today’s yard boots. Manufacturers have responded to the desire for all-round boots that can be worn both in the stable and in the saddle, so that the boundaries between yard and riding boots are fluid. In the case of riding boots, the only details that should be emphasised are those created specifically for the requirements in the saddle: heel suitable for riding, not too big for the stirrups and, where applicable, useful details such as spur holders. Riding boots are very reminiscent of hiking boots. The advantage is that you can also walk longer distances comfortably with them. The best conditions for horse trekkers who also lead their horse in hand from time to time. Especially in summer, many leisure riders appreciate the airiness and flexibility of riding boots. If you do a lot of ground work with your horse or go for frequent walks, a riding boot is ideal. However, you should bear in mind that the thicker soles of riding boots often result in a loss of sensitivity. Leisurely rides are no problem, but for competition preparation you should still rely on long riding boots or jodphur boots with filigree soles.

Advantages: robust, flexible, airy, comfortable

Versions: mostly lace-up boots

Materials: synthetic leather, leather, polyurethane

Price: £44.90 to £ 119.00

Ideal for:

Leisure riding, horse trekking, hacks, stable work

comfortable Riding boots

4. Winter riding boots – cosy and warm in the stable and in the saddle

Autumn and winter are among the least favoured seasons for many riders. Cold, mud and snow at the stable are a great challenge, especially in terms of clothing. The right riding boot for winter should therefore be waterproof, insulating and robust. Winter riding boots are usually characterised by a thicker profile sole that retains its non-slip properties even in snow and slippery conditions. In addition, the material forms a heat-insulating layer and thus ensures that the cold is not transferred from the ground to the foot. In addition, the inner lining ensures that the foot stays warm. Cuddly materials such as teddy fleece or – even better – sheepskin are ideal here, as their temperature-balancing and antibacterial properties ensure an optimal climate in the boot. With winter riding boots, you should also always pay attention to the details. A stitched boot tongue or covers on the zip ensure that snow or water cannot penetrate the boot, reflectors for more safety in the dark winter months are a good addition to a high-visibility waistcoat and reinforcements in the toe area offer even more protection against wet and cold.

Winters in our latitudes are moderate, so extreme amounts of snow are usually not to be expected. For this, winter boots are the optimal solution. However, if you live in an area where a lot of snow falls regularly, you should opt for a winter boot with a higher shaft that also reliably protects the calves.

Advantages: robust, warming, waterproof

Versions: Pull-on boots, lace-up ankle boots or with zip closure.

Materials: synthetic leather, leather, polyurethane, teddy fleece, wool or sheepskin lining

Price: £34.90 to £159.00

Ideal for:

Stable work, leisure riding, walks and hacks in winter

cozy warm winter riding boots