Rubber Riding Boots Guide
Rubber riding boots are immediately associated with the first riding lessons in childhood. But the all-round potential of rubber boots is often underestimated. The functional properties of the inexpensive riding boots made of PVC or PU are ideal for use around the stable and are therefore also suitable for leisure riders or professionals who want to save their expensive leather riding boots during stable work.
Rubber boots can be roughly divided into two different areas:
| Rubber riding boots | Rubber stable boots |
|---|---|
| Design: riding boots look in black with riding-friendly heel and close-fitting shaft | Design: classic rubber boot look with wide shaft and robust tread sole for better grip |
| Range of use: Riding, stable work | Range of use: Stable work, Outdoor, Leisure |
Rubber riding boots or leather riding boots?
Whether rubber riding boots or leather riding boots – both materials are suitable for riding. When deciding on a rubber riding boot, the following points are important. You should ask yourself the following questions:
- How much money do I want to spend?
- How often do I ride?
- Do I have competition ambitions?
- What requirements should the boot meet?
For occasional riders without tournament ambitions, a rubber riding boot is an optimal solution that meets all requirements in the stable and on the riding arena. Riders who sit on the horse almost every day or who want to participate in competitions are better off with leather riding boots.
If you don’t want to use expensive leather riding boots for stable work, you should still get an extra pair of rubber boots. In this way, the leather boots and also the purse will be spared in the long run.
A look at the details of rubber riding boots is worthwhile
If you want to buy a solid pair of rubber boots for the stable, you should also pay some attention to the practical details. For riders who need the rubber boots for short jobs or distances, e.g. fetching the horse from the muddy pasture, a basic rubber boot will be perfectly adequate. However, if you spend several hours with the rubber boots in the stable, you should pay attention to small details that improve the wearing comfort.
An additional tip:
Socks made of natural materials are the better choice for rubber riding boots. Merino wool provides an optimal temperature, warms and prevents the development of odours.
- Getting started: As is well known, putting on and taking off riding boots can be an ordeal. The fit of rubber riding boots is generally not as tight as that of leather riding boots. Since the material does not stretch, you should make sure that the shaft is wide enough so that you can get into the boots without any problems. Conventional rubber boots are usually equipped with a buckle to adjust the calf width and a pull loop to make them easier to put on. Many rubber riding boots now have a full-length zip.
- Inner lining: As the outer material of rubber boots is not breathable, the feet quickly start to sweat – sweaty feet are therefore inevitable. The lack of air circulation in the boot and the resulting moisture create an ideal climate for bacteria and germs. In the long run, the development of foot and nail fungus cannot be ruled out. Some rubber riding boots have an isothermal inner lining that absorbs moisture..
- Warmth: In most cases, basic rubber boots are not lined at all or only with a thin textile fabric. The problem is that you soon get cold feet in winter with conventional rubber boots, as the material does not provide good insulation against the cold. Warming linings (e.g. teddy fleece) provide additional padding that protects against the cold.