What types of long riding boots are there?
Riding boots are part of a rider’s basic equipment. Depending on the intended use and individual preferences, you can choose between different materials, functional details and designs. In this overview, we present the most important types of riding boots and advise which one suits you and your needs best.
Leather riding boots
Leather riding boots belong to the most prestigious group among riding boots. The robust and durable material not only looks good, it also provides an ideal hold in the saddle. Leather is supple and at the same time has a stability that is essential for use in equestrian sports. The purchase of a leather riding boot may initially be one of the more cost-intensive purchases, but if you pay attention to a few criteria, the investment will pay off over several years.
You can find more information in our guide to leather riding boots.
Advantages: durable, robust, noble appearance, pleasant material
Disadvantages: more expensive, high-maintenance, not recommended for stable work
Price: from £119.00 to £329.00
Rubber riding boots
For children who often spend a lot of time in the stable after riding lessons, riding boots made of rubber or PVC are an excellent alternative. However, adults and long-time riders also benefit from the robust material properties of rubber riding boots. While leather riding boots are rather unsuitable for stable work, as the material reacts extremely sensitively to urine, manure and horse sweat in the long term, the alternative made of rubber or PVC is more hard-wearing. Rubber boots in the classic riding boot style are also a great solution for the leisure rider without competition expectations, in order to avoid annoying shoe changes in the stable.
Would you like to find out more about rubber riding boots? Click here for our guide.
Advantages: waterproof, easy to clean, inexpensive
Disadvantages: not breathable, no heat insulation
Price: from £19.90 to £39.90
Winter riding boots
In the wet and cold seasons, riders are dependent on good footwear, otherwise there is a risk of cold and possibly even wet feet. In addition to a warm lining that still allows the rider to be as close as possible to the horse, the most important features of a suitable winter riding boot include maximum comfort and waterproofness.
You can get comprehensive advice on winter riding boots in our winter riding boots guide.
Advantages: warming, depending on the model – waterproof and non-slip profile sole
Disadvantages: can only be used seasonally
Price: from £27.90 to £339.00
Children’s riding boots
Horse riding is especially popular with children. When buying the basic equipment for riding lessons, safety should be the top priority in order to protect the young riding beginners from injuries and accidents. Certainly, breeches or special knee socks for riders are not yet needed for the first riding attempts. However, if the child continues riding, parents should think about purchasing suitable equipment at a tack shop. For example, a riding helmet, a pair of riding gloves and also children’s riding boots are among the basics that make riding safer and more comfortable.
You can find more information in our guide to children’s riding boots.
Advantages: safe footwear for beginners
Disadvantages: Children quickly outgrow their boots, usually limited breathability
Price: from £19.90 to £119.00
Stable boots
The definition of a stable boot is individual and very variable. For a rider, a good stable boot should be a true all-rounder. Most leisure riders want footwear with which they can manage everything around the stable and the horse. From mucking out and grooming the horse, to going for a hack, everything should be possible with the boots.
You can find a detailed overview of stable boots in our guide.
Advantages: robust, durable, waterproof, comfortable
Disadvantages: not suitable for competition riders, usually somewhat stiffer and coarser than a conventional leather riding boot
Price: from £49.90 to £199