Riding boots: the complete guide to choosing yours
Riding boots are, along with the helmet, the equipment that most affects your comfort and safety in the saddle. A poorly chosen boot causes chafing, loses grip in the stirrup, and deteriorates in weeks. This guide helps you compare types, materials, and sizing to make the right choice.
Types of horse riding boots
There are four main categories of horse riding boots:
- Tall boots (dressage or jumping) — cover up to the knee. Dressage boots have stiff shafts; jumping boots have more flexible shafts with laces or elastic.
- Paddock boots — reach the ankle. They are combined with half chaps for protection similar to tall boots with more versatility.
- Country boots — wide shaft, rounded toe. For Western riding.
- Field boots — mixed use: riding, caring for the horse, working in the stable.
In our collection of riding boots, you will find over 404 models organized by type, brand, and size.
Materials: leather vs. synthetic
Genuine leather molds to the foot with use, breathes better, and lasts longer, but requires maintenance (cleaning with glycerine soap + grease every 2-4 weeks). Synthetic is more economical, water-resistant, and requires no care, but breathes less well and does not mold.
For competition, leather is still the standard. For daily training or riders who frequently ride in the rain, synthetic is a practical option.
How to get the right size
The size of a riding boot depends on three measurements: foot length, calf circumference, and shaft height. Each brand has its own chart; consult our boot sizing guide with step-by-step instructions.
Practical tip: always measure with the socks you wear for riding and at the end of the day (your foot swells slightly).
Riding boots for children
Young riders grow fast, so they usually start with paddock boots + half chaps (easier to replace by size). Consult our selection of children's boots and the children's boot guide.
Boot brands at Rincón del Valle
We work with HKM, Hispano Hípica, Lexhis, QHP. You can filter by brand, type, size, and price in the boot collection.
Key fact: Rincón del Valle offers over 404 riding boots and paddock boots from 4 international brands, with its own sizing guide and free shipping throughout Spain for orders over €70. View all boots →
