The defining benefits and differences in riding boots.

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With the equestrian market being awash with riding boots of all shapes, sizes, styles and material, it is hard to know where to start when deciding on what type of riding boot is suitable for you. The purpose of this article is to cut through the technical jargon and to assess the relative qualities of all types of riding boots.

Leather riding boots

The most traditional riding boots are crafted from leather and come in a range of styles. The advantages of leather riding boots as opposed to a rubber or synthetic boots are numerous.

Firstly, leather has always been seen as the most prestigious material to craft a riding boot from. Its natural qualities lend itself very well to horse riding, as when using the boot regularly it will form a bond with your leg and its natural make-up means it will supple over time and bend and give in all the right places in respect to your leg and riding style.

Leather is naturally hardwearing and waterproof. Therefore, if is cared for correctly with leather feed and oil, a leather horse riding boot should last you for many years. In the same respect, by polishing your leather boot with a good quality wax shoe polish, it will keep it looking shiny and radiant whilst preserving and preventing scuff marks.

Rubber riding boots

Rubber riding boots are an attractive option for horse riders on a budget; however, they are not without their shortcomings. The benefits of rubber over leather are its weatherproof qualities, as there is no chance of a rubber boot cracking, leaking or rotting because of the elements. They are also very easy to maintain and can be cleaned with water.

The cons of rubber boots are threefold. Its lack of breathability means in the hot summer months a rubber boot can be very uncomfortable for the wearer - sometimes resulting in blisters and sore, tired feet. Secondly, a rubber riding boot is prone to scuffing and can dull with time, whereas a leather boot can be kept looking pristine with the correct care and attention. Lastly, however hard they may try, a rubber riding boot will never capture the elegance, looks, style and natural qualities of a leather riding boot.

As previously stated, a rubber riding boot would be suitable for those on a tight budget as well as for a second boot that could be used in the yard, schooling and for severe wet weather conditions.

Long riding boots

Long or sometimes called tall riding boots are standard competition footwear for adults. All long riding boots share obvious similarities in length; however, they vary somewhat in their styling. There are three particular varieties:

A field boot is a long leather riding boot that has lacing at the ankle. The lacing itself not only adds style, it is also has a practical element whereby it allows for a certain amount of �give. A field boots usage is generally seen in jumping disciplines, such as show jumping and the jumping phases of eventing. The jumping fraternity favour these laced boots as they are more comfortable when you have to shorten your stirrups to get into a jumping position.

A dress boot, unlike a field boot does not have lacing. This is a long boot which is favoured by dressage riders and showjumpers alike. Most dress boots have high styling on the outside; this helps to keep the leg in place as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

A hunt boot shares many similarities with that of a dress boot. Its defining features are a cuff at the top which is usually coloured tan/brown.

Long leather riding boots either have a full length zip at the rear of the boot or are traditional pull on types. The current style of boots favours the zip variety, as they are easy to get on and off as well as being discreet in appearance. They are especially useful for those with ankle problems or if you suffer from swollen legs after riding.

Jodhpur/paddock boot

Jodhpur boots are short, ankle-length boots that are generally used for everyday riding and round the yard use. They are a practical boot that is popular for its ankle support as well as its use a all round practical yard boot.

Jodhpur boots vary a lot in their technology as well as the material that they are crafted from; some even rival the top class running trainers with innovative cushioning technology in their sole and footbed. Owing that most jodhpur boots are used for everyday purposes, the soles are mostly made of rubber or composite material. This ensures they do not rot from the weather conditions or become damaged by urine when mucking out.

When coupled with gaiters or chaps a jodhpur boot is a perfectly adequate piece of riding footwear for everyday use, whether hacking and schooling. They are also favoured widely by parents of young riders because of their relative inexpense.

In essence riding boots, whether long or short, leather or rubber, all have their relative advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the consumer having weighed up all their requirements to then decide which is the best riding boot to suit their needs.

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