Beginners often display a certain amount of confusion when it is necessary to select riding boots for the first time. There seem to be so many different types and it can be difficult to determine which type is applicable for your needs. You have heard that certain types of boot need to be worn with certain types of trousers or pants and that tradition or decorum dictates that you wear a specific type of boot for a particular style of event. Should you choose short riding boots or long riding boots?
More often than not, riding boots are made of leather and are designed for a certain purpose. Safety and comfort are paramount considerations and you can generally select either short or long boots. As opposed to boots made for other purposes, the riding boot has a purpose made design and a heel shape that ensures that the foot interacts correctly with the stirrup and does not slip through during activity. The toe area is often reinforced to help guard against injury during an unfortunate accident, while the sole may be smooth so that it doesn’t get caught up with the stirrup, again during an unfortunate accident situation.
Long riding boots extended to above the knee and offer great protection for the legs and ankles. They may be the boot of choice for shows, formal riding events and similar activities. You can further sub categorise long boots by looking at options for hunting, field activities or dress events. These boots are divided into categories, due to the difference in the level of activity and flexibility required.
When you first purchase long riding boots you may well notice that they appear to be too long and somewhat uncomfortable. Once you have broken these boots in to a certain extent you will find that the leather around the ankle area starts to crease and this allows them to mould to the shape of your legs, naturally over time. Remember that leather softens with use and thus you are well advised to buy and wear your boots well before you actually need them for any kind of scheduled event or activity.
If you’re going to be wearing jodhpurs, select short boots as they are far more practical. It’s also true to say that short boots are much cheaper than long boots and people who are starting out often go this route. Also, they tend to be a little easier to wear during those early days when you are getting your bearings and becoming accustomed to the unique requirements of horse riding. Remember though that you should also wear gaiters or chaps to help protect your lower body, when you select short boots.
Whatever type of equestrian footwear you choose, make sure that it fits correctly. They should always fit very snugly, but you should have room to move your toes around as well. Some longer boots have zippers at the rear which may certainly help you to put them on, especially when they are new and a little inflexible.
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November 10, 2010
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