November 1, 2022, 10:17 am | Read time: 16 minutes

Sturdy, proper, and solid footwear is a must for every rider. However, the overwhelming selection can be daunting. Additionally, there are several types of riding boots designed for different purposes and requirements. To ease the decision-making process, PETBOOK has selected nine models. First, the criteria, types, materials, functionality, and requirements of riding boots are described and summarized. Then follows the riding boot comparison.

What Material Is Used?

There is no uniform distinction for riding boots. Instead, they can be categorized more closely by materials and types:

• Leather: Leather riding boots are essentially the standard for riders. They are considered quite robust, dirt-repellent, have a very appealing appearance, and are durable for various riding activities. They also offer good comfort, with prices ranging from affordable to expensive. Depending on the type of leather, maintenance can be either demanding or relatively easy. There is both animal leather and synthetic leather. With proper lining, the boots can be used in winter without issue. However, not all models are suitable for stable work.
• Rubber/PVC: The cost-effective alternative to leather is rubber riding boots. These are particularly suitable for beginners. They are generally stable, waterproof, easy to maintain, but not necessarily long-lasting. Additionally, rubber and PVC models are relatively light and flexible. However, rubber riding boots are not particularly breathable, which can be problematic if feet sweat heavily or during strenuous and prolonged work. There are no significant differences between rubber and PVC riding boots, so they are also classified as synthetic models.

Types of Riding Boots

• Dressage Riding Boots: These are considered the classic form of riding boots. Their fit is high-cut, and the outside is usually stiffened to provide more stability on the horse. The inside is softer and usually thinner to allow better contact with the horse. The shaft of the boot is firm. The raised back allows for the attachment of spurs. The high dressage arch is intended to stabilize the lower leg. Dressage riding boots can be used by beginners to professionals, as they are available in various designs and price ranges. Most of these boots have a zipper to facilitate entry, but models with laces are also available.
• Jumping Boots: In appearance, jumping boots resemble dressage riding boots. One of the biggest differences, however, is that jumping boots are softer and offer the rider more freedom of movement. The original purpose of these models was to protect riders from branches, thorns, and other undergrowth. The shaft is not as high, allowing for more mobility in the boots. The heel is somewhat more pronounced and higher to prevent the foot from slipping through the stirrup when jumping. Additionally, the calf area in jumping boots is significantly more flexible than in dressage riding boots. Jumping boots are usually made of leather, but rubber or synthetic models are also available–each with laces or a zipper.
• Winter Riding Boots: These are not explicitly a separate type of riding boot, but they can be classified as a subcategory because they have a significant difference from the above: the lining. Not all “normal” boots have lining. Winter riding boots are intended to protect the toes from cooling, be waterproof or water-repellent, and, of course, comfortable. The lining can be synthetic or animal.
• Allrounders: As the name suggests, all-round boots are also very practical, as they can be used for stable work as well as for riding. They are generally more affordable than dressage and jumping boots, as they are usually coarser and less flexible. Those who deal with horses daily should consider such boots.

What to Consider When Buying and Equipping

Often, the question arises as to which type of material is best suited for which purpose. Purchasing a riding boot with animal leather can be sensible for dressage, jumping, and winter boots. Additionally, they are recommended for advanced and professional riders due to their durability. Those who need boots for stable work can choose either leather or synthetic models. Textile boots are even conceivable for the summer months.

The interior material should not be overlooked either. It can consist of various materials, including synthetic, fleece, or (artificial) fur. Leather is also possible, but not a must. More importantly, thermal insulation and breathability play a significant role.

Also interesting: What Basic Equipment Does My Child Need for Riding Lessons?

Choosing the Right Size of Riding Boots

Next is the question of how to choose the optimal riding boot. Besides materials and types, size is crucial. This is also important to better adjust the break-in period, which is often painful. Additionally, when trying on, one should wear riding socks and pants.

In addition to the classic shoe size, two things are important: The foot must be comfortable, and the calf must fit snugly in the boot. To do this, measure the widest part of the calf and take the circumference. For the height, measure from the floor to the middle of the knee or knee pit. The shaft of the boot must press into the knee pit when sitting down. If this is not the case, the shaft is either too short or too long. A uniform size specification is not possible, as each riding boot is different in comparison. Therefore, it is relevant to refer to the respective tables.

9 Riding Boots Compared for Every Purpose

After determining the criteria, requirements, materials, and types, we move on to the main point: the riding boots comparison. PETBOOK has selected nine models that, in our opinion, meet the quality requirements. The riding boot comparison includes dressage, jumping, winter, and all-round boots.

Mountain Horse “Sovereign High Rider”

This model is a dressage riding boot suitable for both men and women. Below are the key details.

Design and Craftsmanship

The Mountain Horse “Sovereign High Rider” is available in three different colors: black, dark brown, and brown. A zipper is attached at the back. There is a snap button at the top and heel cap. The model is quite elegant, and the heels are relatively short. The pair of riding boots is available in sizes 36 to 42. You can also choose from many lengths for the calf height, ranging from 40 to 50 centimeters. There is also room for the calf circumference, with options between 34 and 44 centimeters.

For a comfortable fit, the zipper area is equipped with an elastic insert. The insole is ergonomically shaped, and the outsole is equipped with grip and rebound zones for enhanced performance. Additionally, a hardened steel shaft is integrated for improved stability, which is intended to make riding and walking easier. The dressage arch is quite high and prominent.

The outer material consists of full-grain leather, meaning smooth leather that has not been sanded. This makes the leather quite high-quality, as the surface is less processed. Furthermore, the lining is made of soft, full-grain leather.

Key Data at a Glance

Felix Bühler “Milano”

This is also a dressage riding boot. The “Milano” model by Felix Bühler is available in numerous variants and is intended exclusively for women.

Design and Craftsmanship

The riding boots are only available in black. However, there is an important point: They can be obtained in different versions. There are different options for the cut: “very narrow” and “narrow” in both “short” and “high.” But a standard version is also available. The boots are offered in sizes 35 to 45. Snap buttons are typically attached at the top and bottom. Additionally, there is a short lacing at the front and a continuous Opti zipper at the back.

An elastic insert is located on the outside of the shaft to ensure a comfortable fit, especially on the calf. The lacing is lined with grained leather to provide maximum support for a deep heel in the stirrup. There is a spur guard in the heel area to prevent the riding boot from scratching. The calf height ranges from 39.5 to 51.5 centimeters, and the calf circumference from 33 to 43 centimeters.

The outer material of the Felix Bühler riding boot consists of full-grain cowhide leather. The inner lining is made of pig leather. According to the manufacturer, the leather is easy to care for. Additionally, interested parties should buy one size larger, as the boots run slightly small.

Key Data at a Glance

Also interesting: Own Horse or Prefer Riding Participation? Costs, Pros, and Cons

QHP “Sasha”

Significantly cheaper than the above models are the women’s dressage riding boots from the Dutch manufacturer QHP.

Design and Craftsmanship

The dressage riding boots from QHP are essentially very simple and elegant, but one detail immediately catches the eye: At the top, the dressage arch has a Velcro closure where various decorative designs or Velcro patches can be attached. This is a standard model, meaning that the circumference and height are fixed for each size. The lacing of the boots is very simple and does not stand out directly. The price for a pair is around 160 euros.

The QHP riding boot features several elastic inserts. These are located at the back of the zipper and at the front tip. They are available in sizes 36 to 42. The calf height ranges from 44 to 48 centimeters, and the calf circumference is between 34 and 39 centimeters per size. For example, if you choose size 38, the calf height is 46 centimeters, and the calf circumference is 36 centimeters.

The boots are only available in black. The outer material consists of cowhide leather, while the material sole is made of rubber. The inner lining is a mix of mesh and synthetic leather. The heel shape is a block heel.

Key Data at a Glance

Ariat “Palisade”

The next model in the riding boot comparison comes from Ariat. The “Palisade” is a jumping boot available in various versions.

Design and Craftsmanship

Although the Ariat model is classified as a jumping boot, the manufacturer states it can be used for all disciplines. The design is very simple and elegant. The brand is sewn into the upper arch. Otherwise, the design is continuous, with some simple seam lines. The boots are available in black and brown. Additionally, the “Palisade” model features a continuous elastic insert on the side and an elastic gusset on the inside of the knee. A continuous zipper is also attached at the back. Furthermore, the laces on the lacing are elastic.

The craftsmanship is quite high-quality. The outer material is made of full-grain leather, and the inner material features leather lining that wicks moisture.

You can choose a model in sizes 36 to 42.5. The special feature of Ariat riding boots is that there are different versions for calf height and circumference. This also means that the centimeter specifications vary depending on shoe size:

• Calf: Full, Regular, Slim, Wide, X-Slim, X-Wide (at least 29 centimeters to a maximum of 41 centimeters)
• Height: Medium, Short, Tall (at least 42 centimeters to a maximum of 51 centimeters)

Key Data at a Glance

Cavallo “Fortis”

Another jumping boot model is the “Fortis” from Cavallo. This is a unisex model with a stylish design.

Design and Craftsmanship

Cavallo is one of the most well-known brands for riding boots. One of its trademarks is the simple and especially elegant design. The “Fortis” boots have a tailored shape. Two snap buttons are attached at the bottom and top. The lacing is black, and the Cavallo logo is placed on the arch.

The lacing is elastic, and the cross-elastic insert is intended to provide more freedom of movement. Additionally, spur holders and a spur guard flap are attached to protect the zipper at the back of the boots. The model is available in sizes 36.5 to 42. The shaft shape, meaning the calf circumference and calf height, depends on the shoe size. They range from 46 to 53 centimeters in calf height, and the calf circumference is between 33 and 40 centimeters.

The water-repellent riding boots have an outer material made of cow nappa. Nappa leather is chrome-tanned smooth leather from calf or sheep, which is full-grain. The inner material is also made of leather.

Key Data at a Glance

HKM “Sevilla Teddy”

Those who don’t want to spend much money and also want to use good winter riding boots should take a closer look at the unisex model from HKM.

Design and Craftsmanship

This model is a winter riding boot that is quite simple. Two snap buttons are attached at the top, but not at the bottom. Unlike the above models, the “Sevilla Teddy” is a standard model. This means that the height and width are not adjustable or freely selectable. There is only one variant per boot size. Accordingly, the price for this model is just 145 euros. Additionally, quick lacing and a continuous zipper are integrated on the back.

The riding boot also features a non-slip sole, an elastic insert for more comfort, and a spur holder. The HKM boots are available in sizes 36 to 46. The measurements for the calf circumference range from 34 to 41 centimeters, and for the calf height from 42 to 50 centimeters.

The riding boot consists of both real and synthetic leather, but polyester is also processed. The shoe is made of cowhide leather, while the shaft is made of synthetic leather. The warming lining is made of 100 percent polyester.

Key Data at a Glance

Horze “Rovigo”

In the same price range as HKM is this winter riding boot from Horze. The model is suitable for both men and women and is made of fine lightweight leather.

Design and Craftsmanship

Rather untypical for riding boots, the Horze “Rovigo” model is only available in brown. The design is quite simple, but the Velcro closures at the top immediately catch the eye. Since the boot can be made tighter or looser on the calf individually, it is only available as a standard model. This means that the calf height and circumference are fixed per size. The Horze logo is embossed on the shaft.

The winter riding boots are available in sizes 35 to 44. According to the size chart, the fixed measurements for the calf circumference are between 36 and 41 centimeters, and for the calf height between 40 and 46 centimeters.

The lined riding boots are waterproof and have a robust sole for optimal grip. The inner material is made of faux fur, and the outer material consists of nubuck leather. This is the finest lightweight leather, usually made from calf or cow hides.

Key Data at a Glance

Busse “Bondy”

Those who need all-round riding boots will find a relatively affordable and stylish model with the Busse boot. It is also unisex and suitable for both men and women.

Design and Craftsmanship

Like most riding boots, the Busse “Bondy” is completely black and quite simple. Snap buttons are attached on both sides of the boots. However, one detail immediately stands out: Quick lacing is missing. It is also practical that there are several versions in terms of height and circumference for each offered shoe size. An elastic insert for more comfort has also been considered.

The model is available in shoe sizes 37 to 43. It is special that you can choose from different variants for the calf circumference and calf height per size. For example, there are three variations with different heights and circumferences for shoe size 37. The measurements for the calf height range from 44 to 50 centimeters, and the measurements for the calf circumference from 31 to 40.5 centimeters.

The shaft exterior is made of synthetic leather, while the foot part is made of cowhide leather. The inner material is also made of leather to ensure optimal grip.

Key Data at a Glance

Black Forest Rubber Riding Boots

The last riding boots in the comparison are the rubber riding boots from Black Forest. These are available for men, women, and children. They are also the cheapest of all the models presented here.

Design and Craftsmanship

Those who want to avoid leather or simply need riding boots for wet days should take a closer look at the Black Forest rubber boots. The design is continuous and hardly noticeable. A walking fold and spur holder are integrated, but snap buttons and lacing are not incorporated. Nevertheless, the manufacturer promises high wearing comfort.

As mentioned earlier, this is a product for both young and old. The shoe sizes range from 26 to 44, and they are standard models. However, you can choose from seven shaft variants (S, SW, M, L, W, WS, XWS). The measurements for the calf height range from 26 to 46 centimeters, and the measurements for the calf circumference range from 26 to 44 centimeters.

The outer material is made of 100 percent PVC–including the sole. The inner lining is isothermal and cushioning. It consists of 50 percent polyester and 50 percent polyurethane. Starting at 35 euros, depending on size, you can get the rubber riding boots at a low price.

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How Was the Selection Made?

It is important to mention that the list is not individual tests but merely a product comparison or buying guide. The selection of riding boots was made based on reviews, bestseller lists, and the minimum standards outlined above.

Conclusion on Riding Boot Comparison

Of course, there are countless other riding boots in all different materials and designs. In this riding boot comparison by PETBOOK, those were selected that essentially meet all the mentioned criteria. Since riding boots must meet a minimum standard, they are not particularly cheap. Naturally, you can find products for under 100 euros, but these are usually made of inferior materials and are often not very durable. The above models are not bargains (except for the rubber riding boots). Nevertheless, in our opinion, they are suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.