When it comes to equestrian activities, people prefer different kinds of boots. You can opt for paddock, dress, field, yard, and other short and long boot styles. However, finding just the right kind of boots for your unique needs requires closer consideration other than the style.
A good pair of boots is an essential addition to your riding outfit. If you are new to horse riding, you probably wonder whether long boots are better. Continue reading to learn about the best kinds of boots for horse riding.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Horse Riding Boots?
Like all sports, horse riding can also lead to potential injury, so the safety of your feet is of utmost importance when selecting riding boots. Specifically, your feet will require protection against sliding and getting stepped on.
Also, every sport has certain attires that help you perform better. Horse riding requires comfortable and protective footwear that offers mobility. It goes without saying that your riding boots should be tough on the outside and comfortable inside.
How About the Important Features To Consider?
Apart from the boots’ length, you need to look more closely at several features before deciding to purchase a pair of riding boots. You need to make sure they’re durable and practical by checking out the following:
Heel, Sole, and Material
The key to finding the right boots for horse riding, whether short or long, is to carefully consider the heel, sole, and material.
The heel prevents your feet from slipping right through the stirrups when riding, which can cause serious injury. On the other hand, a thicker sole is more suitable for the outdoors and offers greater comfort.
Lastly, the material is important because it determines the longevity of your boots. It also aids comfort by preventing sweating, chafing, and bruising.
Price
The price is yet another quintessential factor that will dictate your choice because it varies according to the brand, type, material, and even style of boots that you want. Sometimes trying to find affordable riding boots leads to compromises in quality, which is the worst mistake you can make.
Long boots generally fall more towards the expensive side, which is not to say that you will not find affordable options. You just need to look more closely.
If you are a beginner confused about how much to spend on horse riding gear, including riding boots, you can get an idea of the price range of all horse riding equipment here before setting a budget.
Size
Another very important thing is the fit. Getting the right size will do the trick, whether for short or long boots. If you value comfort more than anything, getting the right fit is all the work you need to do.
A good-fitting boot guarantees comfort, which directly translates into better performance in the field. You can easily figure out the right fit if you understand the size guide of riding boots.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Long Boots?
The long boot tradition for horse riding comes from Britain. We have all seen movies with regal-looking lords and princes wearing knee-high heeled boots, riding down the meadow to save the day. These boots are also a staple in Western cowboy movies.
Long boots have a timeless charm that attracts most people, and this is one of the reasons most people opt for long boots when it comes to horse riding. They’re mostly used for competition riding, but other horse riders also fancy long boots for aesthetics, comfort, and safety purposes.
Better Leg Position
If we compare long versus short boots, some factors make long boots better for horse riding. Long boots cover your legs till just below the knees, which allows for better leg positioning when riding, making them a sure choice of footwear for horse riding.
Greater Control and Protection
The shape of long boots prevents your ankles and feet from moving too much when riding, allowing greater control and focus on the task at hand.
They also offer greater protection, both during riding and on the ground. This is because the boots cover more area, protecting the feet and a significant part of the legs from pinching and chaffing from the stirrup leather.
What Are the Common Issues With Long Boots?
When it comes to other duties that an equestrian is supposed to perform, long boots might not be the best option. They can be annoying when performing on-foot-yard duties because they restrict mobility when walking, leading to lesser flexibility.
That said, long boots are not completely useless when it comes to on-ground work. In fact, they are a popular choice of equestrian footwear during the winters since they keep your feet warm and protected from the damp snow. Plus, they’re less snug.
So, Are Long Boots Better for Horse Riding?
We have established that long boots are the superior choice of footwear for horse riding. Although they’re more likely more expensive, getting a pair of good-quality boots for riding that suits your style and provides comfort and protection for a long time is a worthwhile investment.
