Dressage boots are suitable to wear for all of the English horse riding disciplines such as dressage, hunting and showjumping. They look very sophisticated and give the impression that the rider has long, elegant legs. They offer full ankle support and long ones can improve your seat and leg position when you're in the saddle. Read on to discover how to choose the best dressage boots for your needs.
Different Types of Dressage Boot
A good equestrian boot should be tough and durable with a grip on the sole. It should have a heel that’s at least one inch high and it should offer lots of ankle support. When it comes to choosing dressage riding boots you’ll have the choice between tall or short ones.
Tall Boots
A tall dressage boot is the most popular choice for adults and more advanced riders. They’re long and stiff which means that they help to maintain the correct leg position when horse riding. However, their stiffness can make them uncomfortable for wearing around the yard or barn. Because of their length, tall dressage boots offer more leg protection but they can sometimes be difficult to fit and require more maintenance than short ones. When it comes to choosing a long boot you’ll have the choice of either field or dress ones, both can be worn for dressage.
Field Boots
These are made from soft leather and have a full-length zipper on the inside or back of the boot as well as laces. The soft leather will often “drop” around the ankle making them more flexible. This makes them a popular choice for any of the jumping disciplines.
Dress Boots
These are generally made from much stiffer leather or synthetic material and are designed to keep the leg in a good position when horse riding. This means that they don’t usually have zippers or laces and are much more rigid than field boots. Dress boots are the preferred equestrian tall boots for dressage riders.
Short Boots
Short boots are the most popular choice amongst beginner and junior riders. This is because they allow a lot more movement around the ankles and they’re often a more economical option to buy. In the summertime, wearing short boots can be a much cooler option. Short boots can be worn with half chaps or gaiters to provide extra protection on the lower leg. When it comes to choosing a short boot then the most common options are jodhpur or paddock boots.
Paddock Boots
These are short and have laces or zipper at the front. This makes them easy to put on and take off and they’re very comfortable for wearing around the yard or paddock.
Jodhpur Boots
These are very similar to paddock boots but they pull on and don’t have laces or a zipper. They often have elasticated side gussets for extra comfort and flexibility when horse riding.
Breaking In Your Boots
Breaking in your new dressage riding boots is an important process especially with stiff leather dress ones. It's not a good idea to wear them for the first time in a competition or show as this could hinder your performance. Instead, wear them for short periods at home and treat them with conditioner, especially around the ankle to soften the leather. Make sure that you wear a good pair of socks when you’re breaking your horse riding boots in.
Boot Care
Synthetic equestrian boots are easy to care for and can be cleaned off easily with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Leather ones on the other hand will need more specialist care and maintenance. To prolong the life of leather boots, avoid wearing them in muddy, wet conditions and use leather soap to clean and condition them regularly. If your boots have zippers, these should be checked and cleaned regularly too.
How to Choose the Right Dressage Boot
When it comes to choosing new dressage boots there are several things to consider before making your purchase. Below we’ve listed the main things to look out for when you're choosing a pair.
Purpose
It’s important to ask yourself what you’ll be using them for. Do you want them for general, everyday use, showing, jumping or dressage? Dress boots are the best type for dressage riders whereas field boots are better for general use and jumping. If you enjoy competing and showing then you may want to preserve your high-quality leather boots by using a synthetic pair for general horse riding.
Special Features
If you’re out horse riding in all weathers then you should look for a waterproof equestrian boot. If you live in a cold climate or ride a lot in the winter then choose an insulated boot for extra coziness and comfort. However, if you’re a fair-weather rider or living in a hot climate then choose a short or breathable boot to prevent sweating and rubbing.
Material
Leather boots look great and can last many years but to do this they require regular maintenance. Synthetic dressage boots are less expensive to buy and are a good choice if you’re looking for weatherproof boots. As well as being made to be durable, synthetic dressage boots also require less maintenance.
Styles
You may want to choose the style of your boot depending on your riding level. Beginner riders don’t need to invest in expensive long ones. However, if you're competing in high-level dressage competitions, you’ll need a pair of good quality, dark color, dress boots that look good and also help your performance. Spanish cut boots have an extended top that covers the outer leg and knee and is a popular style choice amongst dressage riders.
Brands
If you're looking for top of the range boots then one option is to invest custom made ones. These will give you the perfect fit and size and therefore the ultimate in comfort and performance. Alternatively, you could invest in a top of the range brand such as Ariat, Mountain Horse or Petrie Luca.
Reviews for 5 Dressage Boots Available on the Market
If you’re unsure where to start in your search for the perfect dressage boots, then why not take a look at our reviews below to get you going.
1. TuffRider Ladies Belmont Dress Boot
These long, Spanish cut dress boots from TuffRider are crafted with supple, soft leather and also have a durable, rubber outer sole. They’re designed for comfort with special flex construction, contoured ankle and memory foam footbed. This round toed boot is tall, elegant, durable and stylish, and would look great in any show ring.
2. Horze Rover Field Boots
These synthetic leather, field boots are available in regular or wide sizes, making them a good choice as men's dressage boots and the best dressage boots for wide calves. This tall boot is also soft and stretchy which means it´s easy to break in. They look and feel like real leather but don’t require specialist maintenance. They have laces at the front and a back zip making them easy to put on and take off. The soft rubber sole provides a good grip on the stirrups and they also have a suede-like inner leg for extra comfort. These are versatile boots that are great as ladies or men's tall riding boots
3. TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
These short boots from TuffRider are made with durable, synthetic leather and a strong rubber outer sole. They`re completely weatherproof, easy to maintain and have also been fully quality checked and tested. The front zipper closure means they’re easy to put on and take off and elasticated side gussets provide extra flexibility and comfort. These are good quality, breathable boots at an affordable price and are available in two colors, black and mocha.
4. Horze Spirit Kilkenny Johdpour Boot
These short boots are made from a soft and comfortable synthetic leather in a popular traditional style. They have a zipper at the back which makes them easy to slip on and off and elasticated side gussets for extra flexibility around the ankle. The rubber outer sole makes this boot comfortable and durable, perfect for wearing around the barn and it comes in a range of sizes.
5. TuffRider Ladies Back Zip Field Boots
These synthetically made leather field boots are tough, durable and weather resistant. They're available in slim, regular, or wide sizes and they look and feel just like real leather. They come with elasticated gussets and back zipper so they´re easy to put on and take off. These are affordable, versatile boots that are great for horse riding, wearing outside in the paddock or around the barn and they're available in black.
Top Choice
You'll love the TuffRider Ladies Starter Paddock Boots, they're perfect for general horse riding and for wearing around the yard. They’re a great investment for if you’re just starting out or they make a great pair second boots for more advanced riders.
When it comes to choosing the best dressage boots, the most important thing is that they fit well. Make sure that they're appropriate for horse riding and that they're suited to your needs and requirements. A good horse riding boot should be comfortable, sturdy and durable, keeping you safe in the saddle and offering protection when you're working with your horse from the ground.