Tennis shoes and fashion boots are not safe and do not provide protection for your feet when working around horses. There are a lot of excellent choices for horse riding boots for beginners. When learning to ride you will want to invest in proper riding boots before your first outing.
Having the right equipment is necessary to learn new skills. Learning to ride horses is no different. Horses weigh an average of 1,000 – 1,200 pounds and your feet do a lot of work both in and out of the saddle. You must have the proper footwear to keep yourself safe around such large animals.
Riding boots are designed with different functions in mind. They come in two main styles, English and western. Knowing what kind of riding you want to do will help you choose an appropriate riding boot. Boots should be comfortable and of good quality, but do not need to be expensive. Here are some good horse riding boots for beginners, separated by men’s and women’s boots.
Men’s Riding Boots
Ariat Heritage Men’s Roper Boots
These classic western boots are comfortable and durable enough for riding or day-to-day wear. They come in black or brown. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Men’s Rambler Wide Square Toe Western Cowboy Boot
These western boots have a durable sole and are easy to break in. They are great for riding or everyday work. They come in three different colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Tony Lama Boots
These are stylish yet functional boots. The high-shaft gives more protection to the lower leg and helps prevent the top of the boot from catching on the stirrup fenders. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Men’s Terrain Hiking Boot
A bestseller, this boot is great for riding and hiking. It is waterproof with a flexible sole. These are a great choice for trail and endurance riders. They come in two colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ad Tec Men’s 9″ Packer Premium Full Boot, Chestnut
These boots are durable and of great quality for the price. Being able to lace up the taller shaft allows you to create more support through your ankle. Comes in three colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Men’s Heritage IV English Paddock Boot
These classic English riding boots are durable and stylish. The laces allow you to create more ankle support. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Men’s Wexford H2O Western Boot
Review: A modern paddock boot, these are waterproof with a technologically designed footbed. The high-quality zipper makes the boot easy to get on and off. Check Today’s Amazon Price
TuffRider Men’s Baroque Field Boots
Review: For those interested in jumping, this boot is a great choice for the price. The boots are comfortable with good ankle support. The high-cut knee top is modern and classy. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Women’s Riding Boots
Ariat Women’s Heritage Roper Western Cowboy Boot
This is a hardy western boot for riding and day-to-day wear. Easy to break in with a durable sole, they are a simple and comfortable choice. Comes in three colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Roper Women’s Classic Cowgirl Western Boots
This classic cowgirl boot is beautiful and functional. The intricate stitching gives these boots a subtle flair. Comes in two colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Quickdraw Western Performance Boots
Review: This boot is a popular choice among western riders. It is comfortable for long days in the saddle and around the barn. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Women’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
These waterproof boots are designed for riding and hiking. These are a great choice for trail and endurance riders. They have a flexible sole and come in two colors. Check Today’s Amazon Price
TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
These English paddock boots are durable and of great value. The zipper allows for easy access in and out. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Women’s English Paddock Boot
Review: These are modern paddock boots with a technologically designed footbed and durable zipper. They come in black or brown. Check Today’s Amazon Price
Ariat Ladies Heritage IV Lace Paddock Boots
These classic English paddock boots are comfortable and durable. The laces create more ankle support. Come in black or brown. Check Today’s Amazon Price
This classy tall boot is a great choice for riders interested in jumping. They are a great value for the price and the soft leather is easy to break in. Check Today’s Amazon Price
What to Look for When Buying Horse Riding Boots for Beginners
There are a few things to look for when buying horse riding boots for beginners. Generally, you want to choose a closed-toe boot with a small heel. Boots do not need to be steel-toed. A small heel will keep your foot from sliding too far through the stirrup, potentially trapping your foot in the event of a fall.
The boots you choose should be made from high-quality leather. Stay away from suede or soft leather, which will wear out quickly and provide inadequate protection. Synthetic leather can be an economical option, but has poor breathability and does not do well in the heat.
When choosing your boots it is helpful to determine if you will be riding English or western. There are several beginner-friendly horse riding boots in both English and western styles. While most English boots can be used with a western saddle, many western boots have soles that are too wide and grippy for traditional English stirrups.
Always wear boot socks that go past the tops of your boots. If you wear ankle socks you will get rubs where the saddle fenders or stirrup leathers meet your boot. If you are riding English and find that you are getting rubs while riding you may need to purchase half chaps. Half chaps are leather tubes that go around your lower legs and are designed to be worn with paddock boots. They mimic tall English boots and provide protection for your lower legs.
In Conclusion
Riding boots come in different styles, materials, and price ranges. When buying horse riding boots for beginners you don’t need to purchase anything extravagant. Comfortable, durable, and functional are the key things you want to look for in a beginner’s boot. Boots should fit well, and although leather may stretch and break in, they should not be too tight or uncomfortable, to begin with.
Having the proper footwear will help you learn how to ride and handle horses in a safe and confident manner. Boots and shoes designed for other activities are not safe to wear around horses. If you aren’t sure what type of boot you should buy, ask a friend who rides or ask your riding instructor for advice.
