Men's riding boots and shoes for Black Friday

Why a heel and a smooth sole in riding

Every riding shoe has a marked heel, which prevents the foot from slipping through the stirrup: in case of a fall, a stuck foot could drag the rider down. The sole remains smooth or finely ribbed under the forefoot, allowing the boot to release easily from the stirrup at the slightest issue. Finally, the curvature fits the shape of the stirrup's grille and stabilises the support. Outdoor boots like the QHP Daan or the Horka Highlander, which are more ribbed and sturdy, are mainly used for stable work, in the paddock and for walks with the horse in hand, rather than for riding it itself.

The rest of the men's equipment

Men's riding at Black Friday also includes:

• Riding trousers.
• Polos.
• Shirts.
• Jackets & Coats.
• Competition jackets.

All men's equipment is gathered on the men's page.

High boot or jodhpur boot: two rider silhouettes

The high boot rises to just below the knee and protects the calf from being pinched by the stirrup leathers: it's the competition attire, with precise contact between the leg and the horse's side. The Harry's Horse Lancelot, HKM Belmond and Lexhis Monaco are examples of this. The jodhpur boot stops at the ankle; it gets its name from Jodhpur, a city in Rajasthan where British polo players adopted it in the 1920s. Easier to slip on, it is complemented by mini-chaps that cover the calf and mimic the support of a boot. The Sergio Grasso Dynamik, Kavalkade Meridius and Alberto Fasciani Custo offer leather versions of this style.

Winter and mud: thermal and waterproof models

In winter, the cold creeps in through the metal stirrups and the stable floors. The thermal boots Horka Thermo and QHP Thermo Calgary, lined with insulating material, and the fur-lined Black Fox Cheyenne boots keep toes warm during long sessions. Against mud and rain, waterproof models like the Ariat Treadfast Chelsea H2O, the Mountain Horse Wild River and the Premier Equine Vinci prevent soaked socks in the paddock. The Black rubber Fox Tennessee boots and the Red Horse boots made of PVC can be rinsed off after coming out of the stable: the simplest solution for grooming and mucking out.

Chelsea, zip or laces: what closure system

The Chelsea boot, like the Ariat Treadfast, is identified by its side elastics and rear pull tab: it slips on in one motion, without laces that could catch, making it ideal for quick trips between the stable and the arena. The zip closure, like on the Mountain Horse Wild River, makes it easier to put on a boot fitted at the ankle or a high boot close to the leg. Finally, laces allow for precise adjustment of the instep. Regularly oiled leather with grease or balm remains supple and better resists water, no matter the closure system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What height of shaft for men's riding boots?

A new boot should reach just above the bend of the knee, as the leather will compress at the ankle over the first few weeks. Measure while sitting, with a bent leg, wearing riding trousers and riding socks.

How to choose your size for riding boots?

Keep your regular shoe size and try on with thin riding socks. The heel should not move, otherwise the boot rubs, and the toes should have some wiggle room: a boot that's too tight will quickly cool the foot in winter.

Can you wear riding boots outside of the stables?

Yes, leather boots with elastics or zips are easily worn outside the club. However, it’s best to reserve a pair for the stable, as manure and urine can damage the leather and leave persistent odours.

How to care for rubber boots?

Rinse them with clear water after each use and let them dry in the shade, as the sun can crack the rubber. Store them upright, sheltered from frost, to avoid creases that can eventually split.

Why use boot trees in your boots?

Boot trees help keep the shaft straight and prevent it from collapsing into creases at the ankle, which mark and weaken the leather. They also absorb some moisture after a session in the rain.