Horseback riding is one of the most iconic western activities, so it should come as no surprise that you will need Western riding clothes when you do it.
Western riding clothes not only help you stick to tradition, but they also make you look fantastic! Western riding boots are a great place start looking for when rounding out your western riding apparel.
It is important to choose high-quality boots that can stand up to long hours of riding and still be comfortable. A good Western riding boot can have a variety of features including:
- � Steel or composite shank
- � Vamp pattern
- � Raised toe
- � Tread types
- � Rubber, leather, and composite bottoms
- � Stacked leather heels
- � Abrasion-resistant buffered foxing
Below we will review the high-rated riding boots, along with how they compare, so you can buy the best western riding boots for yourself.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ariat Women's Probaby Lacer Western Cowboy Boot | Best Overall |  |
| Justin Boots Women's Stampede Sliver Collection Equestrian Boot | Budget Pick |  |
| Ariat Women's Heritage Lacer II Western Cowboy Boot | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Ariat Women's Probaby Lacer Western Cowboy Boot
If you want to feel like an all-American country girl, then the Ariat Women’s Probaby Lacer Western Cowboy Boot will be your two-step horse in this plan.
The Ariat Probaby Lacer is made from premium oiled leather, making it a boot that falls in between the pageant boot and the all-purpose work boot. It has a pull-on design that is unique to the Ariat brand.
The Ariat Western Probaby Lacer is specifically made for riding a horse Western style so it’s made with a narrower shaft (around 2 and 1/2 inches) and the lacing system is asymmetrical. This makes the lacing system hug the top of the calf and prevents rubbing and chaffing.
2. Ariat Women's Heritage Lacer II Western Cowboy Boot
Pros:
- A slip on design with a hidden side zipper
- Cushioned insole offers you support and comfort
- Double and triple-row welt
- The Ariat Heritage boots are made with oil resistance heavy full grain leather
- Wide square toe
One thing I like about Western boots is their unmistakable design that lets everyone know you’re an experienced rider.
The Ariat Women’s Heritage Lacer II Western Cowboy boots are stylish Western boots made for riders. The Ariat Women’s Heritage Lacer II Western Cowboy features a suede and leather design. The boot is sleeker compared to their men’s counterpart and is a bit lighter.
These boots also feature double and triple-row welt combined with a dual-density rubber outsole. You’ll be able to maintain your balance while riding or standing. The heels and soles are shock-absorbing and are ideal for riding.
3. Justin Boots Women's Stampede Sliver Collection Equestrian Boot
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Comfortable fit
- High-quality leather material
- Silver boot looks more elegant and stylish
- Adjustable square heel
- You can wear these boots with skirts at the office
- Complimentary insoles when you purchase these boots
Cons:
- These boots will be tight at first
- There is a chemical smell from the inside
- The silver wears off faster than other colors
- The heel and sole may crack faster than other colors
If you are looking for a waterproof boot that is sturdy enough to keep you safe from debris, thorns, and mud, then this Justin Boots brand might be a good fit for you.
It features a waterproof leather upper with a flexible rubber outsole, which makes this boot comfortable to wear even if you are on your horse for a long period of time.
It comes in different colors: black, brown, or silver, so they can match your horse’s or your brand’s saddle. With this set, you will also receive a complimentary pair of insoles. This is great for people who enjoy long horseback rides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you wear cowboy boots Horseback riding?
The short answer is no, you should not wear cowboy boots when horseback riding. Cowboy boots are fine and even good for many activities such as riding ATVs, and horseback riding is no exception. However, the boots you're probably picturing right now are the tall, brown leather boots that cowboys have always been known to wear.
These won't work at all as horseback riding boots. And neither will sneakers or horse boots. Western riding boots are designed specifically to protect your feet and legs from getting hurt while riding. They have reinforced heel cups, deep-cut soles, and are made from thick leather to withstand the wear and tear of regular riding.
Light-colored canvas pull-on type boots are the best choice. Neither the cowboy boots nor snickers are the right match.
Do you have to wear boots to ride a horse?
If this is your first time [or many times!] to go riding, some outfitters may recommend a tennis shoe with a thick sole, as it may be uncomfortable to ride barefoot. If you’re an experienced rider, you don’t have to wear boots while riding. If you have thick durable socks, or if you’re riding a horse that is well-schooled, you can ride barefoot.
Chapter 7: 10 Best Unique Gift Sets
These are gift sets that do not fall in any of the categories discussed in the previous chapters.
Where can I find good western boots?
You can find some great brands online. I’ve never tried them, but I’ll list some popular ones you can research.
What shoes are best for horseback riding?
Horseback riding requires you to ride a horse bareback, in boots, and with a saddle. The best shoes for horseback riding must have a smooth leather exterior that will not rub off on the horse. The heel must be strong, yet flexible enough to ensure the rider does not fall off.
Good shoes will have a reinforced area on the edge of the heel and outsole. On the interior, they should have a comfortable foam lining with a tough leather upper.
Conclusion
Western boots come in lots of shapes and sizes, and we hope that by the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of what works best for you. We’ve been able to put together a nice little list of different styles and features that should allow you to make the best selection.
Remember that choosing the best western riding boots for you depends more on your preferences and how you intend to use them than it does on anything else in this article. This article should have been able to give you a few good ideas to start with, but the best boot at the end of the day is one that you’ll love.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Ariat Women's Probaby Lacer Western Cowboy Boot | Best Overall | |
| Justin Boots Women's Stampede Sliver Collection Equestrian Boot | Budget Pick | |
| Ariat Women's Heritage Lacer II Western Cowboy Boot | Upgrade Pick | |