Horseback riding is a beloved sport by tons of people all around the world. However, things weren’t always this way. A couple of hundred years ago, horseback riding was considered a sport for the very wealthy. Most people couldn’t afford horseback riding equipment, let alone a horse. The reason was not lack of interest but lack of resources.
But that’s not the case anymore in the year 2019. Horseback riding is now enjoyed by teenagers, grownups, and elderly people alike. Because of that, there is a growing demand for horseback riding patches as well. Not just in the city but also in the outdoors, away from city lights. As a result, manufacturers have started to come up with different types of horseback riding products. One of these is horseback riding shoes and hooves.
One question that may pop into your mind is, what are the best riding shoes? Getting a pair of high-quality riding boots is extremely important. It will allow you to feel comfortable on your horse and do a great job in polishing basic riding skills. What is even more important is being fun and safe. The best riding shoes are the ones that can last long, provide ample comfort, and protect your feet from injuries.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ARIAT Women's Scout Zip Paddock | Best Overall |  |
| Horze Signature Jodhpur Boots | Budget Pick |  |
| TuffRider Ladies Belmont Dress Boots | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ARIAT Women's Scout Zip Paddock
Pros:
- MADE IN THE USA
- Beautiful leather
- Looks great with a pair of jeans or a pair of walking/casual pants
- Will protect you from snake bites, sharp rocks and spiky things you may encounter on your way
Con:
We’ve all had a pair of tall boots, I’m talking about ankle boots that you wear to work, or some knee high boots for a special occasion. I’m not sure if they’re comfortable or not but I know that I won’t want to wear them for a long trip, especially if I have to ride my horse.
That’s why I’m happy to introduce to you the best riding boots for women, the Ariat Women’s Scout Zip Paddock.
2. Ariat Women's Fatbaby Western Boot
Pros:
- An ergonomic and fashionable design
- The rubber outsole lends to traction and durability
- Ariat outfitted these cowboy boots with memory foam insole and heel cushion for women
- Comes with a cushioned tongue
- 360 degree lacing system
Cons:
- These cowboy boots are very stiff and take time to break in
- The memory foam insole may begin to disintegrate after only a few months
Ariat Women's Fatbaby boots are the newest incarnation of the women who like to be prepared for whatever adventure that comes their way. These well-cushioned boots are the perfect accessory for any Western clothing.
They are stylish, comfortable, and functional without any sacrificing in quality. The slip-on model makes it easy for you to put these boots on so you can spend more time riding and far less time trying to tie your shoe.
The full-grain leather material is durable and lightweight. It feels soft in your feet and gives your comfort as you walk or ride while the lugged outsole gives you traction on any surface you ride on.
3. Ariat Women’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
Pros:
- Easy on and off
- You can get them in both suede or black nylon
- They’re completely waterproof
Cons:
- They’re heavy
- The toe box is a little clunky for riding
- Only available in a women’s size
The benefit to these shoes is that because they’re boots, it’ll provide a lot of foot support on those long day rides.
Take note that the shoe is pretty heavy, so for some riders that are just starting out, this makes breaking in the shoe for riding quite a bit more difficult.
You’ll also need to make sure that you get the right size. The 8.5 that I ordered fit quite well.
4. Ariat Women's Unbridled Roper Western Cowboy Boot
Pros:
- Affordable
- Excellent for everyday use
- Comfortable and fit well right out of the box
The Ariat Women’s Unbridled Roper Western Cowboy Boot is yet another excellent option for those who want cowboy boots for everyday use.
This boot is perfect for riding your horse to the barn or through town. It consists of a soft leather upper and rubber sole. It is comfortable, durable, and affordable, just like it should be.
This western boot from Ariat contains an inside zipper for easy on and off. It also has a sole made of non-marking rubber, which means you don’t have to worry about scuffing the floors at home or at work.
5. Ariat Women’s Terrain H2O Hiking Boot
Pros:
- Easy on and off
- You can get them in both suede or black nylon
- They’re completely waterproof
Cons:
- They’re heavy
- The toe box is a little clunky for riding
- Only available in a women’s size
The benefit to these shoes is that because they’re boots, it’ll provide a lot of foot support on those long day rides.
Take note that the shoe is pretty heavy, so for some riders that are just starting out, this makes breaking in the shoe for riding quite a bit more difficult.
You’ll also need to make sure that you get the right size. The 8.5 that I ordered fit quite well.
6. Muck Boots Chore Rubber Women's Work Boot
Pros:
- amazing durability
- 100% waterproof
- superb quality
- long-lasting & non-slippery
- very comfortable & warm
This is a great deal. These are incredibly well-made boots and totally waterproof. They do a great job of keeping the wet and mud out. And they are incredibly warm. They feel like heavy rubber shoes and I couldn't believe how warm they kept my feet.
The sizing seems to be a little off though. I'm usually an 8.5 or 9 and went with an 8 in these and they fit just right with a little wiggle room for thick socks. I have an average foot size and the boots fit just right through the ball and heel. They are not intended for heavy duty work though. They "point" rather than "square toe" , so they are not intended to take the heavy pounding of being in and out of stirrups.
These are great for general all-around barn chores and will keep you warm and dry in most situations. I have worn them continously for more than 24 hrs without aching feet and no wet feet.
7. TuffRider Ladies Belmont Field Boot
Pros:
- Made of full-grain leather
- Comes with elastic panels for an easier fit
- Good ankle support
- Water resistant
Cons:
- Could be too stiff for those wearing them for the first time
- Colors may not last
If you are looking for a product that has a great finish and is comfortable for riding, TuffRider Ladies Belmont Field Boot is one of the good options to consider.
They have a durable ankle support and a zipper closure for easy wear. The sole is a genuine leather and the insoles is good quality. The leather is full grain and the components are made in the US.
As for the sizes, it is available in 4 sizes from a 6 to an 11. The size range is a little limited but one thing worth noting is that this riding boot fits more like a large spring/summer shoe or a wide fit. This makes it more comfortable but still leaves room for thicker socks.
8. TuffRider Ladies Belmont Dress Boots
Pros:
- Good for riders of all levels
- Made to soften and stretch
- Waterproof
- Very comfortable
- Durable
- Wide
- Stylish
- Not too tall
- Good traction
The TuffRider Ladies Belmont is an incredible choice for a full-zip paddock boot that’s stylish as well as durable. Ideal for riders of all levels, the boots feature Caiman leather construction that’s been treated so that the material will soften and stretch to support you comfortably.
The boots also feature a full-length zip, Hook-n-Strap closures, zip closures and rubber soles to offer you exceptional comfort and ease of use right out of the packaging.
These boots are a great choice for riders looking for a pair of boots that are durable and that will put up with a lot of wear and tear over the years.
9. Salomon Men's Pathfinder Hiking Shoe
Pros:
- Makes for a secure fit
- Breathable fabric
Cons:
- Not very durable
- Lacks arch support
If you’re looking for the best women’s trail riding shoes, then this amazing one from Salomon is a great option. It’s made from breathable fabric so that your feet don’t get too hot.
The Salomon also features their proprietary Motion Control platform which helps to enhance stability, support, and foot security. It’s a very comfortable shoe that’s perfect thanks to a minimalist design.
For those long hikes on the trail and steep ascents, you can rely on the Quicklace system for an optimal customized fit. To top it all off, the outsole is made from LightDyne carbon®, so you can rely on it to give you a smooth ride.
10. Horze Signature Jodhpur Boots
Pros:
- Good quality
- Lovely design
- Made out of durable materials
Cons:
- Some users have complained about the boots being made out of too thin materials.
- The stitched parts could be more durable
- The boots came with varied sizes even though the tag says they are men’s boots.
Everyhorseback riding rider knows that a good pair of riding boots makes a big difference. The right pair of riding boots can help you boost your performance and comfort.
The Horze Signature boots are known for their level of quality, which is crucial for endurance riding horses. The gloves are made out of thin and light material to make your feet feel comfortable even after wearing them for hours.
The boots implement a diamond design, which is known for being a good design for equestrian boots. The diamond shaped design makes the boots very comfortable to wear, which is very important when you have to wear them for hours. The design is also easy to clean in order to prevent dirt build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What shoes are best for horseback riding?
There are a few factors to consider before buying an appropriate horse shoe. The most important thing is making sure that they’re comfortable and safe. I bought a pair of Ariat Tour Cross Country Riding boots and I love them! They provide incredible comfort and arch support as well as ankle support, which keeps my joints safe. Properly fitted boots also help keep my feet warm and dry, which is important to me. One thing to remember though, is to choose boots that don’t run too tight. They should be able to give and still be comfortable.
What are the best riding boots to buy?
A good slim boot with a rounded heel guard and a wide footbed will help you move with ease while riding horses. Boots that are made of oil-resistant suede and use a sticky rubber sole are great because they can withstand spills, unexpected mishaps, and gunk.
What is best to wear for horseback riding?
The main purpose of the riding boots is to protect your feet from spikes, nails, and other things that might hurt you or your horse.
Due to this, you should choose riding boots for horseback riding based on their durability, comfort, and flexibility as opposed to fashion.
What shoes do you wear horseback riding in the summer?
These forro sport sandals are by far the most comfortable thing I’ve worn horseback riding in the summer. Reason being?
It’s a sandal, and so you can feel the stirrup and the ground which helps give you more of an idea of what your horse is doing beneath you. Sandals are also a lot cooler and provide better ventilation. However, there are some things to keep in mind.
They’re a bit tricky to put on and take off.
They’re a bit slippery so you have to balance carefully when putting on or taking your foot in and out the stirrup.
The sandals are also a bit less sturdy than other, more traditional riding boots. This might not be a problem when your ground is dry, however, it can be a problem in swampy areas.
Conclusion
Horseback riding requires us humans to be able to function as one with our companion, the horse. But if we’re not properly attired and shod, our comfort and safety might be compromised. With the right gear, horseback riding should be the most enjoyable part of your activity regimen.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ARIAT Women's Scout Zip Paddock | Best Overall | |
| Horze Signature Jodhpur Boots | Budget Pick | |
| TuffRider Ladies Belmont Dress Boots | Upgrade Pick | |