A guide to buying the best English Riding Boots
If you are an avid horse rider and enjoy spending hours riding in the countryside, it makes sense to invest in a set of quality English riding boots. Riding boots will protect your legs and feet against accidents and the mug and mire you may encounter during your rides. They are available in an array of styles, colors and sizes for men, women and children. You can purchase these boots in local shops or via the Internet. Although Internet shopping may offer great selections and discounts, buying locally will ensure you get a perfect fit.
Types of English Riding Boots
English riding boots come in an array of designs, styles, sizes and colors. By perusing the Internet, you can find out more about the different designs and styles offered as well as compare features and prices. This helps you make a better informed decision when it comes time to buy. The most popular English riding boot design for experienced riders is the tall boot. This boot also offers the greatest protection. As most experienced riders will attest, saddles can be fairly brutal on your legs after awhile if your legs are not sufficiently protected. The tall English riding boot varies in length from just below the knee to your calf, offering optimum protection during any riding event.
Other features of these riding boots include:
- tough, durable exterior for long lasting wear
- prominent heel to keep your foot secure in the stirrup
- diversity of styles and materials to meet individual need
- diversity in manufacturers offering top quality products
Country riding can be quite invigorating; however, it often comes with its share of surprises along the way. With a tall pair of riding boots, you will be prepared for any eventuality in the course of your ride.
In addition to being very practical, tall boots are the style most often worn for horse competitions and events due to their classy, fashionable appearance. English riding boots offer great variety in appearance and function to meet your personal preference and need. Some boots come with laces while others sport zippers or boot hooks for a snug fit. Modern designs often include zippers at the back of the boot which makes it much easier for you to put them on and take them off.
These boots also differ in the material they are made of, i.e. patent leather, smooth leather, imitation leather or vinyl. They also come in different heights. For fox hunting events or competitions, English riding dress boots for men are normally worn. These tall, black, formal looking boots usually come up to the knee. Yet another boot type used for fox hunting is the field boot, which is less formal than dress boots and offers greater flexibility.
How To Buy
Your choice of riding boot will depend on the purpose for which your product will be used. If you plan to wear your boots for shows and competitions, you should check into the stipulations required for the competition at hand, as many competitions require a specific type of boot to be worn. However, if you want a pair of boots for pleasure, then you have free rein to choose the color, style and type of boot you prefer most. English riding boots for women range from simple designs used for casual riding to more elegant styles designated for shows and formal events.
The proper fitting of your riding boot is equally as important as choosing the right type. Tight fitting boots will obviously present problems in wearing. Loose fitting boots could cause accidents due to not providing sufficient stability. Riding boots should fit comfortably and snugly to be of optimum use. Tall boots, in particular, should fit your leg comfortably all the way up to your calf to give you the protection you need and aesthetic look you want.
If you will be using your boots in a cold climate, you may want to check out insulated boot designs as they will keep your feet much warmer in cold weather. Zippered boots offer greater ease in putting on and removing, but pull on styles are more streamlined, presenting a nicer, more professional appearance. If you are buying boots for children, the shorter designs make better choices as chances are your children will not use them as extensively and ankle boots are less expensive to buy.
In Conclusion
There are many details to consider when purchasing a pair of riding boots. The more you learn about the various options, the better choice you will make. When it comes to quality, you will have little problem finding top name brand English riding boots to choose from to meet your specific need.