Footwear

The right equestrian footwear depends on how you ride, how much time you spend around horses and the conditions you'll be working in. A good riding boot should provide comfort, support and durability while also offering the correct heel and sole for safe use in the stirrups.

There are four main categories of equestrian footwear, each designed for a different purpose.

Tall Riding Boots

Tall riding boots are the traditional choice for dressage, showjumping, eventing, showing and competition. Extending to just below the knee, they provide support through the lower leg while creating a smart, professional appearance.

Available in premium leather or modern synthetic materials, tall boots suit riders of all levels, from Pony Club through to FEI competition.

Paddock Boots

Paddock boots (also known as jodhpur boots) are ankle-height riding boots designed for everyday riding and stable work. Comfortable, practical and easy to wear, they're a popular choice for Pony Club riders, everyday schooling and recreational riding.

Many riders pair paddock boots with half chaps or gaiters to provide additional lower-leg support and protection while riding.

Stock and Country Boots

Stock and country boots are designed for riders who spend long days in the saddle or working on the property. Featuring a defined riding heel and durable construction, they're ideal for stock work, campdrafting, trail riding and everyday country wear.

Many styles transition easily from the paddock to everyday casual wear, making them a popular choice for Australian riders.

Yard and Work Boots

When conditions become wet or muddy, dedicated yard boots are often the most practical choice. Waterproof leather, rubber and neoprene boots help keep your feet warm and dry while feeding horses, cleaning stables, floating horses or working around the property.

Designed for comfort and durability, they provide excellent grip and protection in challenging conditions.

Tall Riding Boots: Field or Dress?

If you're purchasing tall riding boots for competition, one of the first decisions is choosing between field boots and dress boots.

Field Boots

Field boots feature a lace-up front through the ankle, allowing greater flexibility and freedom of movement. This makes them particularly popular for showjumping, eventing and riders who prefer a softer feel through the ankle.

Dress Boots

Dress boots have a cleaner, more traditional appearance with no front lacing. The stiffer outer provides additional support through the lower leg, creating the elegant, stable leg position favoured in dressage and formal showing. Many dress boots feature a Spanish-cut top, adding a classic finish.

Both field and dress boots are available in leather and synthetic materials. Synthetic boots are lightweight, low-maintenance and excellent value, while quality leather boots mould to the rider's leg over time, offering exceptional comfort, durability and a premium appearance. For regular competition, leather remains the preferred choice for many riders.

Paddock Boots and Half Chaps

For many riders, a quality pair of paddock boots combined with half chaps offers the perfect balance of comfort, versatility and value. Together, they provide a similar look and feel to tall riding boots while remaining practical for everyday riding.

This combination is particularly popular because:

• Paddock boots are more affordable than tall boots and are ideal for everyday use.
• Growing riders can replace their boots without needing to purchase new tall boots each time.
• Half chaps can be replaced independently if they become worn.
• Paddock boots are comfortable enough to wear around the stable, at competitions or for everyday activities.
• Together, paddock boots and half chaps provide additional lower-leg support and help protect the rider's leg from rubbing against the saddle.

For Pony Club, recreational riding and everyday schooling, paddock boots with well-fitted half chaps remain one of the most popular choices.

Getting the Right Fit

A well-fitting riding boot should feel comfortable from the moment you put it on while providing the support needed for riding and working around horses. Sizing can vary between manufacturers and even between different models, so it's always worth checking individual size guides before purchasing.

Tall Riding Boots

Three measurements are particularly important when selecting tall boots:

• Foot size – Choose the correct size for your foot while allowing enough room for riding socks.
• Calf width – Measure around the widest part of your calf while wearing your normal riding attire. Many tall boots are available in slim, regular, wide and extra-wide calf fittings.
• Boot height – Measure from the floor to the crease behind your knee while seated with your foot flat on the ground. New leather boots should fit close to the back of the knee, as they naturally soften and drop slightly with wear.

Paddock Boots

For paddock boots, the most important considerations are:

• Correct foot size.
• Comfortable width through the forefoot.
• A supportive fit around the heel to minimise movement.
• A riding-appropriate sole with a defined heel for safe use in the stirrup.

If you're shopping online and aren't sure which size or fit is best, simply contact our experienced team with your foot measurements and we'll help you choose the most suitable option for your chosen brand and style.

Leading Equestrian Footwear Brands

At Ascot Saddlery, we stock one of Australia's leading ranges of equestrian footwear, with styles to suit every discipline, budget and level of rider.

Our range includes trusted brands such as Ariat, Baxter, Eurohunter, Muck Boot and more, offering everything from everyday paddock boots through to premium competition boots and durable country footwear.

Whether you're looking for leather tall boots for competition, comfortable paddock boots for everyday riding, waterproof yard boots or hard-wearing country boots, our experienced team can help you compare the options and find the right footwear for your needs.

Different brands offer different fits, features and technologies, so trying on a variety of styles is often the best way to find the perfect boot.

Caring for Your Riding Boots

Looking after your riding boots will keep them comfortable, maintain their appearance and significantly extend their lifespan.

Leather Boots

Quality leather boots will mould to your feet over time and can provide many years of service when properly maintained.

To keep leather boots in excellent condition:

• Wipe away dirt and mud after each use using a soft cloth or brush.
• Clean regularly using a quality leather cleaner or saddle soap.
• Apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and help prevent cracking.
• Allow wet boots to dry naturally away from direct heat.
• Store tall boots upright using boot trees or boot shapers to help maintain their shape.

Synthetic and Waterproof Boots

Synthetic and waterproof boots require less maintenance but should still be cleaned regularly to remove dirt, manure and salt build-up.

Allow boots to dry naturally after use and check zips, elastic panels and soles periodically for signs of wear.

We also stock a comprehensive range of boot care products, leather conditioners, cleaners and waterproofing treatments to help keep your footwear performing at its best.

Why Buy Your Equestrian Footwear from Ascot Saddlery?

At Ascot Saddlery, we've been helping Australian riders choose quality equestrian footwear since 1977.

Our achievements include:

• Saddleworld Store of the Year – 2007 and 2010.
• PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Dealer of the Year – 2024 (Inaugural Award) and 2025.

Choosing riding boots is about much more than selecting the correct shoe size. Comfort, calf fit, boot height, flexibility and the type of riding you do all influence which boot will suit you best.

Our experienced team will take the time to understand your riding discipline, explain the differences between brands and help you find footwear that provides comfort, support and long-term value.

For tall riding boots, we recommend visiting our Flemington showroom where possible, allowing you to compare different brands and calf fittings to achieve the best possible fit.

Buying Equestrian Footwear Online

If you can't visit our showroom, we're committed to making online boot shopping as easy as possible.

When you purchase from Ascot Saddlery you'll enjoy:

• Detailed product descriptions, specifications and sizing information.
• Advice from our experienced equestrian team before you buy.
• Free Australia-wide shipping on eligible orders over $150.
• Returns and exchanges in accordance with our published policy if the size isn't right.
• Finance options available on selected premium footwear.

Complete your riding outfit with our range of riding socks, half chaps, gaiters, jodhpurs, breeches, boot care products and accessories, all designed to keep you comfortable both in and out of the saddle.