Best Boots for High Instep: What to Avoid and What to Try
A practical fit guide to easy-on boots for high insteps, covering zip, lace and removable-insole routes.
Boot Advice & Guides
Helpful advice on choosing, fitting, wearing and caring for your Bareback boots, from a family who answers its own phones.
Real people, real helpFamily-run in Martley, Worcestershire. Call 01886 888873
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Three questions we get asked most
New to Bareback, or not sure where to begin? These three guides answer the big ones.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Sizing, calf widths, wide fit, high insteps and slim calves. How to know a boot fits before you buy.
Read the fit guidesBest Waterproof Boots
The best boots for dog walking, yard work, wet weather and riding, plus what "waterproof" really means.
Read waterproof guidesLeather Care Advice
How to clean, feed and protect your boots so they last for years, from waxed leather to suede and nubuck.
Read care guidesBrowse by topic
Find advice by subject
Every guide, grouped the way you actually shop. Pick a topic to dig in.
Fit & Sizing
Find the right size, calf fit and boot shape for your feet.
View guidesWaterproof Boots
Membranes, wet weather and keeping your feet properly dry.
View guidesRiding Boots
Long, short and jodhpur boots for the saddle and the yard.
View guidesCountry & Dog Walking
Comfortable, supportive boots for mud, fields and long walks.
View guidesWide Calf & Special Fit
Wide calves, slim calves, high insteps and adjustable boots.
View guidesLeather Care
Cleaning, feeding and waterproofing to make boots last.
View guidesBehind Bareback
Our story, our Portuguese makers and how boots are built.
View guidesFAQs & Help
Quick answers on sizing, waterproofing, delivery and care.
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Skip the scrolling. Tell us the problem and we'll take you straight to the right boots.
Most useful
All guides Our most helpful guides
The advice our customers come back to again and again.
Fit & Sizing
How do I tell if my long riding boots fit?
Not sure whether tall boots are too tight, too loose or just right? The signs to look for around the calf, ankle and instep.
Waterproof
A guide to buying waterproof country boots
Ankle, mid-calf or long? Membrane or wax? This guide explains the differences so you buy the right pair once.
Leather Care
Looking after leather boots in British weather
Wet, dry or caked in mud: how to clean, dry and feed your boots so the leather stays supple for years.
Latest advice
Browse all More from the workshop
Fresh guides, seasonal tips and honest opinions on boots.
Boot Advice
Vermont Storm Long Waterproof Riding Boots Guide
Vermont Storm boots are waterproof long riding boots for riders who want one tall leather boot for the saddle and practical use around the...
Ankle Boots
Vancouver Storm Boots Guide: Waterproof Pull-On Ankle Boots for Wet Weather
A practical guide to Vancouver Storm waterproof pull-on ankle boots, covering fit, high insteps, sizing, wet-weather use and leather care.
Boot Advice
Rocky Waterproof Boots Guide: Wide-Foot Comfort for Yard and Country Use
A practical Rocky waterproof boots guide covering fit, adjustable lacing, forefoot room and everyday yard and country use.
Boot Advice
Quebec Zip vs Pull-On Boots: Which Fit Is Easier?
Compare Quebec zip and pull-on waterproof boots for high insteps, ankle mobility, wider feet and calf adjustment.
Buying guide
Quebec Boots Buying Guide: Pull-On, Zip, Ankle and Fur-Lined Options
The right Quebec boot depends on how easily you want it to go on, how much leg coverage you need and whether extra winter...
Boot Advice
Wool-Lined vs Fur-Lined vs Fleece-Lined Boots: What’s Warmest for Yard Work?
Compare wool, shearling, fur and fleece boot linings for cold yard work, including waterproofing, fit and current warm Bareback options.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The things customers ask us most, answered honestly.
How do I know what size to order?
Our boots come up true to UK sizing. If you're between sizes, or you have a fuller or slimmer calf, measure the widest part of your calf and give us a call on 01886 888873. We help people find their fit over the phone every day. Start with our fit & sizing guides.
Are your leather boots actually waterproof?
The boots in our waterproof range have a breathable membrane built into the boot, so they keep water out like a wellie but wear like proper leather. Water-resistant styles will shrug off a shower, but for standing in puddles and deep mud you want the membrane. See our waterproof guides.
Do you make boots for wider or slimmer calves?
Yes. We offer wide calf, adjustable and fuller-calf styles, plus options for high insteps and slim calves. If you're not sure what will fit, measure your calf and we'll point you to the right pair. Browse wide & adjustable fit boots.
Can someone help me choose?
Of course, that's what we're here for. Call 01886 888873 (Mon–Fri, 10am–4.30pm), send us a message, or visit the showroom in Martley, Worcestershire. You'll be talking to real people who ride in these boots. Get in touch.
What are your delivery and returns like?
We offer free UK delivery and free returns. If a pair isn't right, send them back to us and we'll sort it. See our delivery & returns page for the full details.
How do I look after my boots?
Clean off mud before it dries, let them dry naturally away from direct heat, and feed the leather now and then so it stays supple. Our leather care guides cover waxed leather, suede and nubuck, and the care range has everything you need.
Need help choosing?
Still unsure? Our friendly team can help with fit, calf width, instep and sizing. Real people who ride in these boots.
Every guide
All advice & guides
Browse the full library below, newest first.
Pull-On vs Zip-Up Waterproof Boots: Which Is Easier to Get On?
A practical comparison of pull-on and zip-up waterproof boots for high insteps, ankle mobility, calf room and wet-weather use.
How to Measure Calves for Long Riding and Country Boots
A practical long riding boot size guide covering calf measurement, height, common fit mistakes and wide calf product routes.
Best Boots for Wide Feet, High Insteps and Wide Calves
A practical fit-led guide to Bareback boots for wide feet, high insteps and wide calves, with decision tables and product routes for country, yard and riding use.
Leather Waterproof Boots vs Wellies for Dog Walking
Leather waterproof boots vs wellies for dog walking: comfort, support, breathability, cleaning and care for wet British walks.
Waterproof Mid-Calf Boots: Why They’re More Practical Than Wellies
A practical guide to waterproof mid-calf boots for wet grass, yard jobs, dog walks, school runs and country wear, with honest comparisons against wellies.
Best Waterproof Boots for Women: Yard, Dog Walking and Riding
A practical guide to choosing women’s waterproof boots for wet yards, dog walks, riding days and everyday country use, with fit notes and links to relevant Bareback collections.
Best Dog Walking Boots - Comfortable and Supportive Walking Boots
Embark on your daily dog walks in comfort and style with the best walking boots. Our guide highlights top picks for durability, support, and protection, whether you're tackling wet trails,...
Essential Guide to Drying and Caring for Wet Leather Boots
Our top tips for drying your leather boots like a pro. With a little TLC, your boots will stay looking sharp and ready to tackle any terrain. So, next time...
A Step-by-Step Guide to Lacing Up Your Andalucia Long Riding Boots
The Andalucia boots are the epitome of effortless style and unparalleled fit, offering fully adjustable long boots with a convenient zip. However, achieving the perfect lace-up is the key to...
Selecting the Ideal Riding or Equestrian Boots for You
Selecting the right footwear is essential for excelling in different equestrian disciplines. By understanding the specific requirements of each activity, you can optimise your performance, comfort, and safety. Invest in...
Choosing the Perfect Horse Riding Boots for Performance and Safety
A practical guide to choosing horse riding boots by fit, use, weather and riding style, with current Bareback product routes.
What are my favourite Bareback Boots ?
These are my all time favourite Bareback Boots, I live in them. They are like my waterproof slippers. Country boots at there very best!
How to Use Dubbin: The Ultimate Leather Treatment
A July 2026 guide to using dubbin on waxed leather boots, with cleaning, protector, conditioner and waterproofing comparisons.
How to measure yourself for Half Chaps - Essential Guide
Getting the fit of half chaps is absolutely essential, the correct size half chaps will fit like a glove and provide all the support and appearance of tall boots but with the...
How to Clean your Leather Country boots - A Step by Step Guide
A step-by-step guide to cleaning Bareback waxed leather boots with the updated Waxed Leather Boots Care Package, plus separate advice for suede, nubuck and crushed nubuck.