Riding Boots for Beginners: Short Boots, Long Boots and Half Chaps
A practical beginner guide to choosing jodhpur boots, paddock boots, long riding boots and half chaps.
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.
Read FAQsShop by problem
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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 care
Dubbin vs Waterproofing Spray vs Leather Conditioner
Not sure whether your boots need dubbin, waterproofing spray or leather conditioner? Compare each treatment by material, purpose and finish before you apply it.
Long Riding Boots vs Jodhpur Boots and Half Chaps
Compare long riding boots, jodhpur boots and half chaps for cost, fit, flexibility, calf shape, waterproof needs and different types of rider.
Buying guide
Waterproof Jodhpur Boots for Wet Yards and Riding
A practical guide to waterproof jodhpur boots for wet yards and riding, with Kentucky, Idaho, Blair and Vancouver routes.
Buying guide
Horse Riding Shoes vs Riding Boots
A clear UK guide to horse riding shoes, horse riding boots, jodhpur boots and paddock boots, with current Bareback routes.
Boot Advice
Jodhpur Boots vs Paddock Boots: What's the Difference?
A clear UK guide to jodhpur boots, paddock boots and ankle riding boots, with waterproof and non-waterproof Bareback routes.
Boot Advice
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.
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.
Dubarry Alternative for Affordable Quality Waterproof Country Boots ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many people ask us what the best Dubarry alternative is. They want a long waterproof country boot that lasts and doesn't mean they have to remortgage. One of the reasons...
Mens Riding Boots - Best Riding Boots for Men
As a man that rides I know how difficult it can be finding riding boots for men. I remember visiting horse shows full of stands and checking each and every...
Can you ride in yard boots? All you need to know.
It is advised that a riding boot should have a small heel (1 – 1.5inches), this heel will help your foot stay in place in the stirrup (and not slide...
How to Choose a Yard Boot
Supportive, comfortable, durable. The Yard collection are here to help you keep out doing the things you love longer. Contact us to help find the best boot for your job!
Comfortable Riding Boots - Why are Bareback Boots the most comfortable?
You often here about how comfortable Bareback Boots are for both riding and everyday. But what makes the most comfortable boots out there? What contributes to our reputation?
Summer Riding Boots: Your Guide to the Best Lightweight and Breathable Equestrian Footwear for a Stylish and Comfortable Riding Experience
Stride into Summer with Style: Discover the Best Lightweight and Breathable Riding Boots for Your Equestrian Adventures The much-awaited warm weather is finally here, beckoning us to embrace nature and...
All you need to know about Wide Calf Riding Boots
Horse riders tend to have larger calves. We use them all the time while riding not to mention putting in the graft on the yard. This being said it is...
Riding boots help with Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, but the right footwear can make a significant difference. Discover why riding boots, with features like cushioned insoles, arch support, and a small...
Our Riding and Country Boots store in Worcester
Let us introduce ourselves we are Bareback Footwear and we design boots more comfortable, better fitting and to last.
Will my long leather riding boots drop?
YES All leather long boots drop a little in height as the leather stretches and loosens. You will find that you develop creasing around the ankle and this will result...
The Montana Long Riding Boots - What's not to love?
The Montana Long Riding Boots is such a staple fixture of our core range of riding boots. This long riding boot should never be overlooked as it is truly unbeatable for...
The Kentucky Collection - The Ultimate Equestrian Boot
The Kentucky has grown from humble beginnings joining our range in 2015 to becoming what some people consider the ultimate equestrian boots. It's performance and versatility is unrivalled. Style and...
Are leather country boots worth it?
Many people who haven't tried a pair of leather waterproof country boots wonder. Are they worth it? Aren't the essentially just very posh wellies? Although you would often wear them...
Collonil Carbon Pro Waterproofing Spray: Use and Alternatives
A clear guide to using Collonil Carbon Pro waterproofing spray, choosing a current alternative, and treating smooth leather, waxed leather, nubuck, suede and textiles safely.
10 Reasons to buy Bareback Footwear riding and country boots
Here’s ten reasons why you should join our family and choose Bareback Footwear… If you’re looking to purchase or replace your current country boots this may seem simple and with other...