Kentucky Collection

The defining feature of every Kentucky boot is the lace-and-zip entry — a system that solves a problem most riding and jodhpur boots never address properly.

The laces run up the front of the boot through a soft gusseted tongue. You adjust them once to your preferred width, instep, and level of ankle support. Once you’re happy with the fit around your foot and ankle, you leave them there. From that point on, you simply use the side zip to slip the boot on and off in seconds — without disturbing the lace adjustment at all.

This means the Kentucky suits a far wider range of foot shapes than a fixed-last boot. If you have a wider foot, loosen the lace slightly. If you want more ankle support, tighten it. If your instep is high, you can open the front panel to accommodate it. The boot adapts to you, rather than the other way around.

On the Storm, the lace system is fully waterproof gusseted, so the Wil-Tex 360° protection is maintained at any lace setting.

The two boot styles share the Kentucky adjustable lace system, but differ in height, waterproofing, and intended use.

The Kentucky Storm is a jodhpur-height boot, cut to just above the ankle and designed to be worn with jodhpurs. It carries a fully waterproof Wil-Tex membrane with 360° weather protection, an X-Comfort memory foam insole, a padded ankle collar, and a side zip for easy entry once your laces are set. It comes in six colours. This is the right choice if you want a boot that works on the yard, in the saddle, and on country walks — and that keeps your feet dry in any conditions.

The Kentucky Long is a full-length riding boot with the same adjustable lace structure at the ankle and a full-length OPTI zip on the outside. It suits standard to wide calf sizes. Available in Chocolate and Black. Importantly, the Kentucky Long does not have a waterproof membrane. If you need a long waterproof boot, see our Country Boots collection or the Vermont boots. The Kentucky Long is the right choice for dressage, showing, and general riding where full leg coverage and a refined appearance take priority over waterproofing.

The Storm is available in six colours, split between more casual waxed-leather finishes and smarter polished-leather options. All six share the same Wil-Tex waterproof membrane, lace system, and X-Comfort insole — only the leather finish and colour differ.

Waxed leather:

• Mocha — a warm brown waxed-leather finish, the original Storm look and the most versatile everyday colour. Works on the yard, on a hack, and on a country walk.
• Forest — a deep green waxed-leather finish. A popular choice for riders who want a distinctive colour alongside the practical Storm features.
• Grey — a soft neutral that pairs well with most jodhpur colours.

Polished leather:

• Polished Brown — the Storm in a more refined finish. Smarter than Mocha; suitable for competitions and shows as well as everyday use.
• Polished Black — the classic competition and show colour in the Storm. Clean and versatile across all disciplines.
• Polished Navy — a distinctive deep navy in the polished finish. Stands out in the school and pairs particularly well with navy or cream jodhpurs.

The Kentucky Half-Chaps are Bareback’s own leather chaps, designed to be worn over the Kentucky Storm jodhpur boot to give the appearance and function of a full-length boot without the weight. They can also be used with other short riding boots.

Construction: 4cm covered elastic stretch panels for an accommodating fit across the calf, elastic foot stirrups, a piped finish, a Spanish top line, a leather skirt over the instep, and top and bottom zip protectors.

Colours: Mocha, Polished Brown, Grey, Navy, Polished Black.

For a tonal look, pair Mocha chaps with the Mocha Storm, Polished Brown with Polished Brown, Polished Black with Polished Black, and Navy chaps with Polished Navy Storm boots. The Grey chaps work well with a range of boot and jodhpur colours. If you’re unsure which combination to go for, call us on 01886 888873 — the team can advise on which pairings look best in person.

Because the Kentucky uses an adjustable lace system, it accommodates a wider range of foot shapes than most fixed-last riding boots.

If you have a wide foot, loosen the front lace panel to allow more room across the instep. The Long boot is described as suitable for standard to wide calf. If you have a high instep, the adjustable lace lets you open the ankle more than a pull-on boot allows, making entry much easier.

For general sizing, order your normal UK size. The boots are made in Portugal and sized in EU — the size conversion chart is on each product page. If you’re between sizes or have specific fit questions (particularly around calf width or instep), call us on 01886 888873. The team has handled hundreds of Kentucky orders and can help you get the right size and finish first time.

Yes. The Kentucky Storm carries a Wil-Tex waterproof membrane with a soft gusseted lace system for complete 360° weather protection. This is a built-in membrane, not a surface treatment, so it works in sustained rain, wet grass, puddles, and yard conditions throughout the life of the boot. All six Storm colours share the same waterproof construction.

No. The Kentucky Long riding boot does not have a waterproof membrane. The product description states clearly: “Although the Kentucky Long boots are robust and comfortable they do not have a waterproof membrane so cannot be used as a wellington boot.” If you need a waterproof long boot, see our Country Boots collection, where the Hudson Storm and Dakota both carry a Wil-Tex waterproof membrane, or see the Vermont for a waterproof long riding boot.

Yes — both styles are designed with riding in mind. The Kentucky Storm is a jodhpur boot and is intended to be worn with jodhpurs in and out of the saddle. The lace system provides ankle support for riding, and the side zip makes getting on and off easy after a lesson or hack. The Kentucky Long is a full-height riding boot designed for all riding uses.

The Kentucky Storm has a Wil-Tex waterproof membrane built into the boot. The original Kentucky (available in a separate collection) uses a more breathable lining without the waterproof layer. As the Storm product descriptions note: “Need maximum levels of breathability? Our original Kentucky collection has a more breathable lining.”

In practice: if you spend a lot of time outdoors in wet conditions, the Storm is the right choice. If you ride primarily indoors or in dry conditions and want maximum breathability, the original Kentucky may suit you better. Both share the same lace-and-zip system, leather upper, and silhouette — the difference is entirely in the lining.

The Kentucky Half-Chaps are designed to fit the Kentucky boots, and the elastic stretch panels allow for a range of calf sizes. For the best fit, measure around the widest part of your calf and consult the sizing information on the product page. If you’re between sizes or unsure, call us on 01886 888873 — the team can match you to the right half-chap size for your calf and the Kentucky boot you’re pairing them with.