Long Riding Boots

This is the most important question for most buyers, and the one where our range divides most clearly.

The Vermont Storm is the only fully waterproof long riding boot in this collection. It's built for wet British winters, comfortable from the first wear, and sizes true to your normal UK size. If you spend real time outdoors in rain, wet grass or muddy fields, this is the one to look at first.

All other long riding boots in this collection — Montana, Nebraska, Kentucky Long, Georgia, Graceland and Milan — are leather boots without a waterproof membrane. They're excellent for dry conditions, schooling, yard work in fair weather and country days out, but they are not designed for heavy rain or wet ground.

The Montana is our most versatile choice for wider calves — it comes in both standard and wide calf fits, making it one of the most inclusive long boots in the range. The Kentucky Long is also worth considering: its fully adjustable lacing system suits standard to wide calf shapes and is particularly useful if you have a high instep or find pulling on a fixed-calf boot difficult.

If you need wide calf and waterproofing together, it's worth looking at the Dakota wide calf country boot in our wider range — though it's more of a country boot than a traditional riding boot.

The Nebraska is built with a slim calf profile, making it a natural first choice for narrower legs. Georgia and Graceland also tend to suit slimmer calves — their leather-lined construction sits close to the leg for a clean, fitted look. If you're unsure, our team is happy to help on the phone before you order.

The Vermont Storm is our clear recommendation for wet weather. It's fully waterproof, comfortable from the off, and sizes true to your normal UK size.

None of the other long boots in this collection should be relied on in wet conditions. If in doubt, check the individual product page for the latest specification.

All Bareback long riding boots use quality leather, but the feel underfoot varies considerably:

• Montana: sheepskin footbed for a cushioned, soft feel from day one, with an integrated Therma-tex layer for warmth
• Nebraska: full wool lining for warmth in cold weather — ideal for early mornings in the school or on the yard
• Georgia and Graceland: leather-lined for a clean, smart feel suited to riders who want a more performance-orientated finish
• Vermont Storm: waterproof construction first, but comfortable for long periods on the yard or in the saddle
• Kentucky Long: adjustable lacing and cushioned insole for all-day comfort; suits riders with high arches or wider calves

Calf width is where most long boot fitting problems start. A boot that's too tight will restrict circulation and feel uncomfortable quickly; one that's too loose will crease excessively and won't support your leg properly.

• Calf: snug without pinching. If you're between standard and wide, go wider — stretching spray can ease a slightly loose boot, but you can't undo one that's too tight.
• Height: long riding boots sit at or near the knee. If you have shorter legs, a boot that's too tall will crease and restrict movement. Our jodhpur boots may suit you better.
• Foot: size true to your normal UK size. Check the individual product page if in doubt.
• Socks: thin riding socks or thin wool socks work best with close-fitting long boots.

Not sure which boot suits you? Call our team — we're happy to talk you through the options before you order.

Some are and some aren't — and we think it's important to be upfront about that. The Vermont Storm is the only fully waterproof long riding boot in this collection. All other long boots are leather without a waterproof membrane — excellent for dry conditions but not suitable for riding in heavy rain.

The Montana is our most inclusive choice, available in standard and wide calf fits. The Kentucky Long is also worth considering: its adjustable lacing suits standard to wide calf shapes, especially helpful if you have a high instep.

The Nebraska is built with a slim calf fit — a natural first choice if you've found other long boots too loose. Georgia and Graceland also suit slimmer legs with their leather-lined construction.

The Vermont Storm works well for country walks and dog walking as well as riding — it's fully waterproof and comfortable on foot for long periods. The non-waterproof leather boots are better suited to dry conditions.

Snug without pinching. You should be able to slide a couple of fingers in at the top, but no more. If you're between a standard and wide calf fit, go wider — you can ease a slightly loose fit, but a boot that's too tight won't relax enough to become comfortable.

Good leather boots have a short settling-in period as the leather adjusts to your foot shape. Most customers find Bareback boots comfortable from the first wear. The Montana with its sheepskin footbed and the Nebraska with its wool lining offer the softest feel — particularly popular for longer days on the yard.