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.
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
Start here
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
What are you looking for?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Warm Boots for Cold Yard Work and Winter Dog Walks
A practical guide to choosing warm boots for cold yard work and winter dog walks, with waterproof options, fit notes and live Bareback product recommendations.
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...