Can you resole waterproof boots?
Can waterproof boots be resoled, and how to keep waxed leather protected with the updated Bareback care kit.
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 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.
Can you use wellies for horse riding?
Wellies are generally made from waterproof rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which work to keep your feet dry but are not always the most comfortable. The lining, typically isn't very...
The best Walking Boots- Our complete guide
With so many types of walking boots available and such a variety of features to choose from, it's important to choose the right boots for your adventures ensuring you stay supported...
Why not to buy Vegan leather country and riding boots
Switching from real leather to vegan leather solves one set of problems, but create another set of problems. Ultimately, it’s best to ensure that the item you buy is a heritage...
A Comprehensive guide to our Waterproof Boots
Here at Bareback Footwear we specialise in 100% waterproof footwear. We understand when you are enjoying country pursuits or horse riding you need boots that keep your feet warm and...
Why choose nubuck leather for your boots?
Nubuck leather has featured in premium leather footwear for some time. It comes from the outer layer of the hide and includes the top grain of the leather. The thicker outside...
How do I tell if my long riding boots fit?
Choosing tall riding boots can be a difficult process, we had to start a company just to find a pair that fitted nicely! Hopefully not everyone has to go this far...
Ariat Alternatives - The Best Ariat Alternatives
All our footwear is of the highest quality hand made in Portugal and we believe that will stand up against against and far exceed any riding boot on the market....
Free returns on our riding boots!
We are pleased to offer our customers FREE RETURNS on all our footwear and FREE POSTAGE over £70. Buying footwear online can be tricky, we understand. That's why we do...
Women's Shooting & Beating Boots - The best boots this season
As the shooting season comes round I always have a good luck at my kit and wonder what needs replacing and updating. As a self confessed boot addict in take...
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.
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?