How tall should my riding boots be?
Deciding the height of you tall riding boots can be tricky. Boots that are too high can pinch the back of your legs causing discomfort and distraction. Long riding boots...
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
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.
Portuguese Leather Boots - Proud to be made in Portugal
We are proud to make our footwear in Portugal. Since 1927 our factory has never compromised in sourcing the highest quality leather and putting it in the hands of highly...
A guide to buying waterproof country boots
Buying a good pair of waterproof country or riding boots can be a minefield but one thing is for sure with British weather you ought to have a pair on...
What is Natural Horsemanship? Ask an expert.
Natural Horsemanship for me means a combination of horse training and horse keeping that is as close to their nature as possible. The basic needs of every horse are freedom,...
Discover Stylish Large Size Women's Footwear - Perfect for Riding and More!
Bareback Footwear’s collection of stylish and comfortable boots for women in larger sizes caters to diverse preferences, from knee-high riding boots to waterproof country boots. Our extended size women’s boots...
Our best blue riding boots
We love all things blue! That's we have made an extensive range of blue riding and country boots. Here our picks of our favourite blue and navy riding boots and...
Best Winter Riding Boots
Winter is looming and we are want to keep our feet toastie, everyone has been out on a hack and their feet have gone numb with the cold. This is...
Top tips for bareback horse riding
Riding bareback is a great way to progress and skill up as a horse rider. It enhances your riding strength and balance and makes you feel even more in touch with...
How to look after your leather boots in the extremes of British weather!
How to look after Bareback leather boots in wet, dry and muddy weather, with updated care advice for the Waxed Leather Boots Care Package.
Tips when choosing a pair of short jodhpur boots
Tips for choosing short jodhpur boots, including sole type, fastening, fit, insoles and updated care advice for waxed leather, suede and nubuck.
Where to go Horse Riding in Worcestershire
With more people than ever enjoying the great outdoors and taking up new hobbies such as horse riding, we take a look at the 5 most popular places to go riding...
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Where it all started.
A wet weekend in a cold field under a marquee roof, how we spend most weekends, a lady comes in for shelter and begins looks at our footwear...