Riding Boots

Long riding boots, like the Montana, Vermont, Kentucky Long, Graceland, Georgia and Milan, cover the whole calf and give the leg a continuous line against the saddle— the traditional choice for schooling, dressage and competing, where lower leg contact and a neat silhouette matter. Jodhpur boots, such as the Idaho, Kentucky Storm, Chatsworth, Blair and Bramham, sit at ankle height and are worn with jodhpur chaps or gaiters. They're quicker to get on and off, cooler in summer and a favourite for yard chores between rides as well as everyday hacking. Neither is "better" for horse riding — it comes down to what you're doing that day and personal preference.

Not every boot here is built for the rain, so check before you buy if you're hacking out year-round. The Kentucky Storm, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth, Blair and Vermont Storm all use a genuine waterproof membrane Wil-Tex, there will always be the word 'Waterproof in the name. The Kentucky Long, Idaho, Montana, Andalucia, Nebraska, Graceland, Georgia, Milan and Bramham ranges are not waterproof .

A boot that's too tight around the calf will dig in against the saddle and distract you mid-ride, while one that's too loose won't give your lower leg proper contact. The Montana comes in both Standard and Wide Calf fittings, and the Kentucky Long uses a full leg lace system for up to 3.5cm of adjustable width — handy if your calf shape changes with the seasons or your riding boots need to go over thicker breeches. Several of our jodhpur boots, including the Kentucky Storm, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth and Blair, use adjustable lacing or elasticated panels rather than a fixed calf/ Ankle size, so they flex to fit a wider range of leg shapes.

Long hours in the saddle mean lining matters as much as looks. The Nebraska uses full sheep wool insulation for cold winter rides, while the Montana and Andalucia both feature a natural sheepskin insole with a Therma-Tex layer for warmth and moisture control through the year. The Idaho and Idaho Storm use a removable Cambrella-lined insole, the Blair adds memory foam X-comfort cushioning, and the Chatsworth uses a gel IMPACT insole for extra shock absorption. Most models also include a moulded or steel shank in the sole for arch support, which reduces foot fatigue on long hacks or a full days walking.

A good riding boot should hold your heel down firmly and let your foot slide easily in and out of the stirrup, with no bulk around the ball of the foot that could catch. The sole should give solid grip both on the ground and against the stirrup tread — several of our boots use a Duratred®, DualGrip or Composite outsole for exactly this reason. Around the ankle, look for a supportive collar (as on the Kentucky Storm and Chatsworth) to protect against knocks, and around the calf, the boot should sit close enough to keep contact with the saddle flap without pinching behind the knee when you sit down to ride. If in doubt between two sizes, go with the boot that grips your heel snugly rather than one that feels roomy.

Some are, some aren't — always check the individual product page. The Kentucky Storm, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth, Blair and Vermont Storm all have a waterproof membrane. All boots that are waterproof will have this in the product name.

The Montana Riding Boots come in a dedicated Wide Calf fitting alongside the standard fit, and the Kentucky Long's full leg lace system gives up to 3.5cm of adjustable width. Our jodhpur boots with adjustable lacing, such as the Kentucky Storm, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth and Blair, also flex to accommodate a wider calf/ Ankle without needing a separate wide-fit version.

Long boots (Montana, Vermont, Kentucky Long, Graceland, Georgia and Milan) give a continuous line of leg contact against the saddle and are the traditional choice for schooling, dressage and showing. Jodhpur boots (Idaho, Kentucky Storm, Chatsworth, Blair and Bramham) are quicker on and off, cooler, and popular for hacking and general yard work between rides. Many riders own both and choose depending on the activity that day.

Your heel should sit firmly with no slipping, and the foot should move easily in and out of the stirrup. The calf should be snug enough to keep contact with the saddle flap but not so tight it pinches behind the knee when seated. If you're between sizes, our size guide and the adjustable lacing on boots like the Kentucky Storm and Idaho Storm can help fine-tune the fit.

Both are waterproof jodhpur boots with a Wil-Tex or WilTex® membrane, but the Kentucky Storm uses a gusseted lace-and-zip front with a padded ankle and collar, while the Idaho Storm has a cushioned YKK® front zip, a rounded modern toe and a supersoft calfskin outer with double side spur rests. Both use a removable, cushioned insole, so the choice largely comes down to styling and your preferred fastening.

Yes — most of our jodhpur and long riding boots are hard-wearing enough for mucking out and general yard duties between rides. If you want a single boot that handles riding, yard work and walking the dog, the waterproof Kentucky Storm Boots are designed with exactly that crossover use in mind.