Summer Collection

Not the weight of it — the lining. A wool-lined boot is warm because the wool traps air, and it will do that in July as readily as in January. That is why no wool-lined models are in this collection.

What you want instead is a lining that moves moisture away from the foot. Full leather does this well, which is why the Idaho, Windsor, Graceland and Georgia are the ones we point summer riders at. The Pinto goes further and uses a breathable composite instead of leather altogether — it is the coolest riding boot we make.

A waterproof membrane always costs a little breathability. Worth it in winter; in a hot summer it is a trade-off, which is why the Quebec is the only waterproof model we recommend here — it is membrane-lined but not insulated.

The Quebec now comes both ways, and the difference is entirely about getting the boot on.

The pull-on versions (Brown, Black) use an elasticated ankle and rear pull tab. Cleaner lines, nothing to fail, true to size.

The zip-up versions have a premium OPTI zip and were designed specifically for three groups: people with a high instep, people with limited ankle mobility, and people with a wider foot. If you have ever had to sit down and wrestle with a boot, this is the one. Note that the zip-ups run slightly large, so take the smaller size if you are between.

Both are equally waterproof — the zip does not compromise it.

Several models in this collection do not run true to size:

• Size up: Roxy — a full size up from your usual Bareback
• Runs small: Pinto; Pasadena slightly
• Size down if between: Barco deck shoes — they fit generously, especially sock-free
• Runs slightly large: the Quebec zip-up ankle and mid calf
• True to size: Idaho, Windsor, Bramham, Buffalo, Bronx, Toddy, Graceland, Georgia and the pull-on Quebec

Five of the styles here are suede or nubuck — the Roxy range, Pasadena, the suede Barco and the Toddy. Suede marks permanently when it gets wet untreated, and a summer shower will do it.

Spray them with a suede protector twice before the first wear, then every few weeks. Never use dubbin, wax or cream polish on suede — it flattens the nap and darkens the colour for good.

Brush the nap back up with a suede brush once dry.

The Pinto, which uses a breathable composite upper rather than leather and was designed for warm weather. After that, the Windsor — it has an air release valve in the heel and a breathable calfskin lining.

Avoid anything with a waterproof membrane if heat is your main concern; a membrane always slows moisture escaping.

Only the Quebec, in all six versions — they have a STORMPROOF WIL-TEX® lining that is waterproof and breathable. Everything else here is leather, suede or composite with a breathable lining, which will handle a shower but is not built for standing water.

For the full waterproof range, see Waterproof Boots.

Yes — they were designed for it. The interior is breathable and the cushioned leather insole is gentle against bare skin. Because of that, they fit generously; if you plan to wear them sock-free and you are between sizes, take the smaller one.

Foot shape decides it. The Idaho is our roomiest jodhpur boot and comes in standard and wide — take it if you have a wider foot. The Windsor is cut slightly slimmer and has the air release valve in the heel, so it is the better choice for a narrower foot and marginally the more ventilated of the two.

Both are leather lined and both are true to size.

Yes — the Toddy in Blue and Raspberry and the Bronx in Brown are made in children's sizes, and both are pull-on styles a child can manage without help. See the full range in Children's Boots.