Boots

W

Walnuts

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 August 2018
Messages
103
Visit site
As a new rider I have only worn short boots and chaps, but would me wearing long boots help or hinder my leg position please.
 
Walnuts said:
As a new rider I have only worn short boots and chaps, but would me wearing long boots help or hinder my leg position please.
Click to expand...

I don't think it changes anything.

I started out in 2012 with a pair of high rubber boots (€12 from Decathlon), then got a pair of crappy Portuguese made ankle boots (€40, again from Decathlon, that disintegrated after about a year of wear, and of course I no longer had the receipt) and a pair of chaps (yet again from D, but at half price reduced from €80).

I still use those chaps, but with a pair of Clark's Broyd ankle boots; occasionally I wear Soubirac Vienne high boots, and I often still wear the rubber boots...

I haven't found that what I wear helps or hinders.
 
I have found well fitting long boots help me. Rode for years in chaps or cheap one size fits all long boots. My gorgeous ariat boots I've treated myself to help, but probably not enough to justify the expense if money is tight.
 
My questions was not a brand / quality question. It was ......do long boots which I have never worn help leg position or make it harder
 
I think that I ride better if my ankle is well supported. This seems to be best in jodhpur boots that fit closely and come up a couple if inches above the joint.
 
Walnuts said:
My questions was not a brand / quality question. It was ......do long boots which I have never worn help leg position or make it harder
Click to expand...

And I think you'll find that those posters were simply giving you examples of what worked / didn't work for them.

It's called a conversation........
 
Let me start again as I would not like to be perceived as rude as that was never my intention. I am new to riding and two people have said don't go for long boots as it is easier as a beginner in short boots and chaps, so is this nonsencense?
 
I think to an extent it does depend on the boots, really well made leather boots that fit closely will possibly be restrictive at a stage when you are finding your position, the more soft ones will allow more movement and be more like chaps to wear so no real benefit one way or another, the worst are the long rubber boots that are restrictive and don't let you feel anything, I would stick with a good pair of short boots and chaps until you are established and then if you are serious get a pair of long boots.
 
Walnuts said:
Let me start again as I would not like to be perceived as rude as that was never my intention. I am new to riding and two people have said don't go for long boots as it is easier as a beginner in short boots and chaps, so is this nonsencense?
Click to expand...
honestly I think it is a very personal choice.

I find that short boots and chaps let me feel the horse a great deal, which is a positive in some ways. They tend to give more flexibility at the ankle than long boots. However, I have very mobile ankles so this isn't actually a benefit to me, I prefer long boots that fit well as that gives me greater stability in my lower leg and I ride better in long boots as a result.. If you are able to find some that fit, I'd ask to borrow some from someone else before committing to buying anything, to see if you like the feeling.
 
When I started out many yeas ago now, I bought long rubber boots as they were cheap and practical but tbh I would never ever wear them now as I found them very restrictive and preferred short boots and chaps. However, chaps vary hugely too and I found some quite uncomfortable. I now wear breeches with long leather boot and go for very well fitting ones on the calf, even though they need breaking in. It's all a question of personal preference really and how much you can afford to spend.
 
I ride in both. My long boots are great, but can be a bit stiff and restrictive. Short boots are also good, but the chaps can wrinkle and move, which distracts me. Leg/heel position shouldn't be affected by footwear though, that comes through practice...
 
I always rode in short boots and chaps having never had the money for long boots. When I finally got a pair of long leather boots last year I noticed the difference straight away. They support my ankle far more than short boots and help keep my leg in a much better position :)
 
From a beginners point of view it’s probably best to go for short boots and chaps. Cheap long boots (rubber ones)have no support thru the ankle which is useful to teach you to not drop your toes... if you have money to burn you could invest in a decent pair of long boots that do the job best of all but they start at around £200 which is a big investment in something you may not enjoy.
 
Walnuts said:
My questions was not a brand / quality question. It was ......do long boots which I have never worn help leg position or make it harder
Click to expand...

Unfortunately brand/quality comes into it.

Some long boots will, some long boots wont. Quality, well fitted, long boots are more likely to make a difference than cheap generic ones.

Equally certain short boots and chaps will make a positive difference. Theres no simple answer.
 
Rosiejazzandpia said:
I always rode in short boots and chaps having never had the money for long boots. When I finally got a pair of long leather boots last year I noticed the difference straight away. They support my ankle far more than short boots and help keep my leg in a much better position :)
Click to expand...

That's exactly what my freinds told me too.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top