Why proepr riding boots and not just ordinary flat boots?

narkymare

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I only ever hack out and school - i cannto see myself wantign ot do competitions.
My old boots have given up the ghost and im looking for some new ones - now dont laugh at me but replica riding boots are right now the height of fashion - theyre in every ordinary shoe shop!!!
And are much cheaper
So im wondering - why do riders need proerly designed riding boots - why not ordinary flat heeled boots?
Do proper riding boots have special features or is it safe and as good to ride in ordinary sensible flat boots not bought from a riding shop ???
 
I think a lot of replicar boots won't be as thick as the real thing, meaning not as hard wearing and not as much protection for trod on toes.
Probably exceptions to that though.
 
I dont think the shop bought ones would last very long as they are made for just normal wear, not the rigours of horseriding. You d be better off spending a few more quid for the real thing made of real leather, i like the toggi boots, reasonably priced, and last for ages :)

AS we are all taught a good heel is essential and some of these fashioned boots would not have a fixed heel, i know cause i have some and i defo wouldnt wear them for hacking :)
 
Why not get a pair of ariat grasmeres or some dubarrys or something similar, so you can ride in them but they still look nice when you wear them off the yard.
 
Why not get a pair of ariat grasmeres or some dubarrys or something similar, so you can ride in them but they still look nice when you wear them off the yard.
Had to google that...BL***Y HELL have you seen the Price £225 for a pair of boots!I'd have to work 11 days+ to pay for them (If I didn't eat,travel or pay anybills in the meantime!)
 
ty for all your replies - yes your right i cant see a £30 pair of boots lasting long at all and im the sort of person who hates new boots, i love them once they are "broken in" and comfy but new - yuck xxx
 
I have a pair of Wrangler boots and they're the most comfortable boots I've ever had. They're about knackered now but I've ridden in them in England, America, Spain, Ireland, Tunisia, Italy and Bosnia for hacking, lessons, trail riding and XC. Been dunked in streams in them and they still kept my feet warm (somehow?!) and they look reasonable too.

I want another pair but no idea where to find them!
 
I have a pair of Wrangler boots and they're the most comfortable boots I've ever had. They're about knackered now but I've ridden in them in England, America, Spain, Ireland, Tunisia, Italy and Bosnia for hacking, lessons, trail riding and XC. Been dunked in streams in them and they still kept my feet warm (somehow?!) and they look reasonable too.

I want another pair but no idea where to find them!

Any good?
http://www.mr-shoes.co.uk/womens/G/ST/C/MnP/MxP/CO/wrangler
 
Now I came at this from the opposite direction...... I ride in long boots, I was looking in the shoe shops for some casual boots looked at them and thought that for a tenner or so more I could have some aria short boots that look the same but would be ten times more comfy and would be useful once no longer in fashion!
 

Thanks a lot for the link but I can't see them anywhere! I think we sourced ours (my Mum has the same sort) from a shoe shop where Mum used to work. Maybe they can help us. They look like usual jodhpur boots but have good grip so are great for trail riding when you might need to walk beside the horse.

I always figured they were made just for fashion but they worked out well for me. :)
 
There' usually metal struts for reinforcement in riding boots. The heel also helps stop your foot going all the way through your stirrup. It clear says on our RS's website that no flat-soled shoes (e.g. trainers) can be worn if you want to ride. Lots of them do look good though! I believe Ms Middleton's been sporting some Spanish Longboots and they're selling well now! lol.
 
As well as the fixed heel, harder wearing etc, good riding boots will also have well built heels with some strength and shock absorbtion. V V important if you were to come off and land on your feet.
OH did this when in those rubber long boots, he shattered his heels - the hospital couldn't believe he had done it without causing any brain or spine injury as it is an injury they usually see from suicide jumpers - alongside much more major injuries to the spinal column and the brain becuase of the massive forces going up through the body in order to cause the heels to shatter. He was off work and riding for months on end and is still weak (years later) in his ankles as a result of the long time in plaster. He only wears ariats now to be absolutly sure of having some protection!! It wasn't even a flashy fall - a racehorse leapt sideways before heading off up the gallops, something he would have sat hundreds of times before, this time it just unseated him, and he came down stood up and landed on his feet. Footwear is another safety choice, like a hat, def worth choosing good riding boots and looking after them - never money wasted!!
 
When I was looking for some long boots for shows (having always ridden in cheap jod boots and chaps at home), my mum looked at the prices and said "can't you just get some fashion boots from ShoeZone for a tenner?" :rolleyes: The main thing I thought would be an issue (apart from the fact that shows are one place where you do need to dress properly!) is that most fashion boots have zips up the inside of the leg, which I imagine would be very uncomfortable for the rider and possibly damage the saddle/hurt the horse too.
 
As well as the fixed heel, harder wearing etc, good riding boots will also have well built heels with some strength and shock absorbtion. V V important if you were to come off and land on your feet.
OH did this when in those rubber long boots, he shattered his heels - the hospital couldn't believe he had done it without causing any brain or spine injury as it is an injury they usually see from suicide jumpers - alongside much more major injuries to the spinal column and the brain becuase of the massive forces going up through the body in order to cause the heels to shatter. He was off work and riding for months on end and is still weak (years later) in his ankles as a result of the long time in plaster. He only wears ariats now to be absolutly sure of having some protection!! It wasn't even a flashy fall - a racehorse leapt sideways before heading off up the gallops, something he would have sat hundreds of times before, this time it just unseated him, and he came down stood up and landed on his feet. Footwear is another safety choice, like a hat, def worth choosing good riding boots and looking after them - never money wasted!!

Omg that sounds horrendous and i honestly never thought of that safety aspect!
ty you have definiteley made my mind up for me - your poor oh
 
I have had my tall Mountain Horse boots for ever and love them. The short ones are good yard boots and ideal for walking the dog too. For the quality, I think they are reasonably priced too
 
Take a look on ebay - they are pretty cheap on there and some are good quality too - I wouldn't want to use a pair of boots for both riding and going down the pub - feel I might offend others with pongy/pooey feet....
 
Take a look on ebay - they are pretty cheap on there and some are good quality too - I wouldn't want to use a pair of boots for both riding and going down the pub - feel I might offend others with pongy/pooey feet....

I am on tight budget and have to go on ebay most of the time and there are plenty of new boots on there that sellers are getting ride of becuase they are 'out of season'. I got a lovely pair of Mark Todd long leather competition boots for £40 last year. It takes a while to get what you want at the price you want to pay but considering ho wmuch wear you get out of a riding boot its well worth it in the end.
 
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