If you don’t know your steel shanks from your spur rests, our footwear jargon buster is a must read. With so many different boots on the market, there is no shortage of brilliant features that brands promote… but do you know what they mean?
And if you’re not sure, how can you pick which one is best for you and your needs? Here we talk you through some of the most common terminology you’ll hear about when it comes to footwear, whether you’re looking for riding boots or yard boots.
Acid resistant – stables and urine can destroy boots in a very short space of time, and that’s why some manufacturers incorporate acid resistant finishes onto the leather, rubber or synthetic outer, to help provide a little extra protection.
Ergonomic – ergonomic soles, for example, have been designed to help make boots more comfortable for the wearer by taking into consideration and designing around the anatomy of the foot.
Field boots – a style of long leather riding boot that incorporates a lace design at the front. The laces are usually made from elastic and aren’t adjustable as such, but give additional movement around the foot due to the elasticated elements.
Heel Risers – wedge shaped inserts that slide into long boots and sit just under the heels, to give a little extra height up to the knee. This can be useful for long boots that are a little long and need to be worn in.
Height – some long boots are available in different heights to provide people buying ‘off the shelf’ vs, bespoke boots with a fit that really is second to none. These measurements might be inches, cm or listed as short, medium, and tall, depending on the brand.
Jodhpur boots – these short, ankle height boots have elasticated sides and pull tabs to make them easy to put on. They can be worn on their own (you’ll sometimes see this in showing with jodhpur clips and jodhpurs over the top), or with chaps/gaiters to create the look of a long leather riding boot. Chunkier versions can also double as yard boots.
Mucker boots – yard boots that combine rubber bottom sections with fabric and sometimes quilted top sections, often fastened with hook and loop straps. Easy to throw on and perfect for mucking out and jobs off the horse.
Paddock boots – short riding boots that have lace or zip detail at the front, in addition to elasticated sides and pull tabs. They can be worn alone or with gaiters or chaps.
Shock absorbing – some boots incorporate shock absorbent layers into the design- whether this is through the insole or midsole. This can help to support the joints and prevent a concussive effect on the wearer if they’re on their feet for many hours a day.
Spur rest – a small ridge on the back of each boot to help keep a spur in the optimum position if used. Some spur rests sit at the back, and others sit on the inside and outside of the boot.
Steel toe/toe cap – steel toe caps are sometimes added to footwear, particularly those that are used on the yard and when around horses on the ground to help prevent painful injuries if the horse stands on your toe. There is a standard for steel toe caps (which means they conform to certain requirements), so it’s worth looking into this before you buy a boot with steel toes.
Steel shank – part of the sole that is made from steel to provide extra stability and help to support the foot.
Stirrup friendly – soles that have been designed to ride in, with the relevant design features to help ensure safety in the stirrups. It should be noted that stirrup friendly soles are very important when riding, but it’s also vital that the boot isn’t too big or small for the stirrup as this will increase the risk of injury.
Soles – obviously the bottom of the boot, but it’s worth noting the difference in them. Some are very smooth without grip (you might see this on boots designed for the show ring), more rugged versions with a smooth sole (for riding and time on the yard) or ridged, robust soles (for yard work). Make sure you pick a sole that’s suited to the job- smooth soles with a heel are much better for riding.
Stretch panels – seen on some long boots, stretch panels provide a more flexible fit around the rider’s calves.
Tread/tread pattern – the design of the outer sole of the boot.
Some brands have very specific tread patterns to help improve comfort or stability.
These are the Saxon Allyn Zip Paddock boots which feature a hard wearing rubber outsole that is anti-skid.
Vulcanised rubber – some boots with rubber elements (such as wellies, mucker boots and yard boots), may use vulcanised rubber in the design. This is still rubber – so will have the benefits associated with this- but has been treated to help make it more durable and supple.
Waterproof membrane – a layer of fabric that sits under the outer material to ensure that any moisture that moves through the boot to this point doesn’t get through to the rider’s leg or foot, to help them stay dry and comfortable.
Wicking – some boots have linings or insoles that wick moisture away from the feet to help keep the foot dry and comfortable.
Width fittings – with long boots, it’s not just the foot size that matters, and that’s why many manufacturers offer a range of calf widths to cater for all shapes and sizes of rider. You might see width fittings displayed in inches, cm, or as slim, medium, wide, etc. depending on the manufacturer.
Shop with RB Equestrian
We have a large range of boots online for all your equestrian needs, but you can also come into our Milton Keynes store and try on all the boots you’d like, to find your perfect pair!
Explore our online collection of footwear for women, men and children today.
