No woman’s closet is complete without a pair of riding boots. They’re a classic piece of footwear that can instantly elevate your look and give it an equestrian twist. You don’t have to be a horse rider to appreciate the aesthetic of riding boots.
Elevate your style with leather riding boots for an equestrian chic look (Credit: WENN)
This style fundamentally differs from other shoes like Chelsea boots or over-the-knee boots. Riding boots put some women off because they’re unsure how to style them.
Our guide tells you everything you need to know about riding boots and how to incorporate them into your daily wardrobe.
Tracing the Timeless Journey of Riding Boots: A Historical Overview
Riding boots first became popular during the 1600s when they became a standard part of military uniforms. They protected the legs while riding to prevent them from rubbing against the saddle and were made using leather.
Their height was determined to stop the saddle from irritating the rider’s leg. This early style of riding boots had a short block heel to keep the rider’s foot inside the stirrup.
Stride in style with a trio of equestrian elegance in classic riding boots
You might think riding boots look similar to Wellington boots. You would be right to make the connection. The Duke of Wellington took inspiration from the riding boot to create the Wellington boot, which was first made in rubber in 1852.
Riding boots have changed little since they first appeared in the 1600s. Most styles are still made using leather, and the original shape remains. Your riding boots today will be more comfortable, incorporating the latest footwear innovation.
Riding boots tend to have a low heel, although you will find styles that offer a higher heel. While leather is still the most common material, you can often find vegan leather alternatives and vinyl options.
The quintessential riding boots: crafted from leather with subtle, low heels (Credit: WENN)
These shoes have transcended from an equestrian shoe to the ultimate fashion staple while staying true to their heritage. Almost every brand will offer at least one style of riding boots in their permanent collection.
These boots are a go-to shoe for when the temperature drops and you want to bundle up against the cold. Riding boots will forever be associated with their equestrian heritage and have become synonymous with classic English style.
Distinguishing Riding Boots from Regular Boots: Key Differences Unveiled
The first thing distinguishing riding boots from regular boots in your closet is their height. You likely wear a short boot, most likely at an ankle height.
Riding boots reach just below your knee, giving you mobility while covering your calves. Depending on your height, a pair of riding boots should reach a few centimeters below your knee. You can also find shorter options that sit just above your mid-calf.
Riding boots (right) cover the calves and come up below the knees
The sole of a riding boot is different than your regular boots. These shoes are designed with a textured sole to make walking easier. You’ll rarely see a pair of riding boots with a heel higher than 2 or 3 inches, whereas other boot styles can incorporate a stiletto heel.
Regular boots (left) can incorporate stiletto heels, while riding boots (right) can only have less than two inches of stacked or blocked heels
While most boots are pull-on shoes, riding boots tend to incorporate a full-side zipper. This feature makes it easier to wear the boots over jeans or, traditionally, with fitted leggings for horse riding.
Mastering the Art of Wearing Riding Boots: Occasions and Outfits
Riding boots are casual shoes that look more elevated than sneakers and give you a polished look without wearing heels. You can think of them as a way to bring comfort to your outfit without compromising style.
The easiest way to style riding boots is with your favorite jeans. Channel your inner equestrian with a blouse and a leather belt.
Athina Onassis de Miranda defines equestrian elegance: the iconic polo, pants, belt, and riding boots ensemble (Credit: WENN)
Riding boots are essential for anyone who wants to encapsulate the New England preppy style synonymous with American brands, such as Ralph Lauren. You can wear this winter-appropriate outfit with a knitted sweater over your blouse.
Fashion icons Claudia Schiffer and Gwen Stefani pair riding boots with cozy knit sweaters (Credit: WENN)
You can wear riding boots to work if your office culture allows for jeans. Adding a fitted blazer or a silk blouse can give your outfit a more professional feel.
Corporate chic meets equestrian grace: standout outfits with riding boots
Leather riding boots are more appropriate for the office than vinyl alternatives, and it’s best to choose a pair with a patent finish.
Style stars Irina Shayk, Kourtney Kardashian, and Amy Adams showcase riding boots with blazers for office elegance (Credit: WENN)
You can pair your jeans and riding boots with a color-block tunic top for an off-the-clock look. Anything you wear with jeans is almost certain to work with riding boots.
Don’t get trapped with the idea that you can only wear riding boots with jeans. It’ll largely depend on the finish of your shoes and your style.
If you have a pair of classic riding boots in a leather finish, you can wear them with tights and a fit-and-flare dress. This outfit is a great go-to for transitional months when you want to wear a dress but don’t want your legs to get cold.
For the colder months, take it from Kris Jenner, Pippa Middleton, and Blake Lively, and wear your riding boots with tights and winter coats (Credit: WENN)
Sweater dresses perfectly combine with riding boots, and the looks can become a winter staple for your wardrobe.
Sweater dresses look great with riding boots, as shown by Ashley Roberts and Taylor Momsen (Credit: WENN)
Choosing Between Riding Boots and Their Shorter Counterparts: When to Switch
While riding boots are versatile, there are a few occasions where a shorter boot is more appropriate. In most cases, you change out a pair of riding boots for a shorter style, like combat boots.
However, there will be times when boots won’t be appropriate for where you are going.
Wearing denim shorts with riding boots will make your legs appear shorter and can make you look stouter. Swap out the shoes for Chelsea boots or a shorter style to elongate your legs and show off your fresh tan.
Unless you live in a climate where it’s freezing all year round, you’ll want to retire your riding boots during the summer. The style isn’t practical once the temperatures start rising, and you can quickly become uncomfortable, particularly with leather riding boots.
Swap them out for a shorter pair of ankle boots if you can’t do without wearing boots. Riding boots are not shoes for more formal occasions. If you’re heading to a bar or an up-market restaurant, you’ll want to wear boots with a heel.
Riding boots look too casual for a family event or a friend’s birthday celebration. A good rule of thumb is that riding boots are shoes you would wear instead of sneakers or ballet flats. If neither of these would be appropriate, your riding boots wouldn’t be either.
Riding Boots: A Timeless Trend or a Fashion Faux Pas?
If you want to get the most out of your riding boots, try choosing a pair in a versatile color. Black is classic, while brown is the perfect neutral. Consider your wardrobe and what style will be easiest to incorporate.
Anyone who loves vintage fashion will want to own a pair of riding boots. They’re a classic staple that will never go out of style. Shoe trends might ebb and flow, but you’ll never look out of date in riding boots.
Riding boots are timeless shoes with a unique heritage. They instantly remind me of their equestrian origin, and they can elevate even jeans and a T-shirt outfit.
Riding boots are a staple in classic English fashion, whether your style icon is Princess Diana or Kate Moss. As fashion trends look to the past for inspiration, riding boots will become a must-have shoe.
These shoes make a worthwhile investment into your wardrobe and are a style you’ll reach for from autumn to spring.