Best Horse Paddock Boots (Buyer’s Guide)

The best horse paddock boots are an essential part of your riding tack. As you muck out stables, walk all over the yard, do schooling, or train, you want your paddock boots to be comfortable. Plus, they should also have safety features. 

These days, paddock boots are quite stylish too. You can quite literally go from the barn and taking care of your horses to work or have a fun night out with friends. 

With this detailed buyer’s guide and 8 of the best paddock boots, you’ll know exactly what’s right for you. Plus, we have boots for ladies, men, and kids.

Best Paddock Boots (Our Review)

Ariat Women’s Paddock Boot (Best Overall)  

The Ariat Women’s Paddock Boot is our best overall paddock boot. Ariat is a well-known and trusted brand in the equestrian world, and that’s one reason why we decided on this boot. 

Plus, we’ve tested it and found it to be durable since it’s made from full-grain premium leather. There is also a moisture-wicking lining that’s breathable, so horse riders can comfortably wear these boots during the summer months. 

The high-quality leather boots feature a 2-inch sole and 4LR technology. This tech provides cushioning and optimum stability for your foot, so you can comfortably wear these all day long while you work around the barn or go horse riding. 

The Duratread outsole is flexible and provides traction while you ride. It is also resistant to barnyard oils and acids. For added comfort, there’s a padded collar at the topline, as well as an elastic twin gore fit system. This helps with shock absorption as the built-in heel cushion is engineered for ease of heel strike and gait.   

Pros 

• Available in 3 color options
• Comes in many sizes: 5.5-11 U.S. with wide options too
• Durable and comfortable; don’t need breaking in 
• Lace-ups for better ankle support and foot stability 
• Sole provides superior traction 

Cons 

• Some horse riders wish these came in a narrow fit, but it’s an easy fix: wear thicker socks
• An expensive boot, but worth the price   

TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots (Best Budget)  

The TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots is our best budget option since they won’t break the bank. Plus, they are ideal for beginner riders. 

These comfortable boots have a soft and breathable lining, and they are made of 100% synthetic leather. They feature a zip closure on the side and elastic gussets for greater flexibility. This ensures you can easily take off the boot and put it on when it’s time to ride or work with your horses. 

The PVC outsole is durable and water-resistant, so it’s suitable for rain and shine. The rounded toe provides maximum safety. The spur rest ensures that if you wear spurs, they fit comfortably. 

Riders say these boots are comfortable to wear when walking over any terrain and to ride in. The elastic gussets are a good option if you have thicker ankles.  

Pros 

• Available in two colors: black and mocha
• Comes in many sizes: 6-11 U.S. with wide options too 
• Easy to clean: wipe with a damp cloth 
• Ideal for new riders who don’t want to spend a lot 
• Durable and ideal for all kinds of weather   

Cons 

• May be challenging to keep your heels down while riding 
• Elastic gussets stretch out after lots of wear  

Ariat Barnyard Side Zip Work Boot (Best for Barnyard Work)  

The Ariat Barnyard Side Zip Work Boot is a great boot. It’s made from 100% full-grain leather and has a rubber outsole. Whether you are walking in the snow, mud, muck, or puddles, your feet won’t get wet. 

To make it easy to take on and off, these real leather boots have a front-side zip. Featuring ATS technology to prevent foot fatigue, the boots provide support and cushioning. They ensure good posture while you are working in the barn. The protective round toe cap helps prevent injury.  

These paddock boots really are ideal for barn work, but they are not suitable for long rides. They are a bit bulky in the stirrup. So if you need to quickly get on and off, you may have some issues maneuvering your boot out of the stirrup. When ordering a size, be sure to measure your foot and use Ariat’s size chart.    

Pros 

• Available in 2 colors: dark brown and brown 
• Comes in many sizes: 5.5-11 U.S.
• Durable 
• Comfortable 
• Can fit corrective inserts inside 

Cons 

• Not available in a wide or narrow fit 
• Some reviewers say the zip doesn’t last long after a lot of wear
• Not 100% waterproof   

OEQ Ladies Winter Paddock Boot (Best for Winter)  

The OEQ Ladies Winter Paddock Boots are the best for winter paddock boots since they have a heat-insulating fur lining to keep your feet warm and toasty during the cold months. You don’t even need to worry about snow seeping in as the boots are weatherproof and water-resistant. 

The vintage-looking paddock boots have a Flex Comfort anti-slip outsole. It provides traction and grip in wet and cold weather conditions. The boots are also reinforced with steel shanks to provide you with extra support. 

The elastic stretch panels on the side of the boot make for a comfortable fit, while the YKK zipper ensures you can easily and quickly pull on the boots and take them off. However, wear these with long socks so the top of the boots doesn’t irritate your calf.      

Pros 

• Comes in sizes 6-10 U.S.
• Warm and water-resistant 
• Durable and comfortable 
• Vintage-look fashion boots 
• Enough space inside so you can wear thick winter socks   

Cons 

• Only available in black
• No arch support   

One Stop Equine Shop Women’s Bella Paddock Boots (Best Pull-Ons)  

The One Stop Equine Shop Women’s Bella Paddock Boots are made from real leather grain on the outside. There’s a nylon and faux-leather lining on the inside for durability. 

The YKK zippers on these boots are on the front, and there are elastic panels, so you easily slip into and out of these soft leather boots. The round toe ensures your toes stay comfortable after a long day of barnyard work and riding. 

The outsoles are non-slip, and the steel shank that’s built into the sole provides extra support.   

The sizes are on the bigger side, but with thick socks and a memory foam insole, the boots are comfortable and will fit. Many riders praise the additional ankle support these comfortable boots provide, especially when they ride. Plus, riders say they can tilt their foot and give their horse a gentle kick with these ankle boots.    

Pros 

• Available in black and brown 
• Comes in a variety of sizes: 6-11 U.S. 
• Non-slip 
• Durable 
• Easy on and off  

Cons 

• Not waterproof, but you can waterproof the boots with mink oil or a leather waterproofing product
• Sizes are ¼ to ½ inch longer and wider, so keep this in mind when you order  

Ariat Scout Paddock Boot (Best Front Laces)  

The Ariat Scout Paddock Boot Women’s Leather Riding Boots are a good pair of paddock boots on the market. They are made from full-grain leather, so they are durable. For mobility, there is an elastic twin gore panel at the collar of these boots. 

With a front lace-up design, you can ensure your ankle has the support it needs. The flexion notch and speed laces ensure you can quickly lace up and get working around the barn or go out for a ride. The top lace lock provides a secure fit, and worrying about laces coming undone is no more.

The top collar is padded, ensuring a comfortable fit. The lining is moisture-wicking, so you can wear these boots during those hot summer days too. 

The boots also have a plain toe cap and use 4LR technology. This tech ensures your feet are supported and cushioned with the four-layer footbed. The lightweight steel shank adds further stability and support. For maximum flexibility and wear resistance, the boots have a Duratread rubber sole and an English spur rest.   

Pros 

• Comes in many sizes: 5.5-11 U.S.  
• Durable 
• Great for hot weather conditions 
• Classy lace-up design 
• Comfortable 

Cons 

• Only available in black 
• Not ideal for wide feet  

TuffRider Children’s Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots (Best for Kids)  

If your little ones want to join the fun of barnyard work and ride, then opt for the TuffRider Children’s Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots. This comfortable boot is made from synthetic material or synthetic leather. It features leather lining to make the boot look stylish. Young riders opt for these boots since they can be used in all weather conditions. 

The rounded toe adds safety, and the punched toe cap gives the boot that classic show ring look. The detailed stitching provides extra durability. The elastic gussets and smooth zip ensure your child can easily take these boots on and off. 

The lining inside is soft and breathable, so young riders can comfortably wear these boots on hot days. The spur rests help your child’s spurs stay in place.    

Pros 

• Available in mocha and black 
• Comes in many sizes: 4-13 U.S., as well as toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes
• Suitable for any weather 
• Durable 
• Affordable for growing kids  

Cons 

• The boot sizing is small and tight all around 
• Needs to be broken in, which may lead to blisters forming  

Ariat Men’s Heritage IV Lace Paddock Boots (Best for Men)  

The Ariat® Men’s Heritage IV Lace Paddock Boots are made to be comfortable. Made from full-grain leather, the boots have a breathable and moisture-wicking lining. This provides climate control. 

The padded collar at the top of the boot adds cushioning, making the boot comfortable to wear. To easily put this good paddock boot on, they have elastic twin gore panels.

The shock-absorbing insoles, stabilizing lateral motion control device, and 4LR footbed provides comfort and prevents foot fatigue. 

The Duratread outsole gives the rider optimum grip and traction while riding. The heel and landing area are engineered to allow for easy heel strike and natural gait.  

Pros 

• Comes in many sizes: 7-10.5 U.S.
• Ideal for flat-footed riders 
• Lace-up design provides a customizable fit   
• Don’t need much breaking in 
• Looks good around the barnyard as well as the office  

Cons 

• Only available in black 
• Pricey, but worth the durability and comfort  

Best Horse Paddock Boots Buyer’s Guide 

Paddock Boots vs Tall Riding Boots 

These days, when horse owners speak of paddock boots, they can also be referring to short boots or jodhpur boots. Technically, jodhpur boots and paddock boots aren’t the same. 

Paddock Boots and Jodhpur Boots

Paddock boots are the equivalent of working boots. You use them to muck out stables, groom your horse, and for any other walking or work needed around the barn, stables, paddocks, etc. A key aspect here is that a paddock boot should be waterproof and durable. 

Jodhpur boots, or short riding boots, are typically worn with jodhpurs. They are worn when casual riding or showing your horses during eventing (with gaiters). Thus, they are more stylish and polished. 

A key aspect of a jodhpur boot is that the heel should be about one inch high to keep the rider’s foot from slipping out of the stirrup. The sole of these boots should be smooth or lightly textured to ensure your foot doesn’t get caught in the stirrup should you fall. Rubber soles provide traction while in the saddle. 

For the purposes of this article, and since many equestrians use the terms interchangeably, we’ll also use paddock boots and short riding boots to mean the same thing. 

Since these boots are short, reaching a few inches above your ankles, stirrup leathers from an English saddle can chafe your legs while you go horseback riding. As such, riders prefer to wear short or half chaps when they train and gaiters when showing or eventing. 

Tall Riding Boots

In comparison, tall boots (like knee-high boots) aren’t comfortable to wear around the barn, so you’d keep these for English riding disciplines like hunter jumping or dressage. Western riders wear paddock boots around the barn, but for eventing, they wear decorative boots or industrial-safety boots with a steel-capped toe.         

Purpose of Boot and Riding Style

Your riding discipline will dictate what kind of boots you need. For some lower-level English riding disciplines, you can wear short riding boots with gaiters. If you go casual riding or work around the barn, then short ankle boots are ideal.

For higher-level eventing, you may be required to wear tall boots while horse riding and showing. 

Size, Fit, and Comfort 

The correct size of horse riding boots ensures a comfortable fit. A boot that’s too big will make your feet feel like they are swimming in the boots, while too-small boots will suffocate your feet.

If your boots have elastic inserts, your riding boot will offer a secure grip that’s flexible too.  

Paddock boots these days also offer arch support and shock-absorbing properties that prevent fatigue. 

Material 

Paddock boots are generally made from genuine leather, synthetic leather, or other synthetic materials. Genuine leather requires more care, but it is a more durable boot option.

Ensure the toe region of the foot is reinforced. This offers more protection for your feet.  

If there’s cold weather or during winter, opt for boots that have a fleece or warm material lining to keep your feet warm. Choose water-resistant boots if it rains a lot. During summer or hotter climates, go for a riding boot that features moisture-wicking properties.   

Style 

With regard to style, you can choose between pull-on, lace-up, zip-up (front, side, or rear zipper), or combination boots. If you need more ankle support or have wider calves, then lace-up boots are ideal. With lace-ups, you can adjust how much ankle support you need. 

Zip-ups are easy and quick to put on and take off. Some short boots feature lace-ups, but this may be purely decorative since these boots have a zip on the side or back.

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