Finding those perfect horseback riding boots for beginners is an exciting time for every new rider.
But I understand how the choice in types of boots is overwhelming if you’re new to horseback riding lessons.
To help you out I put together my favorite 10 equestrian riding boots for beginners; both English and western style.
Take a look now and enjoy your new riding journey with these best horse riding boots for beginners!
Let's start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
CHECK MORE: Comfortable Horse Riding Boots
Horseback Riding Boots Top Picks at a Glance
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ariat Women's Heritage IV Paddock Boot (WINNER)
Shires Moretta Clio Adult's Paddock Boot
TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
Dublin Foundation Laced Paddock Boots
Horze Equestrian Wexford Paddock Boots
Don't have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
10 Best Horseback Riding Boots for Beginners (Review)
Now let's really dig in and take a closer look at those top picks, plus 5 more amazing options.
#1 Ariat Women's Heritage IV Paddock Boot (WINNER)
I’m confident I’ve put together some fantastic boots for horseback riding on my list for you but for me, ARIAT is always one of my favorites.
ARIAT has a long reputation for designing some of the best boots for horse riding and they put a lot of effort into integrating the latest advanced technology. You will notice that ARIAT offers several different styles.
I feel that the ARIAT Heritage IV Paddock boots are one of the best options for beginners. They are easy to put on and come in zipper or lace-up options. These boots incorporate all the best technology that ARIAT has to offer.
Physical Attributes
4LR technology with add plenty of cushion and stability for your foot
Come in black or brown
Moisture wicking lining
Duratread outsole for good grip
Breathable lining
Measurements
Ladies sizes start at 5.5 and go up to 11
Wide foot options
Full-grain premium leather
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Lots of styles to choose from |
On the expensive side |
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Comfortable |
Can be stiff at the start |
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Uses modern footwear technology |
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Good looking and fashionable brand |
How it Compares to Others and Why
ARIAT riding boots are more expensive than other options, but you are paying for quality and more features in the footbed.
If you want to start off straight away in your riding journey with one of the most popular equestrian boots, then these are a top choice!
ARIAT also makes great beginner riding boots for men and children.
Expert Tips
These are leather boots. You need to look after them. Even though they are durable, you won’t get the most life out of them if they are not cared for properly.
I like both the zip-up and lace version of the model, but I always lean towards laced, as I find it gives my ankles and lower leg more support while riding.
Make sure also to check out my article about the best boots for working with horses! It's filled with valuable information that will help keep you safe and comfortable while working with these magnificent animals.
#2 Shires Moretta Clio Adult's Paddock Boot
I love Shires for their efforts in bringing good quality reasonably priced equestrian to the market. Their Moretta Clio Paddock Boot is not different.
These boots have a stylish, classic design that I really like. I am big into riding safety and boots that are not too bulky are important. The Shires Moretta fit the bill perfectly.
Physical Attributes
Black or brown faux leather
Moisture wicking
Shock absorbing insoles
Hidden steel strips to provide extra support to the foot
Quantitative Measurements
Sizes go from 6 to 11
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Great price |
No wide or narrow foot options |
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Easy to put on and take off |
Some people find them uncomfortable to walk in |
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Faux leather makes them easy to clean |
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Safe and snug for new riders |
How it Compares to Others and Why
If someone comes to me that is just starting with riding lessons looking for a recommendation, I can definitely get behind this option.
These simple riding boots are sturdy and won’t break the bank. They are cheaper than any of the ARIATs.
Expert Tips
Consider buying a size bigger, as some people find they run small. Shires also make starter riding boots for children.
#3 TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
If you are about to or are just starting riding, the cheap horse riding boots are perfectly OK! I feel, before spending lots on boots, you need to make sure it is something you want to continue with.
You do not need anything fancy at the beginning. You just need a safe boot that is designed specifically for horse riding. The toe of these boots is rounded and the soles have good grip without being bulky.
Physical Attributes
Come in black and dark brown
Synthetic Leather
Zipper closure
Elastic gussets
Quantitative Measurements
Ladies sizes range from 6 to 11
Wide and narrow options
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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A specific model for starter riders |
Nothing fancy so don’t expect lots of extra features |
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Leather lined |
Not the most durable. You get what you pay for. |
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Breathable |
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Cheap price |
How it Compares to Others and Why
TuffRider makes several products with beginner horse riders in mind. They aim to offer safe riding gear at affordable prices, and these boots are their best seller.
This is the least expensive option on the list, so if you are on a budget, I recommend you put these at the top of your list.
Expert Tips
These boots are water-resistant. To make your paddock boots last longer, always give them a wipe after use. Also, when you are don’t spending time around horses take them off, they will last longer!
#4 TuffRider Children's Starter Front Zip Paddock Boot
If you have children starting riding lessons, I can completely understand you not wanting to spend a lot of money on boots, since they outgrow them so quickly.
That’s why I’m giving the children’s version of the Tuffrider starter boot its own spot on my list. These are safe boots that have a zipper, so it’s easy for kids to put on and take off.
The grippy sole also helps provide grip in the stirrup and off the horse when spending time at the barn.
Physical Attributes
Come in black and dark brown
Synthetic Leather
Punched toe cap
Quantitative Measurements
Come in a huge range of sizes, even toddler
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Zipper closure |
Can run small |
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Not expensive |
Sizes are a bit confusing to figure out |
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All weather |
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Easy to care for |
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Rounded toe for additional safety |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Learning where your foot goes in the stirrup is one of the first lessons you learn as a beginner horse rider.
What I really like about these boots is that they have a distinctive traction line on the sole of the foot, which is right where the foot sits in the stirrup.
Other boots don’t have this, and it can be really useful when helping children understand this concept.
On top of the boot, it also has a strip of punched leather, which children can easily look at to find their correct foot placement.
Expert Tips
If I had to pick a boot for a child starting English horseback riding lessons, I would definitely try these.
#5 Dublin Foundation Laced Paddock Boots
Like ARIAT, Dublin has an excellent reputation as a bookmaker. I love the Dublin Foundation boots for beginners as they offer quality but they are not the most expensive option.
They are a great choice for a rider that wants a little more than a simple, inexpensive boot, but doesn’t want to pay top dollar.
I also love extra comfort, and these boots have a great EVA Footbed that helps create a cushy sole.
Physical Attributes
100% Leather
Lace-up
Rubber soles
Round toe
Available in black or brown
Quantitative Measurements
Come in sizes 6 to 10
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Lace-up which provides more support |
No wide or narrow option |
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EVA Footbed |
Take time to break in |
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Traditional, attractive look |
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Quality materials |
How it Compares to Others and Why
My preference is for lace-up boots, as they provide more support. If you are a beginner rider, your balance and leg strength is still developing. Having that little bit of extra support will definitely help you!
Expert Tips
When you first get these use some leather conditioner to help soften them and speed up the breaking-in process.
#6 Saxon. Children's Syntovia Lace Paddock Boots
Saxon is another brand that is on par with Shires. They offer affordable products with good looks that a great for beginners.
Some children will like how more supportive boots feel. This boot has laces, which will help the child feel more confident with their leg position in the saddle.
These are not expensive boots, but I love that they look fancier than the price indicates. I find this to be a fantastic boot for kids.
Physical Attributes
Come in black or brown
Mesh panels
Eva Footbed
Vegan Leather
Rubber sole
Quantitative Measurements
Sizes range from 10 Little Kids to 5 Big Kids
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Supportive |
Some children might find laces difficult |
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Sturdy soles |
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Comfortable footbed |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Price-wise, these boots compete with TuffRider. Even though they are not expensive they are comfortable horse riding boots. I personally think they are nicer looking than TuffRiders, but everyone will have their own preference.
Expert Tips
These boots run true to size, but if you want your child to get more time out of these boots, consider buying a size bigger and wearing a thicker sock.
#7 Horze Equestrian Wexford Paddock Boots
HORZE is a brand you will come across a lot when looking at equestrian gear. These are their entry-level riding boots for horseback riding.
I love how these pairs of boots have a simple, traditional style with a good size heel, so learners don’t have to worry so much about their foot slipping through the stirrup.
Physical Attributes
Zip boot
Elastic gussets
Faux leather
Durable rubber sole
Quantitative Measurements
Come in black
Sizes start at 6.5 and go up to 10.5
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Good durability for the price |
A little plain looking |
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Great beginner horseback riding boot |
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Comfortable |
How it Compares to Others and Why
These boots are pretty level when comparing them to my other options on this list. They are affordable, simple, and easy to look after. They are much cheaper than ARIAT boots.
Expert Tips
Make sure you always give your boots a chance to air out. It will help prolong their life.
#8 Ariat Women's Heritage Lacer II Western Boot
So far I’ve given you my top horseback riding boots with an English slant. However, I know plenty of you are learning to ride western and want to know which boots are the best.
One thing I love about western riding boots, it that you can have a lot more fun with the style. English riding shoes don’t stray far from the traditional but horse riding cowboy boots allow a lot more self-expression.
ARIAT doesn’t restrict its boot-making to English riding. The Heritage Lacer is one of the more conservative options for western riders, and they don’t look much different than paddock boots.
Physical Attributes
100% Leather
Duratread sole
Moisture wicking liner
Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) Technology
Lace closure
Quantitative Measurements
Come in black or distressed brown
Sizes start at 5.5 and go up to 11
Wide options available
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Sleek and stylish |
Some people find them too narrow. |
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ATS Technology provides modern support and stability |
The newer version isn't as durable as the older version. |
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Durable material |
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Comfortable |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Price-wise, compared to the other options, these boots are more expensive. ARIAT states this boot is good for riding and work, which some of the others are not. The decorative piece of leather over the toe makes them unique among the choices on my list.
Expert Tips
Make sure to clean, condition, and air these boots out regularly, especially if you use them for working around the farm.
# 9 Deer Stags Unisex-Child Western Boot
I think these are super cute boots that a perfect for children just learning how to ride western. They are not terribly expensive and have non-bulky soles which are safer for feet in the stirrups, especially for beginners.
Physical Attributes
Attractive accent stitching
Pointed toe
Cushioned insole
Quantitative Measurements
Come in 3 color choices - dark brown, dark grey, and taupe (tan)
Sizes start at Little Kids 1 and go up to Big Kids 6
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Comfortable |
Can run big |
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3 color choices |
Some kids might not like the pink decorative stitching on the dark brown |
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Lightweight |
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Pull strap |
How it Compares to Others and Why
I choose these boots so beginners riding western had a fun option. This is a great boot for that type of riding, but it would not be suitable for English riding.
Expert Tips
Use the size chart measurement to help you pick the right pair.
#10 Laredo Women's Bridget Western Boot
I love these because they also look great with jeans for everyday wear. However, I think they are excellent horse riding cowboy boots for beginners women.
Physical Attributes
100% real leather
Rubber sole
Two tone stitching
Quantitative Measurements
Come in the color tan
1.75-inch heel
11.5-inch tall from the arch, which comes to about mid - calf
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Safe sole for beginner riders |
Calf sizing runs big |
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Made by a reputable western brand |
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EVA cushioned footbed |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This boot is my first pick for ladies that are learning to ride western. They are not the cheapest option here but unlike some of the others, they can work for riding or casual outings.
Expert Tips
Clean these with a damp cloth and avoid oiling them as it can cause spots and darken the leather.
Things to Consider When Buying Horseback Riding Boots for Beginners
When you’re considering what shoes to wear for horseback riding, beginners need to take certain things into special consideration.
Safety
While safety is important for every rider, beginners need to take extra precautions because they will not have established leg position, strength, and balance.
Always purchase a boot designed for horse riding. It needs to have a closed toe, square heel, and a grippy sole that is not bulky or has deep treads. A well-fitting boot is essential.
Boot Fit
Riding boots need to fit correctly. A beginner will have an unstable leg, which will move around move when riding. Loose or poorly fitting boots will result in rubbing and interfere with your learning ‘feel’.
Related: Different Types of Riding Boots
FAQs
To help you out, I’ve answered a couple of common questions beginner riders have about horseback riding boots.
What does a beginner horse rider need?
A beginner horse rider needs a proper riding boot, whether they are a pair of cowboy boots for western riding or English riding boots such as paddock boots.
Can you wear sneakers for horseback riding?
You should never wear sneakers for horseback riding. They are not safe and put you at high risk of your foot getting stuck in the stirrups. Also, sneakers tend to be bulky shoes, which is another safety concern.
What boots can I use for horse riding?
I recommend beginners always choose paddock boots or suitable cowboy boots if riding western disciplines. Even if you're looking at cheap tall boots for riding, I'd advise against it as they do not give you the most comfort when starting out.
Conclusion
My aim was to provide a choice for everyone, with my top choice being the ARIAT Women's Heritage IV Paddock Boot. You can use this boot for both English or western riding, even though it is not western style.
Among novice riders and those with years of experience, ARIAT is always a popular choice for everyday riding.
If ARIAT is out of your budget, I feel the choice for riders is on this list, regardless if you are recreational riders, English riders, or you are looking for boots for lessons.
If you have any questions about finding the right boot for starting riding let me know! Happy riding!
What are your favorite horseback riding boots for beginners? Please share with us below!
