Riding Boot Help - Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right riding boots involves more than choosing your usual shoe size and calf height. The fit is also affected by the shape of your calf, the circumference below the knee, your ankle and the shape of your foot. Sizing and measuring methods can also vary between brands.

We are always happy to help you find the right style, size and options, whether you visit us for a professional fitting or take your measurements at home.

Fitting & Measuring at Hogsta

If you would like us to measure and fit your riding boots, we recommend booking an appointment before visiting the store. This ensures that a member of staff experienced in riding boot fitting is available and has plenty of time to help you with sizing, fit, measurements and any custom options.

To book a fitting, contact us at info@hogstaridsport.com or call 08-759 05 07.

Ordering Riding Boots Remotely

You can also order riding boots without visiting our store. The Size Guide for each boot includes the relevant size chart and measuring guide to help you find the right size.

Before placing your order with the supplier, we will review the details and contact you to double-check your measurements, size and chosen options.

Which Measurements Matter?

Shoe size, boot height and the circumference around the widest part of the calf are the measurements most commonly shown in standard size charts. However, several other measurements can be important when determining how a riding boot will actually fit.

Below the knee

The circumference just below the knee is important because the boot shaft becomes narrower towards the top. On a standard riding boot, the circumference below the knee is usually around 1.5–2 cm smaller than at the widest part of the calf.

If you have slim or relatively straight lower legs, there may be very little difference between these two measurements. In this case, a standard boot can be too narrow at the top even when the calf measurement itself is correct.

With a more defined calf, the opposite can happen and the boot may be slightly roomier above the widest part of the calf. The top of the shaft cannot always be made considerably narrower, as the outer curve of the boot still needs to sit correctly against the leg.

Ankle and lower leg

For boots with a particularly close fit around the ankle, measurements further down the leg are also important. These affect both the overall fit and how easily you can get your foot in and out of the boot.

Many jumping boots have a rear zip, as this provides a larger opening when putting the boot on. This is particularly important for styles that fit closely around the ankle.

Instep

A high instep can also affect which riding boot styles will fit well. For this reason, we consider more than just the calf and height measurements when fitting riding boots.

Boot Height - How Different Brands Measure

One important point to remember when comparing riding boots is that not all manufacturers measure boot height in the same way. Always refer to the size chart for the specific style you are interested in.

Cavallo

Cavallo measures boot height from the centre of the kneecap down to the floor along the outside of the heel. This measurement is usually around 2 cm longer than a measurement taken from the crease at the back of the knee to the floor. Cavallo dressage boots have an 8 cm outer curve above the height of the knee crease.

De Niro

De Niro measures boot height from the crease at the back of the knee to the floor. The outer curve is 8 cm on dressage boots and 6 cm on jumping boots.

Need Help?

Riding boots can fit very differently even when the measurements look similar on paper. If you are unsure which style or size to choose, or how to interpret your measurements, we are happy to help before you place your order.

For advice or to book a fitting, contact us at info@hogstaridsport.com or call 08-759 05 07.

Care advice for riding boots/riding shoes!

In order for you to enjoy your boots or shoes for many years to come, here are some care tips that are good to follow:

• Always use shoe polish, in a suitable color for your riding boots and shoes. If the color of your boots is not available as a shoe polish, use an uncolored neutral.
• For everyday cleaning, wipe the boots/shoes with a damp cloth. Dirt such as soil and mud can be removed with lukewarm water, do not use hard brushes or similar. Wipe dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using glycerin soap or leather conditioner when cleaning and polishing, they soften the leather more than you want with riding boots.
• Heavily soiled boots can be cleaned once in a while with a mild saddle soap on the inside of the shaft, where the horse's dust, hair and sweat otherwise contribute to faster destruction. Wipe off the saddle soap residue with a damp cloth when you're done.
• At the transition between sole and boot, you can advantageously use a soft toothbrush or boot brush to gently remove mud and gravel.
• Use shoe cream after cleaning when the boots have dried properly. Shoe cream both regreases and impregnates in a good way. Don't forget the transition between sole and shoe. If you have dark boots and a light horse, feel free to use uncolored shoe polish on the inside of the boot, so you avoid it getting colored from the shoe polish when it sweats.

Polish your riding boots so they shine

1)      Clean the riding boots properly before polishing them.

2)      Spread a thin layer of shoe polish evenly over the boot or shoe with an applier or cloth.

3)      To get a nice result, then brush in the shoe polish carefully with a soft brush or cloth with quick movements.

4)      The riding boot will be shiniest if you finish the polish with a nylon sock that you rub at high speed so that the friction creates heat.

5)      Shoe shine sponges can absolutely be used on leather riding boots for added shine. Never use fur polish or hairspray on the leather (was popular a few years ago to bring up the shine) it wears and destroys the leather in the long run.

Common advice

• Riding boots are used in a very aggressive environment where mud, moisture, horse sweat, dust and stable manure are part of everyday life. All these components wear hard on the leather, which is a natural product.
• When using the riding boots, they are guaranteed to get damp from the inside as well and therefore need to dry properly before storage. It is best done at room temperature. Do not use a shoe/boot dryer with hot air. Do not close the boots in a boot bag or similar before they are dry.
• Insert shoe blocks or boot stretchers to ensure the boots retain their original shape. Important that the boots are dry inside if the stretcher is tight, otherwise the fine calfskin on the inside will be ruined. Cedar wood boot stretchers are a bit more expensive but have the ability to absorb moisture and make the inside of the boot shaft a better environment.
• When cleaning suede boots/shoes, they too must first be completely dry. Brush off dirt and dust regularly with a soft brush. On stains, you can use a special suede brush. Move the brush in gentle, circular motions over the stain. Do not rub back and forth as this can cause unsightly tears in the suede. Use a suede sponge if you want to clean in depth. Impregnate the suede with a good quality spray and do not spray too close to the boot.
• Riding boots in Brushed leather are cleaned with a damp cloth and DeNiros Polish can be used here, the inside is in calfskin so they are cared for like normal riding boots.
• Lacquered riding boots are wiped off with a damp cloth and here too, the inside is made of calfskin, which is also cared for like normal riding boots.
• Store your riding boots/shoes in a dry environment as moisture damages.
• It is important that you pull the zipper, completely straight, all the way down when putting it on and taking it off. If the boots are a bit tight, just pull the zipper where it goes without any problems, walk for a while, then pull them all the way when the leg has narrowed a bit due to the increased blood circulation.
• Clean the zipper regularly from gravel and mud with a soft brush. Feel free to use zipper spray for lubrication.
• For boots with grips, do not use any care products directly on the grip as the grip will disappear. Use only a damp cloth and wipe clean.

Most of our shoe and boot brands have their own care products, which can usually be used on other brands' products, but in the first place choose the product recommended by the supplier.

Remember do not use the boots when you are in the stables, fetching the horse from the paddock or doing other things, as it wears down a fine and exclusive product unnecessarily. Wear them for riding, and you will extend the life of them even more.

Good luck with your new boots, if you take good care of them you will be able to use them much longer than otherwise.