Long Riding Boots
A smart pair of leather boots makes the perfect finishing touch to your competition wardrobe. Our testers put a selection through their paces
The products

Alberto Fasciani 33202
Glossy calfskin with a stretch elastic panel, square toe and ornamental logo.Β
Available in 132set height and width combinations
βIf you want a touch of pizazz in your wardrobe, these are the boots for you. Sizing runs slim and quite tall, and I spent time breaking them in properly so theyβd stay snug once softened. This was worth it, though β theyβve remained fitted around the ankle, but are still flexible. The grippy stretch panel aids fit and is useful in the rain. They started out gorgeous but, with appropriate care, their appearance is actually improving over time. Theyβre definitely an investment, but one that doesnβt scrimp on quality or style.β

De Niro Salentino Lucido
Calfskin leather with a patent top, subtle elastic panel and grey stitching.Β
Available 35 set height and width combinations
βI love these boots. TheyβreΒ extremely comfortable and quickly moulded to my feet. They fitted well from the start and only needed a couple of wears to break in. Combined with the soft leather, this meant they never rubbed or made me sore, even if I wore them all day. The details and fastenings are still in perfect condition, although the leather has creased slightly at the ankle. I think theyβre super-smart and striking β I often received compliments when out and about. I wouldnβt hesitate to purchase them again.β

Mountain Horse Sovereign High Rider
Soft, premium leather with a shock-absorbing insole and hidden elastic panel.Β
Available in a range of widths narrow β wide, and a range of heights short β tall.
βThese boots are so comfy and fitted my long legs perfectly. Theyβre true to size but, due to their figure-hugging fit, took three rides to break in. I wore them on the yard before and after riding, even in winter, but theyβve withstood this well and come up as good as new after cleaning. Theyβve maintained their shape, helped by the fact that they come with boot trees and a bag. For the price tag, you canβt beat them β theyβre brilliant and Iβd invest in another pair in the future.β

Ariat Heritage Contour II Field Zip
Full-grain leather with an elasticated panel and moisture-wicking sock lining.
Available in a range of widths extra slim β wide, and a range of heights short β tall.
βThese boots are sleek and stylish. They fitted well and were comfortable from the get-go, although I needed a narrower width than the size chart suggested. The fit around my leg has stayed snug and the ankles havenβt significantly dropped. I could wear them happily all day on the yard and in the saddle, and was even able to drive in them. Iβd have preferred them to be a bit more water-resistant, but I wouldnβt hesitate to buy them again in the future β not that I think theyβll need replacing any time soon, as they still clean up as good as new!βΒ

Brogini Sanremo Field
Soft-grained leather, with a stitched toecap, elasticated panel and patent croc-effect details.Β
Available in a range of widths 000 β 4, and a range of heights short β tall.
βThese boots were comfortable to walk and ride in, and I felt I had a close contact with my horse. They didnβt require a breaking in period, as the leather is so soft, and maintained their shape really well with boot trees. The zip at the back seems quite sturdy, and the poppers and laces are still in good condition. The height and foot size of the boots are perfect, but the calf width came up a little bigger then expected. Theyβre lovely boots and everyone has commented how smart they look.β

Tredstep Donatello SQ Field
Made from full-grain nappa leather, with a leather lining, high-impact footbed, stretch panel and anti-fatigue sole.Β
Available in a range of widths extra slim β full, and heights regular or tall
βMy favourite thing about these boots is how comfortable yet elegant they are, setting them apart from most others Iβve worn. The cushioned footbed makes them almost as comfy as trainers to wear all day, while the supple leather gives them a slim, smart fit. They required no breaking in, but did drop after a few weeks, leaving them with more bulk around the ankles. I like the zip covers, which keep the zip clean. Overall I think they strike a great balance between comfort, style and value.β

Felix BΓΌhler Milano Field
Square-toed boots made from Italian cowhide, with a pigskin lining, elastic insert and shock-absorbing footbed.
Available in a range of widths extra slim β wide, and regular or high heights.
βThese boots were comfortable from day one β in fact, theyβve ruined me for anything else! I wore them for riding and general yard duties without any problems. They only needed a quick wipe-over to look great, even after being covered in mud. Iβm usually between short and regular length, but as these boots were so soft I could take the regular length, meaning they were perfect after they dropped slightly. For the price, I think theyβre great and would recommend them without hesitation.β

Mark Todd Competition Field
Soft, quality leather with a discreet elastic panel, zip guard and slimline sole.Β
Available in a range of widths slim β wide, and short or standard heights.
βThese boots were comfortable for riding and I could walk in them straight away without any rubbing. I like that theyβre lightweight, and they donβt interfere with my leg contact or feel bulky in the stirrup. The elastic panel makes them easy to put on and ensures they move with you as your leg bends. Through regular wear and cleaning, the leather has become lovely and soft and, while there are a few wrinkles at the ankle, it hasnβt stretched or sagged. They still look super-smart, especially after a polish.β

Dublin Galtymore Tall Field
Full-grain leather with an elasticated panel and wicking sock liner.Β
Available in regular or wide widths and short or regular heights.
βI usually struggle to find long boots in my size, but these fit really well. The supple leather meant I could put them on and ride without the need to break them in. Theyβre comfy to ride in and helped to encourage a better ankle position, but I could still walk around the yard and at shows. They polished up really well, looking like new in no time. Theyβve wrinkled slightly down the leg, but this hasnβt affected their use and they still look smart. Iβm really pleased with these boots and wouldnβt hesitate to buy another pair.β

Caldene Casoria
Featuring a suede inner calf, full-length zip and decorative elasticated laces.Β
βI was able to ride in the boots straight away because theyβre so supple, and the suede helped to keep my lower leg still, too. Unfortunately, they rubbed where the upper meets the foot section, and it was a few weeks before I was truly comfortable walking in them. The soft leather fits snugly around your leg, but the lack of a leather lining means they need boot trees to keep their shape. The leather polishes up well, while a suede brush tidies up the calves. For the price, theyβre a budget boot that looks the part.βΒ

Just Togs Buckingham
Soft, grained leather with decorative laces, a zip guard and stitched toecaps.Β
Available in a range of widths, medium narrow β wide
βThese boots were very comfortable for riding or wearing around the yard, although they took a week or two of regular wear to break in due to their close fit. They looked smart and stylish, and I found they were easy to keep clean. Although the poppers on the zip guards could occasionally come undone, this didnβt get in the way or affect how well I could use my leg while riding. Overall, I think theyβre practical, entry-level leather boots that perform well, and I feel the price is very reasonable.β

Horseware Ireland Long Leather Riding
Made from quality, soft leather, with a dress lace front, durable sole, elasticated panel and zip guard.Β
Available in regular or wide widths
βThe boots coped well with wet, muddy yard duties and, as theyβre comfortable and very lightweight, I was able to walk freely in them all day. However, they took a few wears to break in. They helped keep my leg secure, but without the stiffness you can get with some brands. The zip is sturdy and theyβve kept their shape well. A quick wipe-over was enough to get them looking their best, even if theyβd been wet and dirty all day. Theyβre tough boots with no marks on them after a hard test.βΒ

Shires Moretta Gianna
Mock lace details, anti-fatigue soles, shock-absorbing insoles and a wicking lining.
Available in a range of widths from slim β wide
βI liked the style of these boots and the soft leather didnβt restrict my calf like some others have done. They were a great fit, but took a week to break in around the ankles, as they could rub a bit. Once Iβd worn them a couple of times, though, they were really comfy. As well as schooling, they looked the part at competitions and held up to walking around the showground all day. They were easy to keep clean, with robust fastenings and tough soles. For the price, theyβre smart, versatile boots.β

Fouganza LB 560
Supple leather, with a wide elastic band at the calf, full-length zip, spur guards and a stitched sole.Β
Available in 2 set height and width combinations
βThe boots were comfortable from the minute I put them on. They were great for riding and walking around the yard β youβd hardly know you had riding boots on. Theyβve maintained their shape and were easy to clean with regular boot polish. The zip ran smoothly, and they were easy to put on and take off. Itβs worth trying them on before purchasing, as there are limited height and width options, and I found the ankle quite generous. Overall theyβre a comfortable boot for a very reasonable price.β