When you are picking out your daily outfit, the first thing that might come to mind is what shoes will look best? This idea also applies to English riders. Your tall boots are one of the key items in your show attire. While taking into consideration the overall aesthetics and appearance of the boot, the fit of the boot has a huge impact on the look you want to achieve in the show ring. The boot should be high and fit your leg like a glove, especially around the ankle.
In the equitation and over fences classes, the fit is critical in showing off your lower leg. English attire is very restrictive and has a classic look. The typical tall boot is black, but if you’re feeling adventurous and have the right color horse some can pull off, a brown color boot.
Many different boot manufactures now often have custom options such as, patent leather tops, crocodile top caps, or even a hint of bling. There is also the option of a field or dress boot. A field boot has laces and dress boots do not (pictured right). When deciding between the two, it is solely up to the customer.
According to AQHA Professional Horseman and equitation and over fences trainer, Jenny Welhouse, “An ill-fitting boot ruins the picture. The quality of the boot is less important than the fit. There are many options in boots today, so it is not hard to find one to fit you. If you have a unique leg, and have to go full custom, there are also many options. The traditional field boot exemplifies equitation. The classic field boot is always the safe choice.”
Often you will see the following brand of boots in the show pen:
The Tucci Time Galileo Field boot is made from high quality Italian calfskin with an elastic and zipper in the back of the boot. The calfskin has an excellent comfort and reduces break in time. The Galileo field boot comes with elastic laces in the front to complete the elegant look. The elastic insertion on top of the zipper cover allows comfort in a prone point of discomfort. The Galileo boot comes in black and range in sizes 35-46. Retail price $985. 
The Tucci Time Harley boot is a very fashion forward boot that provides exceptional comfort. Made out of fine Italian calfskin this gives the boot more flexibility and durability. This boot does not have laces, but the ridging in the front gives off the look of having laces. Elastic inserts in the rear zipper makes for easy slip on, as well as elastic insertion on top of the zipper cover allows comfort in a prone point of discomfort. The Harley boot comes in 3 color options and range in sizes 35-46 to achieve the look you want. Retail price $985
Justin Ladies Windshire Collection Field Boots–With more than 100 years of leather bootmaking experience, Justin Boots presents this elegant Ladies Field Boot at a very reasonable priced. Some of our favorite features include: full grain leather; stirrup-friendly outsole design for easy entry and feel; tri-density removable and washable comfort orthotic; patented 3M™ Gripping Material aids in correct leg position; dual-density rubber outsole; long-wearing strike areas with EVA for weight relief, and variety of height and calf widths, for a custom-like fit. Price: $254.95
The Ariat Monaco Field Zip boot is made out of French calf leather that creates an elegant look. The field boot is constructed with a full length back zipper and an elastic leather panel for a custom feel. An oiled leather reinforcement panel on the inner calf offers extra grip. A Spanish top cut and square toe finishes off the look to give the rider an elegant profile. The Monaco boot comes in black and ranges in sizes 6-11 to achieve the look you want. Retail price: $679
The Tredstep Donatello boot offers fit and comfort for a professional look. It comes in a slim contoured fit with a rear stretch panel for perfect fit. The innovative design supports ultimate comfort flexion in the ankle and reduces break in time. European style topline, side spur rests, and rolled toe cap completes the boot. The Donatello boot comes in black and ranges in multiple calf sizes and foot size of 36-45. Retail price: $299.99
The La Mundial New Field boot is designed for minimal break in time and durability, but also offers a variety of innovative design features to customize your boots. The key benefits of the La Mundial boots are the external elastic laces, allows flexibility in the ankle, and extra leather patch in inner boot for durability. They also include a high quality zipper. La Mundial provides a full year warrantee to guarantee quality and to make any repairs or changes. The La Mundial come in any color and range in multiple sizes to achieve the look you want. Retail price: $690
The Parlanti Miami boot is made from ultra-soft calf skin leather with stitched leather sole. The back zip is equipped with an elasticated back panel to ensure comfort and fit. The rounded toe and elasticated laces complete the elegant fitted look. The Miami boot comes in 2 color options and ranges in calf sizes and foot size of 34-44. Retail price: $1,000
All of these boot styles can be purchased on the SmartPak website by clicking here.
