Beginner’s guide to tall boots: Styles, sizing, and top brands

Tall boots are an important piece of your riding wardrobe and they’re also uniquely equestrian. As such, they come with a few fitting difficulties that you won’t experience from everyday shoes. Not to fear! We’re here to break down all the details to help you get a super comfortable fit every time. 

Types of tall boots

There are three main types of tall boots: field boots, dress boots, and dressage boots. On the surface, they may look similar, but each style is developed to provide a close fit that helps with the specific movements required in each discipline. 

Most tall boots for English riding are made of black or brown leather or synthetic leather-like materials. The silhouette of the boot is long and elegant with a Spanish topline. The Spanish topline is an upward curve at the top of the boot, which will hit at different heights on the knee. Many brands also choose to place their logo or plaque along the topline.

Field boots: Worn by hunter/ jumper riders, these boots are made of soft leather that will crease at the ankles with wear. You can tell field boots by the front lacing system. The lacing and the crease work together to help the rider get the correct “heels down” position. Field boots are typically sold in black, but custom color options are available.

Dress boots: Worn for more formal hunter/ jumper classes and are starting to become popular for some dressage riders. Soft leather but with a more formal look than field boots. The boots have a flat front piece instead of laces. Typically sold in black.

Dressage boots: Made of stiffer material than field or dress boots and will not drop or crease as much around the ankle. They are not contoured to the rider’s leg like dress or field boots because in dressage, it’s more important to maintain a flat foot and a long leg that comes in close contact with the horse’s sides. Instead of laces, these boots typically have a full-length zipper. 

The Spanish topline will be high in these boots. Dressage boot options are still primarily worn in black, but can be ordered in brown or navy.

How should your top boots fit?

One thing you need to know about tall boots is that your boots will drop as you wear them. When you first try on your boots, they will be higher on your knee than they will when you wear them regularly. This is important to keep in mind since a boot that looks like it is the right height may be too short after you wear it. 

Keep in mind that your tall boots may still be a little uncomfortable for the first couple of rides. The only way to get a comfortable fit is by wearing them, so don’t whip out a new pair on competition day. If you still don’t like the feeling of tall boots or want to preserve them for show wear only, check out our blog on half-chaps, which provide the feeling, support, and grip of tall boots but they are made of more flexible materials. 

Initially, your boots should be difficult to tug on (and off). If your boots have zippers, you should be able to zip them all the way up and snap the closure while standing. The boot should be snug on your calf without cutting off your circulation.

Again, the boots will be at their highest when you try them on. The front of the boot should rise to the middle of your kneecap. If you can’t see the knee at all, the boots are too tall. They’ll bend a bit at the knee. 

Many riding boots are designed to have a custom-feeling fit straight out of the box. Here’s the key to getting the perfect fit for you every time:

• Measure at the largest part of the calf in centimeters to get a more accurate fit
• You’ll need to try on the boots with a little bend in the knee and leg straight down 
• Your calves may be two different sizes, so measure the circumference of the bigger one and add two  centimeters
• Each measurement in centimeters corresponds to a specific shoe size. For instance, 40 cm around the leg corresponds to about a size 9 in US shoe sizes. 
• Put boots on with assistance (remember they are designed to be snug)
• Pull elastic together as you zip up
• When you finish zipping the boots, the top closure will be slightly open because they’ll stretch out
• When you look at the side profile, the top of the boots will fall in the middle of kneecap but if the fall any lower, they will be too short once they drop. They will drop about 2 cm.
• The back of the boot should fit on the high back of knee

You can also check out our YouTube channel to see how the experts fit boots!

Ready for your new boots? Here are some of our top brand fit and styles

EGO7 Size Chart

EGO7 boots are crafted for a custom fit. Compare the measurements to this size chart and find your next pair.

Top Ego7 tall boot styles

The EGO7 Orion Field Boots are known for the custom look, feel and fit right out of the box! These boots have a quality construction of full grain leather with elastic laces detail and extra-soft front. Thes boots are known for their ultimate shock absorption thanks to the double insole. The hand-sewn rubber outsole, featuring a prominent profile, ensures stability and secure grip to the stirrup. It also has certified YKK zips.

The EGO7 Contact Boots are a pioneering no-closure, easy-fit, slip-on boot. It adheres perfectly, supports the leg, and offers ideal contact and breathability. The flexible compression fabric creates a custom fit that stays put on any leg. We love the innovation of these boots!

Ariat Size Chart

Ariat makes a wide range of boots. Tall boot size charts reflect this specific boot sizing. We’ll break down the sizing for each type of riding boot below.

Top Ariat Tall Boot Styles

Ariat Women’s Kinsley Dress Tall Riding Boot

Handcrafted from rich, full-grain leather inside and out, the Kingsley Dress Boot is a luxurious experience for any rider. They protect the back of the knee and feature rider-tested traction zones to add extra grip where we need it most. Finished with an elegant cuff line, this boot is perfect for stepping out into the show world. 

Ariat Women’s Ravello Tall Boot

The Ravello tall boot is the ultimate rider’s dream boot. It’s a favorite for professional riders like Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen for good reason. With a contoured fit and higher cut topline in Italian calf leather, these boots are made to shine. Time-honored Italian craftsmanship combine with elegant design, luxurious leathers, and an impressively tailored fit. They also boast Duratread soles, a full length YKK zipper, and an elastic panel for easy wear. 

Ariat Women’s V-Sport Tall Boot

The Ariat V-Sport boot is a favorite for the easy care smooth grain leather. This leather is light weight and perfect for riding in warm weather climates! A cushioned, stable sole and premium leather ensures an easy, moldable fit that lends you comfort every step of the way.

Tucci Tall Boots

Tucci tall boots are known for the excellent Italian craftsmanship. Every part is assembled in Italy by skilled artisans working at Franco Tucci. 

Tucci Sofia Tall Boots are made with soft premium Italian leather that fits like a glove and feels custom-made just for you. A favorite for hunters and jumpers alike! This beautiful boot features feminine lines, a hand-stitched front, and an elastic panel along the zipper. These boots are sure to feel luxurious each time you wear them for years to come. 

Tredstep Tall Boots

Tredstep is known for creating high-quality, innovative boots where state-of the-art design, unmatched rider comfort, and a customized, crafted fit all come together to create a beautiful finished product. 

The Tredstep Medici II Dress Boot features unique curve patterns envelope and enhance the shape of the rider’s leg for the ultimate in close contact. They’re made with calf skin outer leather and soft inner leather lining. 

Vogel Tall Boots

Vogel is crafted in New York City by skilled shoemakers. The Italian craftsmanship ensures superior quality and meticulous craftsmanship.

The Vogel Brooklyn Tall Boot features a memory foam footbed for all-day comfort and a high-quality ribbed sole for durability. The elastic texture and signature back zipper provide a secure fit, while stainless snap buttons and v-shaped spur rests add a touch of style. 

We hope this guide has helped you build confidence as you step into your next pair of tall boots. In addition to how-to videos on our YouTube channel, our experts are here to help! We’re also passionate about boots. We have information on the best dressage, hunter/ jumper, and eventing boot choices for you as well as the blogs linked below.