I Just Want Riding Boots That Fit

A riding boot can look beautiful, be made from the finest leather and be technically superb. But ultimately, one thing matters above all: the boot has to fit properly.

After more than 65 years of working with riding boots, I know that shoe size, calf circumference and shaft height do not tell the whole story. The shape of the leg, ankle, instep and foot all play an important role. Shaft height, zipper position and the construction of the particular model can also determine whether a riding boot truly fits.

On this page I have brought together my most important articles about fit, professional measuring, made-to-measure riding boots, different leg shapes and solving problems with riding boots.

Why Are So Many Nearly New Riding Boots Being Sold Second-Hand?

Facebook, equestrian sales groups and online marketplaces contain a surprising number of expensive riding boots that have hardly been worn. Sometimes they are even made-to-measure boots that have only been used a few times.

Why would someone spend hundreds of euros on a beautiful pair of riding boots, only to sell them again shortly afterwards?

I contacted several people who were offering such boots for sale. Some of their experiences were remarkable, and similar patterns appeared repeatedly: problems with measuring and fit, insufficient support when a problem arose, and alterations or repairs that had not always been carried out correctly.

→ Read: Why Are So Many Nearly New Riding Boots Being Sold Second-Hand?

Petrie Riding Boots: Ready-to-Wear or Made-to-Measure?

Made-to-measure is not automatically better, nor is it necessary for every rider. With the correct combination of shoe size, shaft height and calf width, a ready-to-wear riding boot can provide an excellent fit.

However, when the proportions of the foot and leg fall outside the available standard sizes, made-to-measure can be the right solution.

→ Read: Petrie Riding Boots – Ready-to-Wear or Made-to-Measure?

Petrie Dressage Boots: Fit, Bow and Zipper Position

A dressage boot places different demands on support, shaft height and overall lines than an all-round riding boot.

The position of the zipper and the shape of the bow also affect both appearance and fit.

→ Read: Petrie Dressage Boots – Fit, Bow and Zipper Position Explained

Riding Boots for Extra-Large and Balloon-Shaped Calves

A particularly large calf requires more than simply choosing a larger calf measurement.

The shape of the calf, the transition towards the ankle and the position of the widest part of the leg are at least as important in achieving the correct fit.

→ Read: Riding Boots for Extra-Large and Balloon-Shaped Calves

Riding Boots for Very Slim Legs

A particularly slim leg can also make finding a genuinely well-fitting riding boot difficult. Simply choosing a smaller calf width is not always enough.

The ankle, shaft height and proportions between the foot and lower leg all help determine which model is suitable.

→ Read: Riding Boots for Very Slim Legs

Riding Boots with a Front or Back Zipper – Which Is Better?

Zipper position is not merely a matter of personal preference.

A back zipper or a zipper positioned at the front/inside of the boot affects its construction, support, fit and even the possibilities for future alterations.

→ Read: Riding Boots with a Front or Back Zipper – Which Is Better?

Measuring Riding Boots: Measuring Is Not the Same as Reading a Rider's Leg

A measuring tape gives us centimetres. But those centimetres alone do not tell us which riding boot will actually fit the rider.

Professional fitting also requires looking at the shape of the leg, ankle, position of the calf, foot and the proportions between them.

→ Read: Measuring Riding Boots or Reading a Rider's Leg

Why So Many Riding Boots Never Really Fit Properly

A riding boot can be technically perfectly made and still not fit correctly.

The wrong size, insufficient consideration of the shape of the leg or simply choosing the wrong model can result in an expensive pair of riding boots that is ultimately hardly ever worn.

→ Read: Why So Many Riding Boots Never Really Fit Properly

Riding Boots for Different Leg and Foot Shapes

No two legs are exactly alike.

Slim ankles, wide feet, high insteps, differently shaped calves or differences between the left and right leg can all influence the choice of the correct riding boot.

→ Read: Riding Boots for Different Leg and Foot Shapes

“Doe mij maar rijlaarzen” – The Complete E-book

Would you like to explore riding boots, fitting, different models, made-to-measure options and the choices involved in buying a good pair of riding boots in much greater detail?

In my e-book “Doe mij maar rijlaarzen”, I have brought together my knowledge and practical experience in one comprehensive guide.

→ Download the “Doe mij maar rijlaarzen” e-book

More Than 65 Years of Experience with Riding Boots

These articles are not based solely on size charts or product catalogues. They are based on more than 65 years of practical experience in measuring, fitting, assessing, altering and repairing riding boots.

My principle has always remained the same:

A good riding boot does not start with the brand, the price or the model. A good riding boot starts with the right fit.

Peter van Huet
Van Huet Riding Boots – Bunnik, The Netherlands