Riding Boots for Strong Calves and “Balloon Calves”

When buying a new pair of riding boots for riders with strong calves – meaning a calf circumference of 42–43 cm or more – there are several important things to consider.

Many riders try to solve the problem by simply buying a larger shoe size.
For example, buying size 39 or 40 when their normal shoe size is 38.

In practice this rarely works well. While the shaft may become slightly wider, the boot will no longer fit properly around the foot.

The result is usually a riding boot that does not fit well anywhere.

Be careful with elastic panels

Avoid riding boots where the zipper is stitched directly onto the elastic panel.

With strong calves a lot of tension is placed on the zipper. Even a small shift in the zipper teeth can cause the zipper to fail.

Many shoe repair specialists know this problem very well because it is a common repair.

Back zipper or front zipper?

For riders with strong calves a rear zipper is often not the best solution.

From experience, around 80% of broken zippers occur in riding boots with a zipper at the back.

This happens because the zipper must first pass the ankle and then the start of the calf, which creates the greatest tension.

With a zipper at the inner front of the boot, the shaft naturally falls around the leg and much less pressure is placed on the zipper.

Never buy riding boots too tight

A common mistake is buying boots that fit perfectly when new.

In practice those boots are often already too tight.

Legs can change during the day or during the season:

• legs may expand in summer

• measurements may differ in the morning and evening

• after riding the leg may swell slightly

Allowing a little extra space often prevents problems.

A quality leather riding boot is an investment

A true custom-made leather riding boot often costs €600 or more.

Although this may seem expensive, it is often cheaper in the long term than boots costing €300–€400 that need frequent repairs or replacement.

High-quality leather adapts to the shape of the leg and lasts much longer.

The “balloon calf” problem

With strong calves another problem often occurs: the so-called balloon calf.

This happens when the boot forms a bulge at the back because the calf mass is not positioned directly behind the leg.

In reality the calf muscle is usually positioned more toward the outside of the leg.

Standard boots cannot always accommodate this shape.

High-quality custom boots are therefore formed on a wooden leg and dried, allowing the leather to take the correct shape.

In practice you often see riders wearing boots with a visible bulge at the back.

Differences between left and right leg

Many riders have different measurements on their left and right leg.

This should never be ignored.

The larger leg will always require slightly more space.
The idea that the boot will completely adapt to the leg is only partially true.

Personal advice

At Van Huet Riding Boots we have worked with riding boots and custom boot fitting for more than 60 years.

For riders with strong or balloon calves, proper fitting is especially important.

The right choice of model, leather and zipper position can prevent many problems.

You are welcome to visit our showroom in Bunnik for personal advice.