We know that footwear is essential when doing any sport and horse riding is no exception. Choosing and caring for riding boots is important and we must keep in mind some issues to do it correctly.
From 5V Valverde, a company with extensive experience in the world of footwear and specifically in horse riding boots, we aim to make this task easier for you with this post, as well as bringing you a little closer to the way we make them.
What type of materials are best suited for boots?
To make our riding models we usually use calfskin, generally boxcalf grain, as it is both rigid and soft and pleasant to the touch. Rigidity is one of the essential characteristics for making a boot, but this type of leather offers extra comfort.
We also make the linings with leather, generally also calfskin, but with tanning that offers less thickness and greater flexibility.
What type of sole is recommended for horse riding?
Leather is the best option for any shoe sole, since if the sole and insole are made of leather, the foot will breathe completely. However, nowadays, finding these characteristics is quite difficult, since it increases the cost of the product considerably.
But in the case of riding boots we must also keep in mind that they must have a rubber sole. The first reason is for safety, since this rubber will prevent the stirrup from slipping and the second is to protect the boot, since it will prevent the leather from absorbing moisture from the stables.
Tips for taking care of our boots
If you follow these 6 tips, your boots will be in good condition for several years:
1. After assembly, clean with a damp cloth and remove all dirt.
2. Once dry, apply a coat of shoe polish and when the leather has absorbed the cream, polish with a soft cotton cloth.
3. You should use a shoe tree to prevent deformations.
4. We should not get them wet, nor expose them to heat sources such as hair dryers, heaters or fireplaces, but we should not store them damp either.
5. You should store them in a cool, dry and ventilated place.
6. To avoid damaging your boots due to friction when riding, you must be very careful with the condition of the saddle pads and skirts, as friction can damage them.
How to choose the perfect boots?
The first step in choosing the right boots is to consider the discipline for which the rider will use them.
– In the case of the Dressage The boot must be rigid and requires progressive use to avoid discomfort.
– If our discipline were The Jump, the shaft should be more flexible, soft and smooth, even having laces on the instep that facilitate the rider's mobility when jumping.
– On the other hand, if we are looking for a boot to use at any time, general A combination of stiffness and flexibility that is comfortable for us is recommended.
How to try on boots?
We must look for comfort, as with any footwear, but without losing sight of the fact that these are not swimming shoes, and that we really need to be comfortable when riding them, so we need to feel them fitted to our legs without being too tight.
It is recommended that the boot be two centimetres higher than what we need, it should fit the calf and have room in the ankle for movement, with use and a gusset will form in the ankle that will facilitate movement and make the shaft go down those extra centimetres.
In 5V Valverde We are ready to help and guide you in choosing your boot. Together we will ensure that your footwear adapts to your tastes, style and needs.
