Key Takeaways
- You need a boot with a defined heel of at least one inch for safe riding.
- The heel stops your foot sliding through the stirrup — a genuine safety issue.
- Cowboy boots work, but any heeled work or packer boot does too.
- Break in new boots before your trip to avoid blisters.
Why the heel matters
The single requirement for riding footwear is a distinct heel — at least about an inch. The heel keeps your foot from sliding all the way through the stirrup, which is important because a foot caught in a stirrup during a fall is one of the more dangerous things that can happen on a horse. A smooth or flat sole offers no such stop, which is why sneakers and most hiking boots aren't suitable for riding.
What kind of boot to get
A classic cowboy boot is the traditional choice and works perfectly, but you don't have to buy one. Any sturdy work boot or packer boot with a defined heel and a relatively smooth sole will do the job — avoid aggressively lugged soles, which can hang up in the stirrup. Some ranches keep loaner boots on hand, so ask if you'd rather not buy a pair for one trip.
Buying and breaking them in
If you do buy new boots, the most important step is breaking them in for a few weeks beforehand by wearing them around the house and on walks. New boots worn cold on day one are a recipe for blisters that haunt the whole trip. Bring a second pair of comfortable shoes for around the ranch, and you're set on the footwear front.