How to Measure and
Fit English Tall Boots

We understand how intimidating it can be the first time you consider tall boots, or when your trainer tells you it's time for a pair. Not only can tall boots be a significant investment, but trying to figure out what type is right for you and finding your size can be a daunting task.

Tall boots can make or break your performance in the show arena, and the right pair should enhance both your lower leg stability and your balance in the saddle. A longer-looking leg also creates an elegant presentation, no matter your chosen discipline. Tall boots are typically worn by adults and teens; however, children in the United States can compete in paddock boots with garter straps until 12 years of age (in certain disciplines).

Below, we'll show you the difference between the types of tall boots as well as a step-by-step guide on how to measure yourself—or your little equestrian!

Types of Tall Boots

Field Tall Boots

Field boots are typically made of soft, supple leather with laces at the instep, allowing deeper ankle flexion when the rider uses a shorter stirrup or jumping position. The jumping disciplines favor an elegant and elongated leg position, both stylistically and due to the balance that a longer leg position provides in the air over a fence. Field boots should fit in a way that showcases an elongated appearance while avoiding a visual shortening of the leg. Higher Spanish cut tops can help accentuate the look of a longer leg. The boot should be form-fitting without sagging. A saggy, wrinkly boot will not be favored by the judges; plus, your boots could risk getting caught on your saddle if they drop too low after break-in. Some distinguishing factors for field boots are: laces placed over the instep, a back zipper, and brogue in the toe-cap area (decorative punched holes on some field boot styles).

Worn in these disciplines: Hunter Jumper, Equitation, Show Jumping, Eventing

Added height for drop: 1-2 in / 2.5-5 cm

Dress Tall Boots

Dress boots are quite similar to field boots. They are made of the same soft, supple leather that should provide a more snug, fitted look, with as much height as possible while still being functional for the rider. Dress boots feature back zippers like field boots, but they do not have instep laces. The lack of laces offers a clean look that is particularly popular in eventing. The absence of laces also makes dress boots suitable for both dressage and jumping phases, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of boots. Dress boot styles tend to have a higher Spanish arched top cut along the knee to offer the look of an elegant, elongated leg. Dress boots provide versatility; they have the flexibility for a shorter jump stirrup, and they give the sleek, formal appearance necessary for the dressage arena.

Worn in these disciplines: Show Jumping, Eventing, Dressage

Added height for drop: 1-2 in / 2.5-5 cm

Dressage Tall Boots

Although dressage boots can be considered a dress boot, they have been given their own category due to their more rigid structure. These are the most traditional, formal type of tall boots for the dressage arena, and they are not seen in the other disciplines. Dressage boots are designed for a longer stirrup position and maximum lower-leg stability. They are often referred to as "stovepipe" boots, due to their reinforced exterior that creates a very straight appearance and stiff-to-the-touch feel. The zipper is placed on the inside panel near the front to allow for a sewn-in reinforcement along the back, which prevents the boots from wrinkling after break-in. Only the ankle area softens and drops. Dressage boots do not feature laces either, and they tend to have a more European-squared toe box. We do not address this to intimidate, as dressage boots do provide a comfortable, natural feel after break-in (even with their firmer construction).

New dressage riders typically do not wear dressage boots, because they require a bit of an adjustment if the rider is used to dress boots. They are designed for a rider with trained leg control; plus, dressage boots can actually provide some stability in the lower leg for upper-level skills. We recommend that riders break in their dressage boots for a solid 30 days prior to competition, so they can adjust to the unique feel in the saddle. The styling on dressage boots can vary from simple black, to colors, and even crystal studding.

Worn in these disciplines: Dressage

Added height for drop: .75-1 in / 1.9-2.5 cm

RW pro-tip: Break-in requires at least 30 days of riding to adjust to the feel in the saddle.

What you need:

You will need a cloth measuring tape, your favorite breeches and socks, and a barn mate! We suggest measuring in centimeters, as it leads to the highest accuracy. If your selected boot depicts the sizes by inches, we recommend measuring in centimeters and then converting to the closest measurement in inches.

Measuring Steps:

Step 1: Dress in your competition or everyday riding breeches and socks, prior to taking measurements. Measuring on a bare leg can lead to a boot that is too tight. However, there is no need to wear your thickest pair of winter breeches (which could lead to a saggy boot); your tall boots will fit comfortably with thicker breeches after breaking them in.

Step 2: Sit in a chair (or on a tack trunk, mounting block, etc.) that puts your legs at a 90-degree angle, with your feet flat on the ground.

Step 3: For the calf measurement, keep your legs relaxed and have your buddy measure the circumference of the widest point of your calf muscle. We recommend moving the tape around a bit and taking a few different measurements to find the biggest point.

Step 4: For the height measurement, make sure your legs are still at a 90-degree angle. Also, ensure your knees are not leaning in or out; you want them straight up and down. Have your buddy measure the back of your leg from the bottom of your heel where it meets the floor, then up to the back bend of your knee. Do not be afraid of measuring fully up into the curve of your knee bend, as the boots will drop over time.

After finding your height measurement, you will want to add the additional height amounts depicted below to factor in for the drop on your selected boot style:

• Field or back-zip dress boots: 1-2 in / 2.5-5 cm
• Stiff or front-zip dress boots: .75-1 in / 1.9-2.5 cm

Step 5: If you tend to bounce between shoe sizes or are purchasing boots in European sizing for the first time, you can measure your foot length as well. Making sure your foot is flat on the floor, place the tape at the very back of your heel and measure to your longest toe. If measuring for European sizes, your measurements in centimeters will be your EU size.

Provided below is a helpful how-to video on measuring and sizing tall boots:

The most common fit issue is a calf that's too large. It can be a challenge when trying on boots to imagine that a boot with such a tight leg is going to be comfortable, but they do change significantly after break-in. The photo below is an example of what happens when you go with a boot that's too large. Both are the Ariat V Sport tall boots in the same foot size and height, and are fully broken in. The boot on the left is a calf size Regular while the boot on the right is a calf size Slim. The Slim calf boot is the proper fit for this rider, though the Regular was more comfortable and wasn't visibly big on the leg out of the box. As you can see, after break-in, the bigger boot has wrinkled and dropped to such a degree that the rider's hand can fit well into the boot. In the proper size, only the rider's fingertips can fit at the very top.

Closing Thoughts:

Regardless of discipline, having a properly fitted tall boot is essential for your comfort and accurate leg communication with your horse. We hope this article has helped you figure out what tall boot type and size you need. If you are currently on the hunt for your next pair of tall boots, we suggest you check out our Best English Tall Boots Buying Guide! If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our helpful customer service team at info@ridingwarehouse.com or 1-800-620-9145.