What are Paddock Boots? Equestrian & Paddock Boot Guide

The simple answer: paddock boots are ankle-high horse riding boots with a heel.

But who are they for? Are there different styles? Are they only used in English riding? What makes them useful? Should you get pull-on paddock boots? Or maybe lace-up paddock boots or zip paddock boots? Whether you’re an equestrian or simply curious, read on for Blundstone’s guide to the ins and outs of these short boots.

Paddock Boots vs. Tall Boots

All paddock boots are riding boots, but not all riding boots are paddock boots. There are two main styles of horseback riding boots worn by English equestrians — paddock and tall. But what’s the difference between them?

Paddock Boots

Also known as Jodhpur boots, the major distinguishing feature of paddock boots is, of course, that they’re short: they hit just above the ankle. They’re also versatile, comfortable, and easy-wearing riding boots, which makes them universally well-liked by equestrians of all backgrounds.

Tall Boots

Tall boots typically extend to below the knee and are designed to protect an equestrian’s legs from stirrup leathers (paddock boots wearers often pair them with half chaps because of this). They come in two varieties: field boots and dress boots, each intended for different riding disciplines.

If you’re headed into cold weather, consider weatherproof boots with good insulation — and a nice pair of merino wool socks. If you’re traveling to a warm climate, you may prefer boots or walking shoes made of more breathable material, including leather boots with mesh insets.

The History of English Riding Boots

Blundstone-esque paddock boots are a more recent creation, but the original riding boots likely date back over 1,000 years. Their popularity was fully cemented in the 1600s when they became the preferred choice for the English military.

Originally, they were worn on a very specific, case-by-case basis — they were adopted for fox hunting and other activities before eventually gaining mass appeal across all equestrian disciplines. It would be a few centuries until paddock boots came around; the tall boot remained the first and only first iteration of the English riding boot for some time.

In the first half of the 19th century, Queen Victoria’s cobbler, Joseph Sparkes-Hall, designed the next take: paddock boots. A few years later, these short boots caught on with non-equestrian residents of a particular area in London, which earned them their more famous name — the Chelsea boot.

Paddock boots and tall boots alike (all riding boots, really, English and Western) have remained surprisingly true to their origins across the centuries. However, elastic, zippers, and other modern materials like synthetic leather or high-quality full-grain leather have made them both easier and more comfortable to wear.

How to Pick a Pair of Riding Boots

Not sure whether you should get Blundstone paddock boots or a different boot style entirely? There’s really no wrong choice — what type of boot you need more or less comes down to what kind of equestrian you are. Are you an English rider or Western? How often do you ride (or think you’ll ride)? What will you be doing: competing? Jumping? Hunting? Dressage? Casual rides?

It may be that you end up with a pair of both: tall riding boots shows and paddock boots for training and everyday use. Whichever pair of boots you choose, it’s essential they have a small tread and short heel to keep your foot from slipping out of the stirrup.

Who Are Paddock Boots For?

Paddock boots are an excellent choice for both English and Western beginners, casual riders, and anyone else just starting to explore equestrian pursuits.
Comfortable, practical, and highly versatile, the shorter style of Blundstone boots transition from stable to saddle easily, and are excellent for daily wear.

Who Are Tall Boots For?

Tall boots are generally considered to be the more professional of the two styles. In fact, many shows require them. There are two styles of English riding boots, designed for different horseback riding disciplines:

Field boots lace at the ankle and are a favorite of show jumpers.
Dress boots tend to be worn by dressage riders, though the style is popular with riders of all disciplines.

What Are the Benefits of Blundstone Paddock Boots?

Maybe you’re still on the fence, or maybe you’ve decided to get a pair of paddock boots and just want to know what you can look forward to. Either way, these short boots are designed with equestrian functionality top of mind — read on for their (many) pros:

They’re quick to break in and comfortable right from the start.
They’re made from durable, water-resistant materials.
Paddock boots tend to be more affordable than other riding boots.
They’re a cooler, more breathable choice for hot summer rides.
They’re made with cushioning for shock absorption.
Their length makes them easy to get on and off in a flash.
Plus, because they’re short, you don’t have to worry about tricky calf sizing.

In addition to the pull-on style Blundstone carries, you can also find zip-up or lace-up styles. One con of paddock boots, beyond their informality — the height of classic, tall English riding boots helps to prevent the blisters that form when the calf chafes against the stirrup leather. With that in mind, riders often pair paddock boots with half chaps or jodhpurs to provide protection and help create a cleaner look for shows.

Where Can I Wear My Blundstone Paddock Boots?

Horse riding, of course. But honestly, anywhere — at the end of the day, they’re still leather boots after all. Pull on your Blundstone paddock boots to tack up, ride out, and muck about the stables to your heart’s content…or wear them out to dinner or into the office, too. Just remember to take off your half chaps and brush them off first.

Of course, paddock boots are especially well-suited to equestrians. Just as a good pair of cleats is critical footwear for soccer players or proper work boots are a must for industrial jobs, so too are riding boots essential for riders. They’re practical on and off the horse, with soles designed to keep your feet in the stirrup and sturdy toe caps to protect your toes from heavy hooves on the ground.

Paddock boots are a classic that’s endured a millennium for a reason. They’re endlessly versatile, incredibly practical, and endlessly comfortable — whether or not you plan on getting in the saddle any time soon.