Most equestrians have a good selection of boots for every occasion and a good pair of country boots should be the perfect balance between functional and fashionable, while yard boots or wellies will be suited to harder work and your riding boots are a better option for when you’re in the saddle.
In general, they should be hardy enough to endure a morning of yard chores or a long dog walk, but stylish enough that you can hop in the car and head to the pub for lunch or to your local point-to-point. Some are more practical than pretty, while others fall on the other side of the fence – it’s important to decide what you need from your boots before you buy them. As equestrians, we’re used to spending the day on our feet, and the best country boots will make that time comfortable and provide your feet with plenty of support.
If you’re thinking about getting a new pair of country boots, but aren’t quite sure which ones are your best option, we’ve rounded up a great selection to help you take a step in the right direction.
Best country boots: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall country boots: Bareback Footwear Quebec
Best country boots for riding: Ariat Wythburn
Most popular classic country boots: Dubarry Galway
Best country boots for wide calves: Brogini Winchester
Best short country boots: Chatham Paddock II
Best value ‘lifestyle’ country boots: Shires Moretta Pamina
So which country boots are the best?
Bareback Footwear Quebec Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–12
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable calf
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Shorter style might not appeal to everyone
The Quebec waterproof mid-calf boots from Bareback Footwear are made from full-grain waxed leather and edged with piping detail through the whole boot. They are finished with contrast stitch detailing and a brass buckle to the rear, which makes them adjustable and so easier to take on and off. They feature a waterproof and breathable lining, anti-slip sole as well as a gel heel insert and shock-absorbing insole for added comfort and support.
H&H’s Jane Gazzard tested these boots and said “They’re stylish, good-quality, easy maintenance, a great fit, comfortable, versatile and practical – I could go on! They are ideal for anyone with wider feet and I have no doubt that they’ll stand the test of time.”
Read H&H’s independent Bareback Footwear Quebec Boots review.
Ariat Wythburn Tall Waterproof Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8½
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Stirrup-friendly sole
Reasons to avoid
- Faux lining might be too warm for some
These country boots from Ariat are made of waterproof leather and feature a soft faux shearling on the inside. They have a stirrup-friendly outer sole, removable cushioning insole, padded collar and a front lace system to offer the perfect fit. The Duratread sole is stirrup friendly. Also available in a shorter version.
Dubarry Galway Country Boots
Sizes: EU 35–48, with regular, slimfit or extrafit calf
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof
- Variety of colours
- Three calf widths available
Reasons to avoid
- Height of boots might not appeal to everyone
These are undoubtedly Dubarry’s most popular country boots. They are made of a “dry fast, dry soft” leather and are 100% waterproof with a Gore-Tex lining. There’s also a handy finger pull fitted inside the boot.
In the UK? Buy direct at dubarry.com
Brogini Winchester Lace-Up Country Boots
Sizes: EU 36–42, in regular or wide calf
H&H Rating: 8/10
Reasons to buy
- Available to buy in two calf widths
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- If you have slim calves
Designed to be a seamless transition between a riding boot and a country boot, the Winchester is 2cm taller than other Brogini country boots to stop the top catching on your saddle. The lace up sides offer a wide adjustment so you can adjust the boot easily depending on your choice of legwear and socks, and the foot and ankle are lined with a breathable, waterproof membrane and perspiration control lining. The steel shank in the sole provides support and reduces foot movement to improve position and stability.
Professional rider Jamie Broom tested these boots and found them to be stylish and versatile. He said “They fitted well in the foot, but I found they had quite a wide calf for me as I have quite a narrow leg. They were very warm and easy to clean.”
Read H&H’s independent Brogini Winchester country boots review.
Chatham Paddock II
Sizes: UK 3–8
Reasons to buy
- Smart
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Mid-calf height
Designed to keep you dry and warm all winter long, these mid-calf leather with suede panels have lace detail to the front. They benefit from a breathable microfibre lining, performance cushioning, which is antibacterial as well as comfortable and shock absorbing, and they sit on a heavy duty rubber sole.
In the UK? Buy direct at chatham.co.uk
Shires Moretta Pamina Country Boots
Sizes: UK 4–9, with regular, wide or extra wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Variety of calf widths
- Waterproof
- Stirrup friendly design
Reasons to avoid
- Not available in half sizes
Versatile boots that are suited to the great outdoors or about the yard. The smooth leather is teamed with textured leg panels. These Shires country boots have a stirrup-safe sole whilst providing traction over a variety of terrains. A waterproof membrane covers the feet to keep them dry, while the boots also have a wicking lining and supportive insole.
Rhinegold Beaumont Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8, with regular or wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Warm
Reasons to avoid
- If you feel the heat as they are insulated
Crafted from a durable, breathable and hard-wearing leather, these country boots from Rhinegold are waterproof with a subtle gusset to allow for an individual fit. They feature an insulated thermal lining for added warmth, and have an energy-returning rubber sole that provides stability and comfort.
Dublin River Boots III
Sizes: UK 3–11, with regular, wide or extra wide calf
H&H Rating: 7/10
Reasons to buy
- Variety of leg widths
- Smart
- Easy to get on and off
Reasons to avoid
- Sizing comes up a bit small
These boots from Dublin have a waterproof lining to keep your feet and ankles dry and a breathable nylon lining that makes them suitable for all year round. Like other Dublin boots, they include the RCS (rider comfort system) memory footbed that has a memory foam cushion layer, a padded shock-absorbing heel and arch support for the ultimate comfort. They also have a tough rubber sole and elasticated top gusset for a great fit.
H&H’s Victoria Rea tested these boots and her verdict was “A smart, multipurpose pair of boots that are ideal for dog walks and yard chores.” She found these boots have a snugger fit in the foot than some of the other country boots tested. They softened with just a few wears.
Read H&H’s independent Dublin River boots III review.
Waldhausen Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8
Reasons to buy
- Warm long boots
- Non-slip sole
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in one calf width
These long country boots are lined for added warmth and are water repellent with a non-slip sole and reinforced heel.
Toggi Canyon Pro Boots
Sizes: EU 36–43, with regular or wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Riding and Country boots
- Waterproof
- Two calf widths available
Reasons to avoid
- No adjustability around the leg
The Canyon Pro long leather boots from Toggi are handmade with a waterproof, breathable membrane that ensures you remain dry in all conditions. They have flexible rubber soles for added comfort.
Can you ride in country boots?
Although many country boots are designed with equestrians in mind, not all are safe for riding in. Some pairs of country boots are designed to be worn in the saddle and will be suitable for a quick hack, but often this is not their primary purpose. If you’re looking for a new pair of riding boots for wearing primarily in the school, you would be better to invest in a pair of the best long leather boots or best winter riding boots. These will give you a much closer contact and feel with your horse’s side and will be safer in the stirrup.
Are country boots worth the money?
Country boots can be a really significant investment (but definitely a worthy one), so you need to be sure of your purchasing decision. The best country boots are comfortable, waterproof (or at least water resistant), have a robust sole with a good grip and be stylish in appearance. If they are designed so they can safely be worn in the saddle, then that’s an added bonus.
They need to remain comfortable when being worn for hours at a time, and should be tough enough to cope with the regular challenges that a busy horse owner will throw at them, such as walking the dogs, traversing cross-country courses, standing at ringside, and we want them to look great when we happen to bump into our friends along the way. If you were thinking of wearing them for heavier yard chores on a regular basis, it would be worth considering whether a pair of specifically designed yard boots or the best wellington boots might suit your needs better.
You may also be interested in…
10 pairs of boots to help tackle yard life
14 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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