How To Fit Tall Riding Boots

Ariat has been making Equestrian Boots for over 20 years. Our first tall riding boots were produced in Italy in 1999. If you’re new to selecting this type of footwear, you may be wondering how they should fit. Learn how to fit tall riding boots properly by following these steps:

Here’s what you’ll need to fit tall riding boots:

• Breeches/tights and socks that are similar to what you ride in
• A flat, straight-backed chair
• A flexible cloth or vinyl tape measure

How to Fit Tall Riding Boots

Tip: It’s best to have someone else help you take your measurements to achieve optimum accuracy.

1. Wear clothing similar to what you’ll be wearing when you ride so that you get the most accurate fit possible.
2. Sit in a flat, straight chair with your feet on the ground and your legs at a 90-degree angle.
3. Measure around the widest part of your calf with the cloth/flexible tape measure and write down your width measurement.
4. Then start with the tape measure at the back of your heel on the ground and measure up to the bend in your knee. If sizing for Ariat boots, add 1 inch to this number for drop allowance. Write down your height measurement.
5. With your leg width and height measurements, consult a sizing chart from the boot company. For Ariat boots, continue reading to learn how to find your size.

Find Your Width and Height on Ariat’s Size Chart

When buying Ariat riding boots, you typically have a choice in width between Extra Slim, Regular, Full and Wide, and a choice in height from Short, to Regular, to Tall.

1. When looking at our sizing chart, start by finding your foot size in the top row. If you are between foot sizes or are unsure, we would recommend that you choose the smaller of the two sizes.
2. Follow the appropriate column down to find the closest width and height option to match the measurements you took earlier. In our sizing chart, the width is shown first, followed by the height measurement.
3. Once you have found your closest size, follow this row to the far left to find out which leg fit you need.

For example, if your foot size is a size 4.5 and you measure your calf width at 15 inches, and your calf height at 17.75 (16.75” + 1” for drop allowance), then you would order a Medium Wide fit. You can view our size charts by clicking HERE.

If you are between two leg sizes, we would recommend that you opt for the smaller of the two as you want the boots to fit as tall and as tight as possible to allow the leather to soften and drop as you wear them.

Trying Them On When They Arrive

When your new riding boots arrive, check the fit by trying them on with your normal riding breeches or tights and socks. As you zip them up, you should feel some zipper resistance and comfortable pressure. They should fit as snug as possible. Tall riding boots stretch with wear and you don’t want them to become too loose. They should be difficult to do up on your own the first time and might be mildly uncomfortable when they are brand new. In some cases, they may seem too tall, but remember they will drop down some with use. 

Common Questions About How Tall Riding Boots Should Fit

How should riding boots fit around the calf?

• Tall riding boots should fit snug around the calf and they shouldn’t be too easy to zip up over your calf. You also shouldn’t be able to move the boots around on your legs once zipped up.

Is it okay that my tall boots fit tight right after I buy them?

• Yes, riding boots are supposed to be very fitted and they may feel tight when you first get them, but keep in mind the leather will stretch a bit with use. If they are so tight that they cause discomfort or pain, they may be too small. We suggest putting on your new boots and letting them warm up as this will soften the leather and help them mould to your legs.