Measuring and Fitting Tall Riding Boots

How to purchase the right Tall boots and do my new boots fit right?

You will have your boots for a long time so the right fit is important! Not all boots are created equally and these suggestions are to help you make your purchase a little easier!

Before you purchase them, make sure you take the correct measurements.

So lets start!

Pull on your favorite pair of breeches and the socks that you use most often. Dig a cloth tape measure out of your sewing kit and have a seat.

The boot height is best measured when you sit on a chair with your knees at a right angle. Measure the height from the floor by your heel to the break in the back of your knee (A). Add at least a half an inch for drop. Properly fitted boots will be just a bit too tall at first, and the boot tops will hit the tendons behind the knee. That is completely normal, after a couple of days of wearing, they ankle area will soften and crease and drop approximately half an inch.

The calf width should be measured around the widest point of your calf (B), adding about 1/8 inch for comfort.

And your new boots have arrived!

The best way to try on your boots is inside, on carpet, later on in the day, as your feet will swell during the day. Since tall boots will mold at the heel after wearing them for some time, they will initially slip, that is completely normal. Tall boots should look a little too tall to begin with. Dress boots with a stiffened back as often seen for dressage will NOT drop. Your tall boots should feel snug in the beginning, but throbbing legs, nope, that’s not good.

For boots that do not have zippers, you may need boot hooks to get them on, if you don’t, they are too wide for you. Do NOT use baby powder or stretch them, as that will void the return policy! To get them off, have somebody help you and pull them off for you. If you must use a boot pull take great CARE as to not damage the boot, and in worst case, catch the sole of the boot and pull it off. Of course, that would void the return policy, as will wearing the boots outside.

Need help with sizing, or have other questions, don’t hesitate to call us @ 585-542-9003!