Best Boots for Globetrotting
One thing we pride ourselves on here at Globetrotting is the detailed packing advice we offer for all our horse riding holidays. And top of every packing list is riding boots! Think about it: how many times have blisters or wet socks ruined your day? And more than likely, a good pair of boots has saved your bacon once or twice, too.
So – we’ve done a bit of matchmaking with our new partners, Ariat, to help you choose THE perfect pair of boots for your next adventure. We LIVE in our Ariat boots, and have done so for decades. Every member of Team Globetrotting has their own favourites! Just remember, your comfort always comes first.
*Aussies and Kiwis – keep reading to the end for a special gift when you book a riding holiday with us!
English Boots
Countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, India, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand.
Short boots: we LOVE the Womens Heritage IV paddock boots (above). They’re super comfortable, fancy enough to polish and pair with matching chaps for riding events, tough enough to last many years, and well-designed for easy maintenance.
Half chaps: unless you’re dolling up for The Scottish Borders Ride, it’s your choice whether you pair your short boots with half chaps or not. They’re great for ensuring your stirrup leathers don’t rub or pinch your calves during long days in the saddle, and offer additional weatherproofing and warmth. The Heritage Contour Half Chap is a very sleek option that certainly stands the test of time.
Tall boots: a word of warning: these are not recommended in hot summer climates, so consider your ride location and season to ensure you won’t be sweltering in full-length riding boots. That said, our favourite tall boots are the Heritage Contour II field boots (below). They’re quite an investment, but they’re premium quality, super comfy, and look stunning, to boot (pardon the pun).
Western Boots
Countries: USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Italy.
From the saddle to the dancefloor, Western boots won’t let you down. For full-height show-stoppers, check out all the variations of the gorgeous Round Up boots (above). The Heritage Ropers (below) are a super functional mid-height option that will keep you comfortable all day. And if you’re going globetrotting somewhere warm and dry, Ariat’s range of VentTEK boots have some great features to keep you cool.
Hiking & Riding Boots
Countries: Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Argentina (Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego), Iceland, USA (Grand Tetons), Canada (Rocky Mountains, Whistler Wilderness), Australia (Snowy River).
On some of our more adventurous rides, there are moments when you’ll need to walk over tricky terrain on your own two feet. For these rides, a pair of boots that you can ride AND hike in is essential. The good news is that these boots are the comfiest of all! Among globetrotters, by far the most popular option is the Terrain boot (above), which comes in a number of different styles and widths. The Heritage Lacer (below) has the look of a riding boot and is a good choice for fitting under a pair of chaps. And for those with wide feet, you’ll appreciate the wiggle room of the Barnyard Twin Gore II, which is also completely waterproof.
Off the Horse
No matter how good your boots, there’s nothing quite like that moment when you take them off at the end of the day! To keep your trotters happy in your down time, we LOVE a good pair of Hilos, and the Cruisers (below) are also super popular. Both styles slip on and off, which is especially handy if you’re camping.
Which boot style will you choose? And where will they take you? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: you’ll be well-shod!
And for our Aussie and Kiwi globetrotters, the next time you book a Globetrotting holiday, you’ll automatically receive an exclusive discount code to use in the Ariat Australia / Ariat NZ store! How good is that?!?
Check out our whole trove of gear and packing guides HERE. You’ll also receive a ride-specific packing list when you book.
Oh, and don’t forget to checkout our GT x Ariat Apparel, meticulously designed to be your go-to kit for equestrian travel!