Moving to long riding boots - need help!

[Lovemycat2023]

I ride weekly, at the local school. Mainly flat work, occasional hacks. I’ve ridden for 20 years and always worn ankle boots and half-chaps.

I now need to replace both (and am finding chaps don’t last long anymore) and am wondering whether to move to long boots. The reason I didn’t before is because I have short chunky lower legs and when I tried them on they weren’t comfortable at the top of the boots.

Anyone have any useful tips? Thanks!

Lots of boots come in several different calf widths and lengths so you should be able to find some that fit you comfortably

Ariat do different heights and widths in long boots but for everyday riding I prefer short boots and leather half chaps - I have ariat ones and they’ve lasted for several years now

Aside from when I was at shows I never swopped from shirt boots and half chaps so I’d just find some better chaps.My sister has ariat ones that have lasted a while and I had Dublin ones that went a good few years before I gave up riding ( on medical grounds)

Have a look at Bareback Luciana. I have short, wide calves and love these. They are classed as a country boot but suitable for riding. I'm on my second pair now.

I need new boots for shows so watching the suggestions in here! (im short and have always had have muscley calves)

I dont like half chaps so for everyday riding i use job boots with long socks - always have since i was a child!

My ariat half chaps last for years, current pair must be at least 4 years old and I ride at least 5 x a week. Compete in them too.

Lots of choice; Tuffa, The Wide Boot Company, Shires Moretta

Thanks everyone! I’m going to pop into a local tack shop and I’ll try both options (better chaps, and long boots)

I’ve got Shires Moretta chaps and they’ve lasted really well. They don’t have the elastic panel which I find stretches after a year or so . They have a really narrow elastic strip by the zip, they were sooo tight to start with but soon relaxed a bit and now fit perfectly.
Lots of people at the yard have Shires long boots which aren’t crazy expensive and come in different calf widths.

Try rhinegold luxus long boots, they do an extra short in three widths, you can order on Amazon with free returns. They are so comfy!

I've got shires moretta boots and they were cheapish, look smart, incrediblycomfy and have lasted me a couple of years