Beat the Chill With These Winter Boot Choices
Riding is hard enough without worrying about your toes turning into popsicles. A warm pair of riding boots is a must to make it through those cold winter months. To help keep your feet warm and dry this winter, check out these fabulous (and toasty) winter boot options.
Unlike regular riding boots, winter boots have insulation (for warmth) and waterproofing (to keep your feet dry). A no-slip grip, or boots with outstanding traction on the soles, is another must-have. Great winter boots should also offer a flexible fit (to allow for socks) and shock absorption (for comfort). A couple of go-to brands with truly excellent winter riding boots include Mountain Horse and DryShod.
Source: Canva
Boot Basics: What Makes Winter Boots Different?
Unlike paddock boots, Western boots, or tall boots, winter riding boots have to keep your feet warm and dry.
The best options will be waterproof and provide at least one layer of insulation.
Plus, a no-slip grip (or boots with good traction) is a must to help prevent slipping on the ice.
Shopping Checklist
- Comfort: This is critical for folks spending long days at the barn.
- Fit: Be sure you’ve got some extra room for thick socks or even foot warmers!
- Budget: There’s an option for every budget, so choose your price range before you start shopping.
- Insulation: Check and confirm boots are insulated–this is an important barrier between the frozen ground and your feet!
- Waterproofing: The lower portion (at a minimum) should be waterproof to shield your feet when you’re slogging through snow and ice.
- Shock absorption: An added bonus for comfort.
- No-slip grip (traction): Essential for slick, icy conditions.
Best Winter Horse Riding Boots
| Category | Option | Price Point* | Key Features |
| Best Men’s Winter Riding Boot | Mountain Horse Mens Rimfrost Rider III Tall Boots | $$$ | Built to withstand up to 1,000,000 flexes (in 14˚F) |
| Best Ladies Winter Riding Boot | Mountain Horse Snowy River Lace Paddock Boots | $$$$ | 200G of Thinsulate lining provides warmth without bulk |
| Best for Winter Barn Chores | DryShod Arctic Storm Hi Boots | $$$$ | Insanely warm, but might not fit in your stirrup |
| Best Western Winter Riding Boots | OEQ Ladies Winter Country Boot | $$ | Hidden interior pull tabs make putting these on super easy |
| Best English Winter Riding Boots | OEQ Ladies Winter Paddock Boot | $ | Elastic stretch side panels ensure a comfortable, flexible fit |
*Price point is relative to other items
Source: Canva
Best Men’s Winter Riding Boot:
Mountain Horse Mens Rimfrost Rider III Tall Boots
These sleek tall boots for men are the perfect combination of warmth and class.
A clean, elegant look pairs with a Thermolite lining to keep your feet warm in the saddle all winter long.
Click to see them at Amazon
- Tall boot (calves + feet will be warm)
- Waterproof
- Steel shank built in for added stability
- Stirrup Control System (for enhanced grip)
CONS:
- Sizing may run a bit small (if you want to wear thick socks, order a size or two larger)
- Back of the ankle may fold in with prolonged use
Where to buy it: Amazon
Best Ladies Winter Riding Boot:
Mountain Horse Snowy River Lace Paddock Boots
These winter riding boots, which look like a cross between a paddock boot and a work boot, combine chic design with maximum warmth.
The oiled, full-grain leather in a rich brown complements the faux fur lining.
Click to see them at Amazon
- Rugged outsole provides excellent traction
- ShockX removeable insole offers shock absorption for increased comfort
- Waterproof
- Short break-in period
- Room for thick socks
CONS:
- Laces may fray quickly
- No tab to help with pulling them on
- Boot may feel heavy/bulky
Where to buy it: Amazon
Best for Winter Barn Chores:
DryShod Arctic Storm Hi Boots
These waterproof winter boots can hold up to even the most extremely chilling temperatures.
5mm of Densoprene foam insulates these all-purpose boots while the 4-way stretch Airmesh lining keeps your feet comfortable and dry.
Click to see them at Amazon
- 6 layers of protection
- Removable sockliner
- Instep reinforcement for added comfort
- Designed to be easy on/easy off
- Non-slip tread
CONS:
- May feel heavy on your feet
- Fit may be tight if you have larger calves
- May be too chunky to fit in a stirrup
Where to buy it: Amazon
Best Western Winter Riding Boots:
OEQ Ladies Winter Country Boot
It’s hard to find a true Western boot that can keep your feet warm, but these boots fit the bill.
The Crazy Horse leather, paired with suede, gives a country feel while the faux fleece lining keeps you comfortable all day long.
Click to see it at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Waterproof
- Excellent traction
- Steel shank for stability (on the ground and in the saddle)
- Designed by riders, for riders
CONS:
- Not the best fit for spurs (they slide up)
- Calf fit may run a little small
Where to buy it: Stateline Tack
Best English Winter Riding Boots:
OEQ Ladies Winter Paddock Boot
Look no further if you want a classic paddock boot that will actually keep your feet warm.
The black, full-grain leather is durable and weatherproof, making these boots a great option for long winter rides.
Click to see it at State Line Tack
PROS:
- Faux fur lining
- Anti-slip outsole
- Easy-slip zipper
- Fast break-in time
CONS:
- These boots are more water resistant than fully waterproof
- You may need to pair these boots with a good pair of socks for maximum warmth
Where to buy it: Stateline Tack
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What brand of winter boots are the warmest?
While any boot with insulation will keep you warm, Mountain Horse is particularly well-known for keeping riders’ feet extra toasty in the chilling winter months.
Q: Are riding boots warm in the winter?
Regular riding boots typically aren’t enough to keep your feet warm in the winter.
Speaking from LOTS of experience, my summer paddock boots could never beat the chill, even with thick wool socks and foot warmers (especially since I couldn’t fully zip or lace my boots with the thick socks).
Q: What are the best boots to keep feet warm?
When looking for a boot guaranteed to keep your feet warm, you can’t go wrong with any boot that has insulation, faux fur/fleece lining, waterproofing. Some go-to brands include:
- Mountain Horse
- DryShod
- OEQ
- Kerrits
- Ariat
Q: What are the warmest boots to buy?
Any of the boots recommended in this article are a great place to start.
Q: What are the best Ariat winter riding boots?
For a paddock boot, we love the Ariat Ladies Extreme H2O Insulated Lace Paddock Boot. If you want the more traditional tall boot, you can’t go wrong with the Ariat Ladies Extreme H2O Insulated Tall Boot.
Q: What are the best waterproof equestrian boots?
Mountain Horse, DryShod, and
Q: What are the best Ovation winter riding boots?
Ovation has two tall boots that are perfect for winter riding (and double as great barn boots).
Source: Canva
Parting Thought
Winter may not be your favorite season at the barn, but this year, it won’t be because your feet are cold.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
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