Dalton PA
2014

A riding boot is a boot made to be used for horse riding. The classic boot comes high enough up the leg to prevent the leathers of the saddle from pinching the leg of the rider, has a sturdy toe to protect the rider's foot when on the ground and has a distinct heel to prevent the foot from sliding through the stirrup. The sole is smooth or lightly textured to avoid being caught on the tread of the stirrup in the event of a fall.

Field boots: so called because they were traditionally worn by officers ranked "field grade" or higher, have lacing at the vamp, which allows for some give so the rider is more comfortable riding with the highly flexed ankle that develops from the shorter stirrup length required for work over fences. Therefore, field boots are preferred in all jumping disciplines, including Hunt seat equitation, show jumping, fox hunting, and both jumping phases in eventing. They are also worn by police officers riding motorcycles or on mounted patrols, and by some police agencies as part of their "Class A" uniform or with ceremonial mounted units.

Field boots are easily recognized by a lace system at the front of the insteps, which, combined with the ankle creasing, allow the rider to achieve a correct heels-down foot position for jumping, enjoy the flexibility to ride in shorter stirrup lengths and experience a close-contact feel at the inside calf.