Most equestrians typically own a variety of boots for different purposes, and this often includes a pair of the best country boots. While yard boots or wellies are suitable for heavy-duty work and riding boots are reserved for the saddle, a good pair of country boots strikes the ideal balance between practicality and style.
Country boots should be durable enough for morning chores or a long dog walk, yet fashionable enough for a casual lunch at the pub or a local point-to-point event. Some prioritise function over fashion, while others lean the opposite way; it’s essential to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.
Given that equestrians spend much of their day on their feet, finding the best pair of country boots will make that time comfortable and provide your feet with plenty of support. If you’re in the market for new country boots but are unsure where to start, we’ve rounded up a great selection to help you take a step in the right direction.
Best country boots: H&H’s quick guide
Best overall country boots: Bareback Footwear Quebec
Best country boots for riding: Ariat Wythburn
Most popular classic country boots: Dubarry Galway
Best country boots for wide calves: Elico Roundhay XXW
Best short country boots: Chatham Paddock II
Best value ‘lifestyle’ country boots: Shires Moretta Pamina
So which country boots are the best?
Bareback Footwear Quebec Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–12
H&H Rating: 9/10, H&H Approved
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable calf
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Shorter style might not appeal to everyone
Bareback Footwear’s Quebec mid-calf boots are crafted from full-grain waxed leather with piping and contrast stitching. They feature an adjustable brass buckle, waterproof/breathable lining, anti-slip sole, gel heel insert, and shock-absorbing insole for comfort and support.
H&H’s Jane Gazzard tested these boots and said “They’re stylish, good-quality, easy maintenance, a great fit, comfortable, versatile and practical – I could go on! They are ideal for anyone with wider feet and I have no doubt that they’ll stand the test of time.”
Read H&H’s independent Bareback Footwear Quebec Boots review.
Ariat Wythburn Tall Waterproof Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8½
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Stirrup-friendly sole
Reasons to avoid
- Faux lining might be too warm for some
These waterproof boots from Ariat are made of waterproof leather and feature a soft faux shearling on the inside. They have a stirrup-friendly outer sole, removable cushioning insole, padded collar and a front lace system to offer the perfect fit. The Duratread sole is stirrup friendly. Also available in a shorter version.
Dubarry Galway Country Boots
Sizes: EU 35–48, with regular, slimfit or extrafit calf
Reasons to buy
- Waterproof
- Variety of colours
- Three calf widths available
Reasons to avoid
- Height of boots might not appeal to everyone
These are undoubtedly Dubarry’s most popular country boots. They are made of a “dry fast, dry soft” leather and are 100% waterproof with a Gore-Tex lining. There’s also a handy finger pull fitted inside the boot.
Elico Roundhay XXW Country Boots
Sizes: UK 5–8, in xxwide calf
Reasons to buy
- Available in XXW calf width
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- If you have slim calves
These waterproof country boots are crafted from quality leather, offering an extra-extra-wide calf fit with discreet side gussets and pull-on tabs for comfort. A durable sole provides exceptional grip, and the boots are finished with a stylish drawstring detail.
Chatham Paddock II
Sizes: UK 3–8
Reasons to buy
- Smart
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Mid-calf height
Designed to keep you dry and warm all winter long, these mid-calf leather with suede panels have lace detail to the front. They benefit from a breathable microfibre lining, performance cushioning, which is antibacterial as well as comfortable and shock absorbing, and they sit on a heavy duty rubber sole.
Shires Moretta Pamina Country Boots
Sizes: UK 4–9, with regular, wide or extra wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Variety of calf widths
- Waterproof
- Stirrup friendly design
Reasons to avoid
- Not available in half sizes
Versatile boots that are suited to the great outdoors or about the yard. The smooth leather is teamed with textured leg panels. These Shires Pamina boots have a stirrup-safe sole whilst providing traction over a variety of terrains. A waterproof membrane covers the feet to keep them dry, while the boots also have a wicking lining and supportive insole.
Rhinegold Beaumont Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8, with regular or wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Warm
Reasons to avoid
- You don’t need insulation
Crafted from a durable, breathable and hard-wearing leather, these boots from Rhinegold are waterproof with a subtle gusset to allow for an individual fit. They feature an insulated thermal lining for added warmth, and have an energy-returning rubber sole that provides stability and comfort.
Dublin River Boots IV
Sizes: UK 3–11, with slim, regular, wide or extra wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Variety of leg widths
- Smart
- Easy to get on and off
Reasons to avoid
- Sizing comes up a bit small
These Dublin boots offer year-round comfort with a waterproof and breathable lining. They feature the RCS (rider comfort system) memory footbed for ultimate comfort, a durable rubber sole, and an elasticated top gusset for a great fit.
Waldhausen Country Boots
Sizes: UK 3–8
Reasons to buy
- Warm long boots
- Non-slip sole
Reasons to avoid
- Only available in one calf width
These long boots are lined for added warmth and are water repellent with a non-slip sole and reinforced heel.
Toggi Underwood Country Boots
Sizes: EU 37–42, with regular or wide calf
Reasons to buy
- Stylish
- Waterproof
- Two calf widths available
Reasons to avoid
- If you are after a pull-on style boot
The Underwood country boots from Toggi are made from premium leather and suede upper with a hydrogarum lining, providing a waterproof and breathable boot ensuring you remain dry in all conditions. They have a zip on the inner leg for ease and a thick tread for added comfort and grip.
Can you ride in country boots?
Although many country boots are designed with equestrians in mind, not all are safe for riding in. Some pairs of country boots are designed to be worn in the saddle and will be suitable for a quick hack, but often this is not their primary purpose. If you’re looking for a new pair of riding boots for wearing primarily in the school, you would be better to invest in a pair of the best long leather boots or best winter riding boots. These will give you a much closer contact and feel with your horse’s side and will be safer in the stirrup.
Are country boots worth the money?
They can be a really significant investment (but definitely a worthy one), so you need to be sure of your purchasing decision. The best country boots are comfortable, waterproof (or at least water resistant), have a robust sole with a good grip and be stylish in appearance. If they are designed so they can safely be worn in the saddle, then that’s an added bonus.
They need to remain comfortable when being worn for hours at a time, and should be tough enough to cope with the regular challenges that a busy horse owner will throw at them, such as walking the dogs, traversing cross-country courses, standing at ringside, and we want them to look great when we happen to bump into our friends along the way. If you were thinking of wearing them for heavier yard chores on a regular basis, it would be worth considering whether a pair of specifically designed yard boots or the wellies might suit your needs better.
Caring for leather boots
Proper care extends the life of leather country boots, even waterproof ones. Unlike wellingtons, they require TLC, especially with yard work or wet conditions, as manure and salt corrode leather. Regular cleaning with cold water and specialised leather cleaner, air-drying (no artificial heat), and occasional leather cream for conditioning will keep them supple and waterproof.
You may also be interested in…
10 pairs of boots to help tackle yard life
14 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget
7 pairs of winter riding boots designed to keep your toes warm
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