From the first riding lesson to the show
Children's riding boots
Riding boots for children and young people from size 27: junior models with a zip at the back and an elastic insert that are easy to put on and move with the leg. With lacing or glitter, narrow or wide shaft, many models with interchangeable tops for restyling.
In the range: QHP, ELT, plus individual models by STAR, Premiere, Ego7, BR, Südwind. Many junior models go up to size 40 and therefore also fit petite adults.
What to look for in children's riding boots
Don’t buy for growth. A riding boot must sit on the heel, otherwise the foot slips in the stirrup and the child has no grip. Better one size that fits and a new pair after a year than two sizes too big.
Adjust the shaft to the calf. Children’s calves are often slim, which is why junior models come with a normal and a wide shaft. The shaft must not gape at the top, but must not dig into the hollow of the knee either.
Safety before looks. A small heel and a smooth sole stop the foot from slipping through the stirrup. Glitter and interchangeable tops are nice – what matters is the fit.
For the first riding lessons jodhpur boots with chaps are often enough. They grow with the child more easily and cost less. A proper first boot is worth it once riding becomes regular.
With us from size 27. For the first riding lessons, jodhpur boots with chaps are often the better choice: they grow with the child more easily and cost less. A first tall boot is worth it once riding becomes regular or the first show is coming up.
Half a size at most. A boot that is too big slips at the heel, the foot has no grip in the stirrup and the child sits insecurely. Better to buy the right fit and a new pair after a year than two sizes too big.
For primary-school children usually within one season, later about every one to two years. Check at the start of the season whether the heel still sits and the toes have room at the front. Models with an elastic insert and zip forgive a little growth in the shaft – not in the foot.
Zip at the back with an elastic insert. Children can put the boots on and take them off by themselves, and the shaft adapts to the calf. Lacing at the front on junior models is usually decorative or elastic and does not need to be tied.
A small heel and a smooth sole, so the foot does not slip through the stirrup or catch in it. Wellington boots and trainers are therefore unsuitable for riding. The boot should also sit firmly on the heel.
Most up to size 40, some up to 42. They have a narrower shaft and a lower calf height than adult boots, so they often fit petite adults with a slim calf better than the ladies' model.
Sizes & growth
Children’s riding boots start at size 27. Measure the foot length in the afternoon, plus the calf circumference at the widest point while sitting and the calf height from the floor to the hollow of the knee. Wear breeches and riding socks when measuring.
Leather boots soften and settle a little; synthetic boots stay as bought. For children who are growing quickly, an easy-care synthetic boot with a zip is usually the more sensible choice. How to measure exactly is shown in our riding boot size guide.