Jodhpur boots

A good pair of jodhpurs should provide stability in the stirrup, freedom of movement around the ankle, and comfort—both when you’re riding and moving around the stable.

At Unamari, we design jodhpur boots under our own brand, Equipage, and we have many different styles in stock so you can choose based on your needs and preferences.

What are jodhpurs?

Jodhpurs are short riding boots that reach up to around the ankle. Compared to long riding boots, the low-cut design provides more freedom around the ankle and lower leg while also making the boots easy to put on and take off.

That’s why jodhpurs work especially well for everyday life at the stable. You get one type of boot that can be worn both on the ground and in the saddle, without the taller and tighter-fitting shaft design of a long riding boot.

When we design jodhpur riding boots, we focus especially on:

• A distinct heel, which is important when the boot is used in the stirrup.
• Stability around the foot, without unnecessarily locking the ankle.
• Practical closure, such as elastic or a zipper.
• Materials suited for the intended use – a riding boot and a sturdy stable boot must be able to serve two different purposes.

Is there a difference between jodhpurs and short riding boots?

Jodhpurs and short riding boots are often used as two different terms for the same type of boot.

A model with an elastic band is simple and classic, while a jodhpur boot with a zipper can be quicker to put on and take off. Jodhpur boots sometimes feature a steel toe cap for added safety in the stable. Here, extra foot protection is more important than the traditional riding boot look.

Short riding boots and jodhpur riding boots also require leggings to protect the leg.

The best choice is therefore not necessarily the most advanced model, but the one that best suits your needs.

When are jodhpurs the best choice?

We especially recommend jodhpurs for everyday riding and stable work, where flexibility and practicality are key.

Jodhpurs are a good choice for, among other things:

• daily training and riding lessons
• work and practical tasks in the stable
• riders who prefer more freedom of movement at the ankle
• children and beginners who want a simple riding boot
• use with chaps or leggings

The combination of jodhpurs and chaps provides more protection around the lower leg and a feel that’s closer to that of a long riding boot. However, if you’re primarily looking for boots for competition, long riding boots will often be the more obvious choice, depending on the discipline and applicable rules.

Advantages of jodhpur riding boots

There’s a reason why short riding boots have become a staple in many riders’ wardrobes:

• Greater freedom of movement: The short shaft gives the ankle more freedom than a traditional long riding boot.
• Easy to put on and take off: Elastic or a zipper makes jodhpurs practical for a busy day at the stable.
• Versatile use: Many styles can be worn for both Riding and light stable work.
• Safety features: If you spend a lot of time around horses, a model with a protective toe cap may be a better choice.
• Can be paired with chaps: This provides extra support and protection for your lower legs while riding.

Jodhpurs for different needs

There isn’t a single jodhpur that’s best for everything. That’s why it makes more sense to choose based on intended use rather than solely on appearance (even though it’s tempting).

Zippered jodhpurs for practical everyday use

A zippered jodhpur is especially practical if you frequently change your footwear throughout the day. Models with elastic must be pulled over the foot, while those with zippers allow you to widen the opening, making them easier to put on and take off.

For winter use, a lined model may be a good choice if you spend many hours in a cold stable. In this case, you should also pay attention to the fit, as both the lining and thicker socks can affect how much room you have in the boot.

Jodhpurs with extra safety

For riders who spend a lot of time doing practical work around horses, we recommend considering jodhpurs with a reinforced toe.

A reinforced toe is designed to provide extra protection if there’s a risk that your foot might get stepped on, for example. This makes the safety model a more suitable choice for stable work than a standard, lighter riding boot.

Check out our safety riding boots if protection is a priority in your daily routine.

Jodhpurs in leather, synthetic leather, or suede

The material affects both the look, feel, and maintenance.

• Leather offers a classic riding look and molds to the foot with use, but requires regular care. It’s a good choice if the boot will primarily be used for riding.
• Faux leather looks almost identical to real leather but doesn’t mold to the foot in the same way. On the other hand, it’s much easier to maintain.
• Suede has a soft surface and a more casual look, but typically requires more cleaning and care if you spend your days in environments with a lot of moisture and stable dirt.

If you wear your boots frequently and expose them to wind and weather, mucking out, and daily stable chores, we’d prioritize practical construction and easy cleaning over a delicate material.

There are also winter models of jodhpur boots that keep your feet extra warm.

How to choose the right jodhpurs

Start by asking yourself what you’ll be using the boots for most:

Primarily for riding? Choose a flexible jodhpur riding boot with a snug fit around the foot and a heel height suitable for the stirrup.

Both riding and stable work? Look for a durable and low-maintenance style that’s comfortable to walk in.

A lot of stable work? Consider stable boots or jodhpurs with a safety toe.

Want the feel of a tall riding boot? Pair your jodhpurs with chaps.

Shop jodhpurs at Unamari

At Unamari, you’ll find jodhpurs from Equipage for a wide range of needs—from classic short riding boots to lined styles and more rugged boots with extra safety features.

Our approach is that footwear should be chosen based on the daily activities it’s meant for. A rider who primarily trains in the arena has different needs than a rider who spends several hours doing stable work every day.

That’s why we recommend that you first choose based on fit, use, and function, and only then based on appearance. That way, you’ll get a pair of jodhpurs that are perfectly suited to exactly how you use them.