Custom vs Ready to Ride Riding Boots?
Which riding boots are right for you?
Should you choose custom riding boots – or are Ready to Ride tall riding boots enough? And what is really the difference?
It’s one of the questions we often get. And the truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. After more than 20 years of working with custom riding boots – and helping thousands of riders – we know that the right choice comes down to how you ride, your leg shape, and how you want your boots to feel.
Custom riding boots – when fit and performance matter most
Custom riding boots are made completely from scratch, built around your unique measurements.
We work with up to 24 different measurements, and each boot is crafted individually for your right and left leg. This makes a significant difference, especially if you:
- Have uneven leg measurements
- Have had an injury
- Have muscular or hard-to-fit calves
But custom boots are about more than just fit. With custom tall riding boots, you can:
- Choose from premium leather types, finishes, and colors
- Select your preferred top design and toe shape
- Adjust shaft stiffness for your discipline (for example, more support for dressage riding)
- Personalize details like soles, stitching, and finishes
In short, you create a pair of riding boots designed specifically for you.
👉 Ideal for riders who want precision, performance, and a fully personalized fit.
Ready to Ride riding boots – comfort and flexibility, right away
Ready to Ride riding boots are designed to offer the best possible fit in standard sizes.
Instead of starting from scratch, we’ve built smart features into the design to help the boots adapt to your leg.
Take our Paulista tall riding boots, for example:
- Flexible shafts with elastic lacing that adjust to your calf
- Interchangeable insoles that allow you to fine-tune the fit
The result is a boot that feels more adaptable and comfortable than traditional standard riding boots.
Understanding riding boot fit
Getting the right fit is one of the most important parts of choosing riding boots.
Here’s what to keep in mind regarding Ready To Ride Boots:
- Calf measurements are taken at the widest part of your leg
- The area just below the knee is typically about 2 cm narrower than the calf measurement
Depending on your leg shape:
- A more V-shaped leg → the boot may feel slightly roomier at the top
- A strong, defined calf → the boot may feel more fitted below the knee
This is where built-in fit features make a difference, helping the boot adjust and feel more balanced.
3 measurements vs 24 measurements
One of the biggest differences between custom and Ready to Ride riding boots is simplicity.
Ready to Ride boots require only 3 measurements:
- Shoe size
- Calf width
- Boot height (measured at the back of your leg or from an existing boot)
Custom boots require up to 24 measurements, creating a more detailed and personalized fit.
Production time and everyday use
- Custom riding boots take longer to produce, as each pair is handmade and unique
- Ready to Ride boots are faster and more convenient, with some sizes available in stock
For many riders, the choice isn’t either-or.
The ideal riding boot wardrobe
Many riders choose to have both.
- Ready to Ride boots for everyday riding, barn life, and long days
- Custom riding boots for training, competition, or when precision matters most
👉 This gives you versatility, comfort, and performance in every situation.
So, which riding boots should you choose?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a completely personalized fit? → Choose custom riding boots
- Do I want comfort, flexibility, and a quicker solution? → Choose Ready to Ride
No matter what you choose, the goal is the same:
To find riding boots that feel like a natural extension of you –
and support you in every ride.
✨ For riders who live in their boots.
