Tall Boots Awards 2026
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Seventeen tall boots that win on fit, comfort and build, chosen from what riders say in their reviews.
The best tall riding boots of 2026 for every ring, season and leg: field, dress and dressage boots, winter, country and waterproof boots, wide and slim calves, short and tall riders, men and kids, with every winner compared in tables below.
Updated November 2026
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
The Tack of the Day Best Tall Boots Awards for 2026
Seventeen awards, each with a winner and up to two runners-up. Every winner earned its award three ways: what riders say about it in their reviews, how often our customers come back for it, and a build that does the award's job, from the closure and the lining to the height and the calf. Each certificate says exactly why that boot won.
Nine awards cover the type of boot, four cover fit, and four cover the rider wearing them, from first lessons to men's show boots. After the awards, comparison tables line the winners up side by side: field vs dress vs dressage, leather vs synthetic, the brands that cut for short, tall, slim and wide legs, and how new boots should fit.
Price range key: $ the most affordable of this year's picks · $$ · $$$ · $$$$ the premium end.
Best Overall
Best tall boots overall: Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
The Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots are the best tall boots of 2026 because one style fits so many different legs. Shires gives the Gianna leather uppers, stretch panels behind mock laces, a back zipper, ActiveFlex insoles and rubber soles over steel shanks, and cuts it in short, regular and tall heights with slim to extra wide calves, so one style covers most legs.
Riders tell us the Gianna finally fit when ten other boots would not, and that it is comfortable straight out of the box. It sits at the $$ point of our price key. The Tredstep Sirani Field Boots is the $$$$ runner-up, in soft calfskin with a glove leather lining, elastic lace ankles and a lower back cut for jumping. The LeMieux Essence Quilted Riding Boots swap traditional lacing for a quilted inset and add a neoprene cushion behind the knee. Look elsewhere if you ride dressage: a dress or dressage boot (awards 03 and 04) gives the taller, firmer leg that ring prefers.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Overall
Awarded to
Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
For fitting more riders: leather uppers, stretch panels and short, regular and tall heights with slim to extra wide calves.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Soft calfskin, glove leather lining and a lower back cut for jumping.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
LeMieux Essence Quilted Riding Boots
A quilted inset in place of laces and a neoprene knee cushion.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upShires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
★★★★★
I was so excited to find a pair of boots that fit both my Xtra wide and very short calfs! Not only did they fit they were comfortable right out of the box and looked amazing...let's be honest the competitors plus size boots look terrible...these look classy and feel amazing!
Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
I have large calves and am hard pressed to find any kind of boot that does fit. I was thrilled to see that Shires made a boot in my size.
I needed a boot that was short with a wider calf and these boots fit perfectly! I tried no less than 10 different boots before finding these.
So I bought the same style and size, and sure enough they were pretty comfy right out of the box! Glad I followed her good advice about this riding boot.
Best Field Boot
Best field boot: Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots
The Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots win Best Field Boot because they give a classic field boot a close, contoured fit at the $$$ point. Equinavia tapers the ankle, makes the outer leg smooth leather and the inside calf textured leather for grip, adds elastic inserts on either side of the heavy-duty YKK back zipper, and finishes them with a Spanish top, a PU footbed with arch support and a Neolite sole textured where it meets the stirrup.
Field boots are the hunter, jumper and eventing standard because the laced instep lets the ankle flex in a short stirrup. The LeMieux Field Riding Boots are the runner-up, with traditional ankle lacing, an elastic calf gusset and a neoprene cushion behind the knee. The TuffRider Regal Field Boots add a grippy leather inset and a memory foam footbed. Riders tell us Equinavia boots are soft and flexible enough to ride several disciplines, and one rider who does everything in her own barn in the TuffRider Regal tells us it feels like wearing slippers. Read more on field boots or dress boots.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Field Boot
Awarded to
Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots
For a close, classic field boot: a tapered ankle, textured inside calf leather and elastic inserts beside the zipper.
Price range $$$
Shop the winner
Shop Field Boots
Laced fronts and flexible ankles
- Shires Moretta Women's Gianna Leather Field Boots - Black
Mountain Horse Women's Sovereign Field Boot - Dark Brown
Shires Moretta Women's Voltana Tall XGRIP Boots - Brown
Mountain Horse Women's Sovereign Field Boot - Black
LeMieux Women's Field Riding Boots - Brown
Mountain Horse Women's Sovereign Field Boot - Brown
TuffRider Regal X-Tall Field Boots
I now have 3 pairs of these boots. The first are 3 years old and just starting to show their age, the other 2 are backups for when they are finally retired. I have my own barn and do EVERYTHING in these boots, from mucking stalls, to loading hay and grain, and, oh yes, riding too! They feel like you are wearing slippers and fit so well! Love these!
These boots are soft and flexible, and super comfortable. If you’re looking for a stiffer dressage boot feel, this is not them. I feel like I could ride multiple disciplines due to their flexibility. They aren’t the fanciest looking but they are sleek and easy to put on/off. I ordered my true size and I do feel like I should have gone a half size down as the description suggested but I’m keeping them anyway. Regular calf was almost too roomy for me but I’m borderline narrow and regular calf. They were taller on my leg than expected. Usually non-custom boots end up way too short on me but these ones are fairly tall in a good way. These will be my go-to boots for day to day English discipline riding and teaching for my black boot matching outfits.
Best Dress Boot
Best dress boot: Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots
The Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots win Best Dress Boot because they give the plain, polished front a dress boot is worn for at the $$ point. Shires cuts them from leather with a back zipper, a Wickaway lining, ActiveFlex impact support insoles and shock absorbing soles.
Dress boots skip the laces for a smooth line from knee to toe, which is why dressage riders and many show riders prefer them. The TuffRider Belmont Dress Boots are the runner-up, with soft leather, an elastic gusset, a Spanish top and flex construction, and one rider tells us hers look very nice in the show ring with minimal break in. The Horze Duvall Tall Dress Boots add a curved calf, printed grip leather on the inner calf and a curved zip.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Dress Boot
Awarded to
Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots
For a polished plain front: leather uppers, a Wickaway lining and ActiveFlex impact support insoles.
Price range $$
Shop the winner
Shop Dress Boots
Clean, plain fronts for the show ring
- Shires Moretta Women's Lanciano Leather Riding Boots - Black
Equinavia Women's Josefine Winter Tall Riding Boots - Brown
Mountain Horse Women's Serenade Dressage Boot - Black
Equinavia Women's Karina Synthetic Dress Boots - Black
Horze Women's Duvall Tall Dress Boots - Black
Equinavia Women's Josefine Winter Tall Riding Boots - Black
Very happy with these boots. They look very nice in the show ring, and are holding up very well so far. Minimal break in too!
I've been primarily riding in Ariat Volants and V Sports for the past 5+ years. Lately I've lost enough weight where I had fitting problems with my boots and needed to find something to fit me better. V Sports were completely out of stock in my new size, so as an attempt to have "something" I decided to give these a try, if only to have on hand as backups. I was greatly surprised at the quality and fit. The footbed is also extremely comfortable right off the bat. I don't know how well they'll hold up in the long run, but I'm so happy I took a chance on them!
Best for Dressage
Best dressage boot: Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot
The Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot wins Best for Dressage because Mountain Horse builds it for the long, still leg the dressage ring rewards. It has a Spanish cut top, a full-length YKK Vislon zipper set forward for uninterrupted leg contact, a premium leather lining, a removable ShockX Advanced insole and a tempered steel shank for stability.
A dressage boot runs taller and stiffer than a field boot so the leg stays long in a long stirrup. The Horze Rover Dressage Boots are the $ runner-up, with a breathable lining, a YKK back zipper and elastic at the calf, and riders tell us they need little break-in and feel as soft as half chaps. For a firmer show boot, see the Tredstep Sirani Dress Boots in award 09.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for Dressage
Awarded to
Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot
For a long, still leg: a Spanish cut top, a forward-placed YKK zipper and a tempered steel shank.
Price range $$$$
Shop the winner
★★★★★
These boots are amazing. I help run a 16 horse farm and ride 5 times a week multiple horses including my own, and teach students wearing these everywhere. They were not hard to break in at all in comparision to other boots I have had!I have always used half chaps because I felt like they had more give and I could lengthen my heals but these are so easy to ride in I love them. Hoping they last long and I will def buy again. Great boots for the $$
★★★★★
I've had two pairs so far and will probably get another... They are super comfortable with no painful breaking in process. They are soft and are like a soft half chap, more than a boot. Zippers have lasted. The pair that are several years old now, have finnaly started to lose some stitching at the top of the zipper. The newer pair are two years old and still looking good and going strong.
Best Winter Tall Boot
Best winter tall boot: Mountain Horse Snowy River
The Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Tall Boot wins Best Winter Tall Boot because it is a riding boot first and a winter boot second. Mountain Horse makes it from waterproof, oily full grain leather with a faux fur lining, a full-length YKK back zipper, a hidden elastic panel for a closer fit and a sole built for grip.
Riders tell us the right winter boot fits the stirrup iron and keeps feet warm and dry through snow and mud. The Ovation Telluride Winter Tall Boot is the $ runner-up, with a waterproof foot, a water repellent shaft and a front lace you can loosen over winter layers. The Horze Aspen Winter Tall Boots are oil-finished for water repellency and lined in faux fur. Our winter riding boots guide covers every winter boot we sell, and you can shop all winter tall boots.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Winter Tall Boot
Awarded to
Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Tall Boot
For riding through winter: waterproof oily full grain leather, a faux fur lining and a hidden elastic panel.
Price range $$$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Ovation Telluride Winter Tall Boot
Waterproof foot, front lace and faux fur lining.
Price range $
Shop the runner-up
Ovation Telluride Winter Tall Boot
Great winter boot for the barn & to ride. I wear size 10 and they fit fine. Fits in stirrup iron. Insulation in foot area & on calf. No need for thick socks.
Ovation Telluride Winter Tall Boot
Water proof makes this boot perfect for snow, mud, soggy marshy ground, creeks etc. My feet stay dry and warm.
★★★★★
These are very comfortable to ride in and warmer than I expected. They were just a little roomy in tue foot for my size - perfect for warm socks. They are much more attractive than similar tall winter boots at this price point and very good for clinics etc. They are also much kinder to my saddle flap! I don’t know yet how well the leather will hold up but I am very happy with the boot so far.
★★★★★
Very comfortable out of the box. Not heavy like other brands. They look great too.
Best Country Tall Boot
Best country tall boot: Dublin River Boots IV
The Dublin River Boots IV win Best Country Tall Boot because they go from the barn aisle to the trail in one pair. Dublin builds them with a premium full leather upper, a full-length waterproof membrane, a breathable lining, a moisture-wicking RCS+ memory foam footbed and a rubber outsole made for traction.
Riders tell us their Dublin boots did daily duty through snow, mud and manure for years, and that the waterproof leather makes it easy to bathe a horse or clean a trough. The Ovation Moorland II Waterproof Highrider Tall Boot is the runner-up, in full grain oiled leather with a Drytex lining and an outside zipper riders find easy on and off. The Dublin Yukon Quilt Boots add a quilted upper, a waterproof bootie and a cozy sherpa lining at the $ end of our key. See Dublin River, Pinnacle and Aire compared.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Country Tall Boot
Awarded to
For barn and trail: full leather with a full-length waterproof membrane and a memory foam footbed.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Ovation Moorland II Waterproof Highrider Tall Boot
Full grain oiled leather with a Drytex lining.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upShop Country Tall Boots
Waterproof boots for the barn and the trail
Dublin Women's Yukon Quilt Boots - Chocolate Brown
Ovation Women's Moorland II Waterproof Highrider Tall Boot - Brown
Dublin Women's River Boots IV - Dark Brown
Dublin Women's River Boots IV - Chocolate
Mountain Horse Women's Snowy River Winter Tall Boot - Brown
Shires Moretta Women's Teramo Lace Country Boots - Dark Brown
Ovation Moorland II Waterproof Highrider Tall Boot
★★★★★
LOVE MY BOOTS!! Great fit (my calves are always an issue), versatile for riding and chores. Really comfortable, easy on and off (haven't zipped my calf yet!) Buy these!!
Ovation Moorland II Waterproof Highrider Tall Boot
★★★★★
Love these boots! Super soft, sturdy, & supportive of the foot in stirrups. Easy on/off also and great placement of the zipper on the outside of the boot.
I highly recommend the Dublin River IV Tall Boots. They are comfortable for all day wear and are suitable for any equine occasion. Their waterproof material makes it easy to bathe your horse and clean a water trough without the concern for ruining your shoes.
This is my second pair of tall Dublin boots. The first pair did daily duty in my barn for years, through snow, mud, and horse manure. Comfort and warmth! Durable and functional. I also bought Middleburg boots and they have not held up anything like the Dublins. No comparison. I love that you can just step in and go.
Best Waterproof Riding Boot
Best waterproof riding boot: Shires Moretta Voltana XGRIP
The Shires Moretta Voltana Tall XGRIP Boots win Best Waterproof Riding Boot because they keep a true field boot shape and still keep water out. Shires builds them from FlexDry waterproof leather over a full waterproof internal membrane, with a laced field boot ankle, a Wickaway lining, a reinforced toe and heel and Moretta XGrip outsoles.
A waterproof field boot is the one to reach for on dewy grass, wet rings and muddy lanes. The B Vertigo Cetus Waterproof Tall Boots are the runner-up, with waterproof material, a Thinsulate lining and decorative front laces. The Equinavia Ari Thinsulate Lace Country Boots pair a waterproof foot membrane and a Thinsulate-lined plaid lining with a heavy duty lug sole, and one rider tells us they kept her dry and warm through a Wyoming winter.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Waterproof Riding Boot
Awarded to
Shires Moretta Voltana Tall XGRIP Boots
For wet rides in a true field boot: FlexDry waterproof leather, a waterproof membrane and XGrip outsoles.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
B Vertigo Cetus Waterproof Tall Boots
Waterproof material with a Thinsulate lining.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Equinavia Ari Thinsulate Lace Country Boots
Waterproof foot membrane and a heavy duty lug sole.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upEquinavia Ari Thinsulate Lace Country Boots
★★★★★
Worth every penny! Wyoming winters are no joke, and these boots keep me dry & warm. Didn’t need much “break in”. I ride in an English saddle, they fit well in stirrups.
Ovation Highlander Winter Tall Boot
A week later, we are slogging through deep mud, the ground has standing water, feels like walking on a loaded sponge,,they keep me feet and legs dry, and the tread is easy to clean.
Best Synthetic Tall Boot
Best synthetic tall boot: Mountain Horse Veganza Field Boots
The Mountain Horse Veganza Field Boots win Best Synthetic Tall Boot because they ride like a classic field boot and every material in them is vegan friendly. Mountain Horse gives them a YKK back zipper, elastic along the back of the shaft, a slim outsole made for riding and dirt repellent tread zones.
Riders tell us vegan Mountain Horse boots are easy to break in, light, grippy and thin enough to feel the horse, and that synthetic boots are easy to clean. The Equinavia Karina Synthetic Dress Boots are the $ runner-up, the dress version of Equinavia's Karina with a tapered ankle and elastic gussets. The Saxon Syntovia Tall Field Boots use grained PU that looks like leather, with a YKK zip and an EVA footbed. Read more on leather or synthetic tall boots.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Synthetic Tall Boot
Awarded to
Mountain Horse Veganza Field Boots
For easy care and vegan riders: vegan-friendly materials, a YKK back zipper and a slim riding sole.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Equinavia Karina Synthetic Dress Boots
Easy-clean synthetic dress boot with elastic gussets.
Price range $
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Saxon Syntovia Tall Field Boots
Grained PU that looks like leather, with a YKK zip.
Price range $
Shop the runner-upI absolutely love these boots! I show in Channel 1 hunter/Jumpers and I get compliments on them all of the time! I am buying a second pair just to show in, as I have worn my first pair out already. But they are easy to break-in, super comfortable, thin contact so you can feel your horse, grippy, lightweight and pretty stylish! Best part, while I am vegan, my friend is not, and she is the one who referred me to try them because she loves them so much too! I have tried so many boots (both vegan and non-vegan) and these are my favorite!
The Horze Verona boots are very sleek and pretty. I love that they are easy to clean, they appear to last, and I LOVE the interchangeable sparkle/no sparkle attachment. Good for schooling and they broke in with one ride. One thing I would change is to offer a slim option for the calf size, but they are true to size, so look at the size chart.
Best Investment Boot
Best investment boot: DeNiro Amabile Pro Field Boot
The DeNiro Amabile Pro Smooth Leather Field Boot wins Best Investment Boot because it brings Italian bootmaking to an off-the-shelf boot. DeNiro makes it in Italy from premium full-grain calfskin lined with natural buffalo leather, with front ankle lacing, a rear elastic panel that stretches up to 2 cm, a YKK 9 mm zip, double spur rests and a Vibram rubber sole that is glued and stitched. It comes in five heights, from Extra Short to Tall, each in a long run of calf widths, so riders who once needed custom boots can often buy one from the shelf. DeNiro also makes the Italo, a slimmer field boot, and the Puro dressage boot.
Riders tell us DeNiro boots fit like customs off the rack, even on a tall, slim calf, and are soft and supple straight out of the box. The LeMieux Brilliance Riding Boots are the runner-up, in full grain premium leather with elastic calf gussets, a neoprene cushion behind the knee and a diamante detail. Riders tell us their Tredsteps lasted six and even nine years, and the Mountain Horse Opus Hunter Boots pair full grain leather with Flexnotch ankle technology and a tall Spanish top. See Tredstep Donatello, Medici and Sirani compared.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Investment Boot
Awarded to
DeNiro Amabile Pro Smooth Leather Field Boot
For a boot to keep: Italian calfskin, a buffalo leather lining, a Vibram sole and five heights.
Price range $$$$
Runner-up
LeMieux Brilliance Riding Boots
Full grain leather, elastic gussets and a neoprene knee cushion.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Mountain Horse Opus Hunter Boots
Full grain leather and Flexnotch ankle technology.
Price range $$$$
Shop the runner-upDeNiro Tall Boots
Great off the rack fit - even for my tall, slim calf that is hard to fit in other off the rack brands. Soft leather - easy to break in. Nice look. Bought them for an at home boot, but they are nice enough to show in!
DeNiro Tall Boots
They are soft and supple straight out of the box and he never gets blisters or sore achilles like in other boots.
I rode in these boots for 9 years and finally had to lay them to rest today. NINE YEARS. Granted I took great care of them and tried to only wear them when riding but I'm still riding 6 horses a day! These were my first pair of tall boots ever and even after owning Palanti boots I would choose these all over again. I truly don't think I can go to another brand. Talk about getting your money's worth!
Have worn tredstep for years - original pair still going strong after 6 years and are used daily, albeit with one zip replacement. New pair are saved for best and are v smart! Only brand that I've found that caters for my tiny ankles and big feet without needing made to measure!
Best for Wide Calves
Best tall boots for wide calves: TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots
The TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots win Best for Wide Calves because TuffRider cuts them with a wider calf from the start, not as an afterthought. They have a leather upper, a mesh lining, a Spanish top, a back zipper with a snap closure, a contoured ankle with fixed elastic laces and a memory foam footbed.
Riders tell us these are the only boots that come wide enough in their shoe size, and that they are comfortable and amazing for the price. The TuffRider Plus Rider Dress Boots are the dress boot version, with the same wider calf and an elastic gusset. Shires Moretta and Mountain Horse also cut wide and extra wide calves, including our Best Overall winner. Read more on stock tall boots for wide calves.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for Wide Calves
Awarded to
TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots
For fuller calves: a wider calf cut from the start, a leather upper and a memory foam footbed.
Price range $$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
TuffRider Plus Rider Dress Boots
The dress boot version with the same wider calf.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upTuffRider Plus Rider Dress Boots
I love these boots! They hold up really well and fit my wide calves. These are the only boots that come wide enough in my shoe size without having to spend big bucks. This will be my 3rd pair in the last 5 years. I'm really hard on boots, so for me 2.5 years per pair is great. My only complaint would be the zippers should be of better quality, more durable.
Great boots all around especially for larger calves. It’s hard to find boots at a good price point that is high quality and fits larger sizes and we’re so happy we found these. These are the third pair we’ve had and we keep coming back because they are comfortable and amazing for the price.
I walked out with a size 7 wide calf that felt damn near custom.
Shires Moretta Pamina Country Boots
★★★★★
These are the best fitting boots for my large calves that I have ever purchased. No boots ever fit me and these fit like a glove. I am extremely happy with my purchase.
Best for Short Riders
Best tall boots for short riders: Mountain Horse Sovereign
The Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot wins Best for Short Riders because Mountain Horse makes it in short heights, with Prolaze-Flexnotch Technology for a more comfortable heels-down position. It has a full-length YKK Vislon zipper with a snap keeper, hidden elastic beside the zipper, a premium leather lining, a Spanish cut top and nine sets of eyelets with fixed elastic lacing.
One 5'3" rider tells us the Mountain Horse short height runs shorter than comparable brands, which makes it a good place for shorter riders to start. The Mountain Horse Active Winter Rider Shorter Height Tall Boot brings the same thinking to winter, with a side-fitted zipper, faux fur lining and a waterproof foot. The Horze Rover Field Boots are the $ runner-up, with elastic laces and a YKK back zipper, and one rider tells us her last pair lasted about five years of everyday lessons. See Sovereign, Veganza and Snowy River compared.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for Short Riders
Awarded to
Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot
For shorter legs: short heights, Prolaze-Flexnotch ankles and a full-length YKK zipper.
Price range $$$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Mountain Horse Active Winter Rider Shorter Height Tall Boot
Short height for winter, with a faux fur lining.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-up
I recommend trying these boots on if you are around my height (5’3″) since the short height is shorter than other comparable brands (great for us shorter gals!), but if you are on the cusp, you may want to size up to the regular height.
When I first set eyes on the Sovereign Field boot online, I knew I had to have them as my new schooling boot. I had an old pair of Ariat Heritage boots that were in good condition, but were becoming worn down. Having had noticed the newer heritage boots were not up to the same quality, I wanted to look at other options, and the unique brown/dark brown coloration of these boots were too nice to pass up!
★★★★★
Have been a blessing, had these in the past and they lasted about 5 years for everyday/lesson use. Tried to go with a different brand for about a year but ended up coming back to these. Super reliable and took about 5-6 rides to break in.
★★★★★
I was really happy with the quality considering the price. Look great and look and feel just like Ariat boots. The boot is perfect and even the stiff bottom allows you to bend your heel, I would 100% buy again.
Best for Tall Riders
Best tall boots for tall riders: Shires Moretta Ortona Field Boots
The Shires Moretta Ortona Field Boots win Best for Tall Riders because Shires makes them in tall heights with a long, slim field boot line. They have cow leather uppers, a stay dry lining, leather inner trim, a stretch mock lace ankle, an UltraFit leg panel and a YKK zipper.
One 5'9" rider tells us her Shires boots fit perfectly when few boots fit tall, slim women, and another with small calves and long legs found her fit in Tredstep XSlim and Tall. The Tredstep Medici II Field Boot is the runner-up, in calfskin with a curved anatomical calf fit and a European toe profile, offered in tall heights. Check the Shires Moretta boot sizing guide before you order.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for Tall Riders
Awarded to
Shires Moretta Ortona Field Boots
For long legs: tall heights, a stretch mock lace ankle and an UltraFit leg panel.
Price range $$
Shop the winner
Shires Moretta Constantina Boot
★★★★★
Amazing fit! I am 5”9 and thought these may be too short, but they fit perfectly, there are not many large boots out there for slim women and these just tick every box. Delivery was very fast with no issues.
I have always struggled to find the perfect pair of tall boots. As a rider with small calves and long legs, all of my past boots have either been too big or too small; but these ones are perfect! I followed the size chart and ordered a XSlim and Tall, and these boots could not fit better. They do take a little bit of time to break in and are quite stiff when they arrive, but it is not too bad. Definitely recommend to anyone, especially those who have had the same problems I have had with past tall boots!
Best for Slim Calves
Best tall boots for slim calves: Tredstep Sirani Dress Boots
The Tredstep Sirani Dress Boots win Best for Slim Calves because Tredstep cuts the Sirani in slim and extra slim calf options, so a slim leg gets a close line without gaping. They are made from soft premium calfskin with a glove leather lining, flexible inserts, a YKK back zipper, a comfort top closure, two spur rests and a Coolmax foot lining.
Riders with slim calves tell us a boot cut slim is often the only one that fits, and that it fits like a glove. The Equinavia Kassi Sport Tall Boots are the runner-up, a dress boot in full grain leather with a synthetic inner calf, an offset YKK side zipper and an elastic stretch panel along the back. Check the Tredstep tall boot sizing guide before you order. Shires Moretta and Mountain Horse also cut extra slim calves.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for Slim Calves
Awarded to
For slim calves: slim and extra slim calf options in soft calfskin with a glove leather lining.
Price range $$$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Equinavia Kassi Sport Tall Boots
Full grain leather with an offset side zipper.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upI have small feet and lanky legs. These in the slim fit are perfect. I'm on my 4th pair of tredsteps and am never going back. I love these boots. They break in so easy, and fit like a glove. They look classy and don't break the bank.
★★★★★
Beautiful boot, great price! My girls are smaller, shorter & thin so finding boots is not easy! These boots are the ONLY boots that fit their thin calves. Gorgeous boots!
Best for the Money
Best tall boots for the money: TuffRider Starter Back Zip Field Boots
The TuffRider Starter Back Zip Field Boots win Best for the Money because they give a first-time rider a real field boot at the $ end of our key. TuffRider makes them in water resistant synthetic leather with a Spanish top, a back zipper with a snap closure, flex construction, a contoured ankle with fixed elastic laces and a memory foam footbed.
One rider tells us she loved her TuffRider boots for the price, with minimal break-in and a look that works for schooling and local shows. The Equistar All Weather Synthetic Field Boot is the runner-up, with a very narrow leg profile, twin spur rests and a Dry-Tex lining, and one rider tells us it is a very good everyday boot for the price. The TuffRider Baroque Field Boots step up to a leather upper at the $$$ point.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best for the Money
Awarded to
TuffRider Starter Back Zip Field Boots in Synthetic Leather
For a first or schooling pair: water resistant synthetic leather, flex construction and a memory foam footbed.
Price range $
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Equistar All Weather Synthetic Field Boot
Narrow leg profile, twin spur rests and a Dry-Tex lining.
Price range $
Shop the runner-up
I loved these boots for the price! While the leather was grainy because it was synthetic, the boots fit and felt great. Minimal break in time and a great look for schooling or local shows!
This is a boot I use for everyday casual riding. It is my second pair that I've ordered and it is a very good casual Boot for the price
Best Men's Tall Boot
Best men's tall boots: Equinavia Men's Filip Leather Field Boots
The Equinavia Men's Filip Leather Field Boots win Best Men's Tall Boot because Equinavia builds them as a traditional men's leather field boot with a fit that suits the show ring. They have a smooth leather outer leg, a textured leather inner leg, a tapered ankle, elastic inserts beside the zipper for a custom-like fit, a PU footbed with arch support and a heavy-duty YKK zipper with guard.
The TuffRider Men's Baroque Field Boots are the runner-up, with a leather upper, a Spanish top and a contoured ankle with fixed elastic laces. For winter, the Mountain Horse Men's Active Winter Rider Tall Boot has a side-fitted YKK zipper, a faux fur lining and a waterproof foot up to the start of the zipper.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Men's Tall Boot
Awarded to
Equinavia Men's Filip Leather Field Boots
For men who show: smooth and textured leather, a tapered ankle and elastic inserts beside the zipper.
Price range $$$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
TuffRider Men's Baroque Field Boots
Leather upper, Spanish top and elastic laces.
Price range $$$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Mountain Horse Men's Active Winter Rider Tall Boot
Faux fur lining and a side-fitted YKK zipper for winter.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upShop Men's Tall Boots
Field, dress and winter boots cut for men
- Mountain Horse Men's Active Winter Rider Tall Boot - Black
TuffRider Men's Starter Field Boots - Black
Mountain Horse Men's Rimfrost III Winter Tall Boot - Black
TuffRider Men's Lexington Waterproof Tall Country Boots - Chocolate/Fawn
TuffRider Men's Starter Field Boots - Mocha
TuffRider Men's Baroque Dress Boots - Black
Best Kids' Tall Boot
Best kids' tall boots: Shires Moretta Kids' Gianna Field Boots
The Shires Moretta Kids' Gianna Field Boots win Best Kids' Tall Boot because they bring our Best Overall winner to junior riders. They have stretch panels behind mock laces, a back zipper, an ActiveFlex insole and rubber soles over steel shanks, smart enough for the show ring.
The LeMieux Kids' Junior Field Riding Boots are the runner-up, with a premium leather upper, an elastic calf gusset, a neoprene cushion behind the knee and traditional ankle lacing. The Horze Kids' Rover Tall Field Boots have elastic laces and a YKK back zipper at the $ end of our key, and one parent tells us they reorder them each time her daughter outgrows a pair.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Kids' Tall Boot
Awarded to
Shires Moretta Kids' Gianna Field Boots
For junior riders: our Best Overall boot in kids' sizes, with stretch panels and a back zipper.
Price range $$
Shop the winnerRunner-up
LeMieux Kids' Junior Field Riding Boots
Premium leather, an elastic calf gusset and ankle lacing.
Price range $$
Shop the runner-upRunner-up
Horze Kids' Rover Tall Field Boots
Elastic laces and a YKK back zipper.
Price range $
Shop the runner-upShop Kids' Tall Boots
First boots and show boots for young riders
Ovation Kids' Sofia Field Boot - Black- Shires Moretta Kids' Gianna Field Boots - Black
TuffRider Kids' Starter Back Zip Field Boots in Synthetic Leather - Black
Mountain Horse Kids' Veganza Youth Field Boots - Black
TuffRider Kids' ProMold EquiRider Junior Tall Boots - Black
LeMieux Kids' Junior Field Riding Boots - Black
Horze Kids' Rover Tall Field Boots
★★★★★
These are my daughter's default riding boots. We've ordered them several times. Each time she outgrows them, we get them again! They last a full season of nearly daily wear and sometimes multiple horses a day.
Horze Kids' Rover Tall Field Boots
★★★★★
The boots were for my granddaughter who had been wearing a size 1. She’s very petit b and it was very difficult to find a boot that fit her properly. We went from a size 1 to a size 3 and they fit perfectly with room to grow.She is very happy with these boots.
Best Kids' First Boots
Best first tall boots for kids: TuffRider Kids' Starter Back Zip Field Boots
The TuffRider Kids' Starter Back Zip Field Boots win Best Kids' First Boots because they are easy to wear, easy to clean and kind to a budget that has to keep up with growing feet. They share the women's Starter build: water resistant synthetic leather, a Spanish top, a back zipper with a snap closure, a contoured ankle and a memory foam footbed.
One parent tells us her 12-year-old wears her TuffRider boots for lessons every day and wore them at a recent horse show. The Horze Kids' Chester Rubber Tall Dress Boots are the runner-up, a rubber tall boot with a sturdy heel and sole that wipes clean, a practical first pair for young riders.
The 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Best Kids' First Boots
Awarded to
TuffRider Kids' Starter Back Zip Field Boots in Synthetic Leather
For growing feet: water resistant synthetic leather, a back zipper and a memory foam footbed.
Price range $
Shop the winnerRunner-up
Horze Kids' Chester Rubber Tall Dress Boots
A rubber tall boot that wipes clean.
Price range $
Shop the runner-upPerfect boots for my daughter! She is 12 and wears a size 7 regular tennis shoe, and I bought her a size 7 in these boots and they fit perfect! She has worn them for riding lessons everyday and in a recent horse show! Super comfortable and not stiff! She absolutely loves them!!
Admittedly, it’s hard to choose the right boots for kids when you’re shopping for one season and you know your kiddo likely will have outgrown the boots by the next year. That said, frozen toes = miserable rider. So I think it’s incredibly worthwhile to invest in a good pair of all-weather boots — and it’s doubly important to make sure they’re waterproof (wet toes = toes freezing even faster = VERY miserable child). Boots like these TuffRider Children’s Lexington Waterproof Tall Country Boots work well because they help keep feet warm, but they still have the correct sole and heel to make them safe to wear while riding.
All 17 Winners
The 2026 tall boot winners compared side by side
Here are all 17 winners of the 2026 Tall Boots Awards in one table, with the build of each boot and the rider it suits best. Use the price key to compare: $ is the most affordable of this year's picks and $$$$ the premium end.
| Award | Winner | Build | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots | Leather field boot, back zip | One pair for lessons and local shows | $$ |
| Best Field Boot | Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots | Leather field boot, tapered ankle | Hunters, jumpers and eventing | $$$ |
| Best Dress Boot | Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots | Leather dress boot, plain front | Dressage and a clean show-ring look | $$ |
| Best for Dressage | Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot | Leather dressage boot, laced instep | A long, still leg in the dressage ring | $$$$ |
| Best Winter Tall Boot | Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Tall Boot | Waterproof leather, lined | Riding through cold and snow | $$$$ |
| Best Country Tall Boot | Dublin River Boots IV | Waterproof leather, pull-on | Barn work, hacking and the trail | $$ |
| Best Waterproof Riding Boot | Shires Moretta Voltana Tall XGRIP Boots | Waterproof leather field boot | Wet rings, dewy grass and mud | $$ |
| Best Synthetic Tall Boot | Mountain Horse Veganza Field Boots | Vegan synthetic, back zip | Easy-care schooling and vegan riders | $$ |
| Best Investment Boot | DeNiro Amabile Pro Smooth Leather Field Boot | Italian calfskin field boot | A boot to keep for years | $$$$ |
| Best for Wide Calves | TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots | Leather field boot, plus calf | Fuller calves | $$$ |
| Best for Short Riders | Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot | Leather field boot, short heights | Shorter legs | $$$$ |
| Best for Tall Riders | Shires Moretta Ortona Field Boots | Leather field boot, tall heights | Long legs | $$ |
| Best for Slim Calves | Tredstep Sirani Dress Boots | Calfskin dress boot, slim calf options | Slim calves and ankles | $$$$ |
| Best for the Money | TuffRider Starter Back Zip Field Boots in Synthetic Leather | Synthetic field boot, back zip | A first pair or a schooling pair | $ |
| Best Men's Tall Boot | Equinavia Men's Filip Leather Field Boots | Leather field boot | Men schooling and showing | $$$ |
| Best Kids' Tall Boot | Shires Moretta Kids' Gianna Field Boots | Leather field boot | Juniors in the show ring | $$ |
| Best Kids' First Boots | TuffRider Kids' Starter Back Zip Field Boots in Synthetic Leather | Synthetic field boot, back zip | Lessons and growing feet | $ |
Field, Dress or Dressage
Field boots vs dress boots vs dressage boots: what is the difference?
Field boots lace at the instep, dress boots have a plain front, and dressage boots are dress boots built taller and stiffer. Field boots are the default in the hunter, jumper, equitation and eventing rings because the laced ankle flexes in a short stirrup; dress and dressage boots give the long, smooth leg the dressage ring rewards.
Many riders school in a field boot and show in whichever boot their ring expects. Our Best Field Boot is the Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots, our Best Dress Boot is the Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots and our Best for Dressage is the Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot. For more, read field boots or dress boots.
| Compare | Field boot | Dress boot | Dressage boot |
|---|---|---|---|
| The front | Laces at the instep | Plain, smooth front | Plain front, often a taller Spanish top |
| The ankle | Flexes for a shorter stirrup | Firmer than a field boot | Firm, to hold a long, still leg |
| Where it is the default | Hunters, jumpers, equitation and eventing | Dressage and many show rings | The dressage ring |
| Our 2026 winner | Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots | Shires Moretta Lanciano Leather Riding Boots | Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot |
Leather or Synthetic
Leather vs synthetic tall boots: which one fits how you ride?
Leather tall boots soften and mold to your leg as you ride, and synthetic tall boots fit close from the first day and wipe clean. Leather is the choice for showing and for a boot you plan to keep for years; synthetic suits schooling, growing kids and vegan riders.
Synthetic boots need little or no break-in, and leather boots reward care with years of use. Clean and condition leather boots regularly, and store both with boot trees or shapers so they keep their shape.
| Compare | Leather | Synthetic |
|---|---|---|
| Fit over time | Softens and molds to your leg as you ride | Stays close to how it fit the first day |
| Break-in | Takes a few rides to feel right | Little or none |
| Care | Clean and condition to keep it supple | Wipe clean with a damp cloth |
| Feel in the saddle | Close contact once broken in | Light and flexible |
| Riders choose it for | Showing and boots meant to last | Schooling, growing kids and vegan riders |
| Our 2026 winner | Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots | Mountain Horse Veganza Field Boots |
Brands Compared
Tall boot brands compared: heights and calf widths by brand
Tall boot brands differ most in how many heights and calf widths they offer. Tredstep and DeNiro offer the widest spread of fit options, Shires Moretta and Mountain Horse cut short to tall heights with slim to extra wide calves, and TuffRider covers everything from synthetic starters to leather show boots. This table lines up the brands we carry with their 2026 awards.
| Brand | Known for | Heights | Calf widths | 2026 awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shires Moretta | Leather field and dress boots in many sizes | Short, Regular, Tall | X Slim to X Wide | Overall, Dress, Waterproof, Tall, Kids |
| Mountain Horse | Field, dressage and winter riding boots | Short, Regular, Tall | X Slim to X Wide | Dressage, Winter, Synthetic, Short |
| Tredstep | Fit options from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus | Short, Regular, Tall, X Tall | XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus | Slim; runner-up: Overall, Tall |
| LeMieux | Field and dress boots with elastic gussets | Short, Regular, Tall | X Slim to Full | Runner-up: Overall, Field, Investment, Kids |
| TuffRider | Leather and synthetic boots for every budget | Short, Regular, X Tall | X Slim to X Wide | Wide, Money, Kids First |
| Equinavia | Field, dress and country boots for men and women | Regular | Slim to Wide | Field, Men's; runner-up: Waterproof, Synthetic, Slim |
| Ovation | Winter tall boots and Moorland country boots | Short, Regular, Tall | Slim to XX Wide | Runner-up: Winter, Country |
| Dublin | Waterproof country tall boots | Regular, Tall | Slim to Wide | Country |
| DeNiro | Italian calfskin boots in five heights | Extra Short to Tall | Many calf widths per height | Investment |
How They Should Fit
How should new tall boots fit on day one?
New tall boots should feel snug: a little hard to zip over your breeches, close at the ankle and high at the back of the knee. Leather boots drop as they break in, so a new pair should reach higher behind the knee than you want it to end up.
Measure your calf at its widest point and your height from the floor to the back of the knee, sitting with your knee bent, and compare both to the maker's chart. The table shows what a good fit feels like on day one, area by area, and the warning signs to watch for. For more, read how new tall boots should fit.
| Area | What right feels like on day one | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Calf | Snug, and a little hard to zip over your riding breeches | Will not zip even with effort, or zips with no effort at all |
| Ankle | Close, with no gaping | A baggy ankle that gapes, or a crease that hurts when you ride |
| Height | A little tall behind the knee, because leather boots drop as they break in | The top edge digs into the back of your knee when you sit and bend your knee |
| Foot | Room to move your toes, with the heel staying put | Your heel lifts as you walk, or your toes are pinched |
How to Choose
How to choose tall boots: start with the ride you do most
The fastest way to choose tall boots is to start with the ride you do most, then match the style, material and fit to your leg. Use this table to find your starting pair among the 2026 winners.
| If you… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Ride hunters, jumpers or eventing | Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots | A tapered field boot ankle for a short stirrup |
| Ride dressage | Mountain Horse Serenade Dressage Boot | A tall, firm leg for a long stirrup |
| Show and school in one pair | Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots | Many heights and calf widths, smart enough to show in |
| Ride through a cold winter | Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Tall Boot | Waterproof and lined for cold rides |
| Do barn work and trail rides | Dublin River Boots IV | Waterproof leather you can step into and go |
| Have wide calves | TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots | Cut for a fuller calf |
| Have a short leg | Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot | Comes in short heights |
| Are buying a first pair | TuffRider Starter Back Zip Field Boots | Easy-care synthetic at the $ end of our key |
Our Method
How we picked the 2026 Tall Boots Awards
Every 2026 Tall Boots Award winner had to earn its place three ways: what riders say about it in their reviews, how often our customers come back for it, and a build that does the award's job, from the closure and the lining to the height and the calf.
We read reviews from riders across the brands we carry, weighed each boot's build from the maker's own specifications, and favored styles cut across a full run of sizes, heights and calf widths so most riders can wear the winner. Runners-up are the boots that came closest, often at a different price point or for a slightly different rider. DeNiro, our Best Investment Boot, is new to Tack of the Day for 2026.
Riders' fit, comfort and durability experiences on this page are their own words. Specifications come from the makers. Prices are shown as a relative key, from $ for the most affordable of this year's picks to $$$$ for the premium end.
What riders say about this year’s tall boot winners
Riders tell us fit, comfort and boots that last decide it. These four reviews come from riders who wear this year's award-winning brands.
Finding tall boots that fit can at times be tricky for me, but these boots fit me wonderfully (as a wider calfed girlie) and have been comfortable from Day 1. The break in time was extremely minimal, and I was a full-blown fan after my first ride in them. From their good looks, great fit, and comfort, I couldn't be happier with these boots. The zipper also has been very easy to zip up and down for me, so no complaints on that front from me either. All in all, these are probably my favorite pair of tall boots I've owned.
These are THE BEST pair of tall boots I have ever owned. High-quality, great price, and no break-in time. Also GORGEOUS. 15/10 rating!
I had Ariats for years but I was becoming less impressed with the quality. I've just checked my emails and it looks like I bought my first Shires pair in September 2023, they have been abused and are still trooping on and on. P.S I don't wear them in proper mud (I use wellies too) but they've certainly coped with coming across muddy patches out walking or in fields in non-winter months after a bit of rain
Second Tredstep - they are well made and blissfully comfy! Ariats are good but always seem to crack over my toes - Tredsteps just don't seem to do that.
Tall Boots Awards FAQ
What are the best tall riding boots of 2026?
The Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots are our Best Overall for 2026, because they come in short, regular and tall heights with slim to extra wide calves, so one style fits a wide range of legs. The Equinavia Karolina Leather Field Boots win Best Field Boot, the Shires Moretta Lanciano wins Best Dress Boot, the Mountain Horse Serenade wins Best for Dressage, and the DeNiro Amabile Pro wins Best Investment Boot. All 17 winners are compared in the table above.
Should I buy field boots or dress boots?
Buy field boots for hunters, jumpers, equitation and eventing, because the laced instep lets your ankle flex in a shorter stirrup. Buy dress or dressage boots for dressage and a clean show-ring line, because the plain front and taller, firmer leg suit a long stirrup. Many riders school in field boots and show in whichever style their ring expects.
What are the best tall boots for wide calves?
The TuffRider Plus Rider Field Boots win Best for Wide Calves for 2026, because TuffRider cuts them with a wider calf from the start. The TuffRider Plus Rider Dress Boots are the dress version. Shires Moretta, Mountain Horse and Ovation also cut wide and extra wide calves, including the Shires Moretta Gianna, our Best Overall.
How should new tall boots fit?
New tall boots should be snug through the calf and a little hard to zip over your breeches, close at the ankle and high behind the knee. Leather boots drop as they break in, so a new pair should reach higher than you want it to end up. Measure your calf at its widest point and your height from the floor to the back of the knee, then check the maker's size chart.
Are leather tall boots worth it over synthetic?
Leather tall boots are worth it if you show or want a boot that molds to your leg and lasts for years with care. Synthetic tall boots are worth it for schooling, growing kids and vegan riders, because they need little break-in and wipe clean. Our Best Overall, the Shires Moretta Gianna, is leather, and our Best Synthetic Tall Boot is the Mountain Horse Veganza.