Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Wide-footed rider

From: Christine

Dear Jessica, your HorseSense is the most wonderful resource in the horse world. I don't know anywhere else that offers so much good information on so many different subjects -- and you do it all for free! You're awesome. My question is about finding riding boots and shoes for a wide-footed rider (me). I wear a size 7 1/2 and I can wear a size 8 if I wear insoles and extra-thick socks, but my feet are REALLY wide, like DD. Can you help me find some riding boots or shoes that won't hurt? I've just about given up on tall boots, which is okay, because I don't show anyway. But I would love to find some short boots or paddock boots or even Western boots that are wide enough for me to ride in without my feet going to sleep, and that I might be able to walk in. I can longe my horses okay, but I really enjoy long-lining them and I can't do that now because it's just too much walking and my feet hurt. Do you have any ideas for me? Will I have to spring for custom boots???

Thank you so much, Christine

Hi Christine -- yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. I've always said that I can spend the day shopping for shoes or boots, and even the best-fitting ones aren't comfortable, I'd do better to leave the shoes in the store and just wear the boxes instead! ;-) It's a common problem among wide-footed riders.

Custom boots are the best option, of course. With good custom boots, you can have wide feet, straight toes, and a high instep -- and still get a comfortable fit. But custom boots are very costly, so it's better to try all the other options first.

Paddock boots: I find that the Ariat Mentors are wide enough to accomodate a C and sometimes a D width foot, and that Blundstones are designed with quite a wide foot, so that someone with a D can be very comfortable and someone with a DD would probably be very comfortable too.

Riding Sneakers: Miller's has lovely "Heels Down" riding sneakers that are quite wide; too wide in fact for many people with narrow feet! Several of my students find that the width of the Heels Down riding sneakers will allow them to ride AND longe AND long-line in comfort.

Western boots: If I were you, I'd try the Ariats, and I might also try some Justins (there are also some good paddock boots made by Justin).

One possible solution is to look for your boots and shoes in the men's department; the men's models are typically made for much wider feet. Try something that's a couple of sizes smaller than your size in women's boots -- maybe a 5 or a 5 1/2, or do what I do and carry one of your shoes that DOES fit, so that you can compare it to the various sizes and styles.

The proliferation of half-chaps has gone a long way toward solving the problems of riders who couldn't find boots to accomodate large calves; perhaps the next step will be to make wider boots and shoes for riders with wide feet! If you let your favourite companies know what you need, they may listen.

Good luck!

Jessica

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