If you engage in the sport of polo, or simply spend time riding on a horse, then at some point you have probably bought a pair or two of polo boots, or have considered what type of polo boot is best to purchase.   The style of polo boots that any rider chooses is dependent in part on their own personal preferences, but there are a few basic similarities between most types of polo riding boots.

Basic features of polo boots:

Most polo boots are constructed from leather, typically brown leather (although you can also find black polo boots for sale), and are intended to rise to the upper calf and stop just below the knee.  The boots protect the rider’s legs from getting hit by a polo ball or stick that may come into contact with the leg as the player is riding by.  The boots also provide support for the legs as they rest against the side of the horse during competition.  For that reason, the leather along the leg is typically stiff or padded to offer protection, while the leather around the foot is more flexible to provide ease of movement.  Polo boots can have spurs attached to them, and they often sport buckles, straps, and zippers.

Styles of polo boots:

Whether you are looking for polo boots for men, women, girls or boys, you can usually find a decent selection to choose from.  There is not a great deal of difference between mens polo boots and womens polo boots when it comes to style (and the same is true for boys polo boots and girls polo boots), so the main difference is usually in the sizing.  Whether for men or women, boys or girls, the boots ride high up on the calf, are made from brown or black leather, usually have leather soles, and may have zippers, straps, buckles, velcro closures, or laces.  Many styles have a moisture wicking inner layer to keep the feet dry and comfortable during play.  Some variations in style may be evident depending on whether you are looking for boots for competitive polo play, or are interested in show boots, jumping boots, dress boots, race boots, endurance boots, or simply a sporty pair of equestrian riding boots.

Breaking in polo boots for comfort:

Since polo boots are constructed from leather and completely encompass the foot and lower leg, they often need some time to break in so that they feel comfortable when worn for extended periods of time.  To break in new polo boots, use a small amount of saddle soap or a leather softener to gently soften the leather as it conforms to the shape of your foot and leg.  The boots should be worn initially for short periods of time until they are broken in and feel comfortable.  If you invest in a pair of quality boots rather than cheap polo boots, the leather is usually more supple and softer, will be more comfortable to wear, and will break in quicker.  And since polo boots are made to last, you will be making a good investment in the comfort of your feet and legs.

Where to buy polo boots:

When you are looking to buy boots specifically for the sport of polo, you are best off looking for a company that sells polo equipment and clothing, or other equestrian related equipment.  They can usually provide advice on the best features of polo boots, depending on your size, how often you play, how often you wear the boots and other factors.  You can find these companies online and some may have catalogs they can send you as well.  Shopping online also makes it easy for you to compare prices of polo boots from different companies and stores, so that you get the best quality boot at the best price.

One point to keep in mind, however, is that if you are looking to buy polo boots online and do a search for the term “polo boots”, you are most likely to come up with companies or stores that sell a variety of boot styles offered by Ralph Lauren.  While these “polo” boots are beautiful, they may not be what you are looking for.  Instead, you are best off doing a search for “polo riding boots”, “riding boots for polo”, or simply “equestrian boots”.  By searching on these terms, you are much more likely to find what you are looking for.