Riding boot

Field boots: so called because they were traditionally worn by officers ranked "field grade" or higher,[citation needed] have lacing at the vamp, which allows for some give so the rider is more comfortable riding with the highly flexed ankle that develops from the shorter stirrup length required for work over fences.

They are sometimes combined with half chaps, a type of gaiter also known as chapettes, for added protection or to give the visual impression of a tall boot.

They are part of the required attire in Australian Stock Horse turnout competitions and for Pony Club riding.

Heavier versions, such as Blundstone boots, are made for general work and gardening but are not suitable for riding owing to their heavy, deep-grooved soles.

Brown tall boots (field or dress) were somewhat more common before World War II, when the English riding habit lost popularity outside of formal and/or horse show events.

The U.S. Army, whose officers had worn high brown boots in World War I, abandoned the practice by the late 1930s.

The lowest is the "roper" style that stops just a bit above the ankle, about an inch or so higher than the English paddock boot.

The most classic length is the mid-calf height that keeps the fenders of a western saddle from chafing the ankle and calf of the rider.

However, the uppers of more expensive designs may be made of leather obtained from somewhat exotic creatures, including alligator, ostrich and snakeskin.