Following my recent return to riding and with my ancient Jodhpur boots well past their retirement date, I needed a replacement suitable for novice hacks and lessons. The fit was perfect and the price was right, so I chose a pair of Brogini paddock Boots. Read on for my review.
Brogini Tivoli Leather Paddock Boots RRP £55
Every time I’ve been away for a weekend this year, either camping or glamping, I’ve found a local stable and taken the opportunity to go for a hack. Not only is hacking a great way to explore the local area, but it also gets you that bit closer to nature, and honestly, I’m loving it.
Rekindling my love for riding has also meant I needed to overhaul (and add to) my riding gear – including replacing old jods that were now 3 sizes too big and an ancient pair of Jodhpur boots that had never really fitted me well.
I’m not sure if it’s a bit of the ’tism combined with the rampant dysregulation of perimenopause, but I’ve found that the immense amount of processing I’m doing whilst riding, means that my busy brain feels calm, something few other activities can achieve.
Whilst by no means a regular rider, riding 2-3 times a month and given their age and poor fit, I felt justified in investing in some new boots. Essentially, what I wanted in a riding boot was comfort in and out of the saddle, but without a horse of my own and no yard duties, versatile boots that pull double duty weren’t required, so I quickly ruled out country boots.
Having tried on my sister’s long riding boots, I loved them, but felt that with such infrequent riding, I couldn’t quite justify the investment, so based on price alone, I eventually decided to choose paddock boots.
My old Jodhpur boots, with their classic elasticated sides, had a relatively smooth sole which never felt entirely practical out of the saddle. Paddock boots are typically a little chunkier (an aesthetic I prefer) and they have a grippier sole along with a front zip or laces, so that’s what I opted for.
I suspect that if I progress to sharing a horse, I might invest in long riding boots, but with no intention of ever competing (I’m the least competitive person you’ll ever meet, I’m strictly a vibes-only rider), for now, entry-level paddock boots are absolutely all I really need.
For the past few years I’ve avoided wearing any footwear that doesn’t naturally follow the shape of a human foot. Riding boots for the most part still retain that classic tapered point shape, a shape that isn’t particularly natural and as such every pair I tried on felt immediately less comfortable than the trainers and natural toe box shoes I typically wear.
That said, after trying on several options at my local equine shop, the Brogini Tivoli Leather Paddock Boots (first generation, without the heel pull) fit me well and felt relatively comfortable right away. Given they are leather, I’m sure they will give and soften further, making them even more comfortable over time. I pair them with half chaps for a long boot feel and protection at a fraction of the price of long boots.
Whilst I like the aesthetic of laced riding boots, I’m only interested in things that minimise faff, and given I already have to faff around with half chaps, I didn’t want to add to the tedium by having to tie laces up too.
I recently wore these boots for a Snowdonia hack and was wet through to my underwear; my boots at least kept my feet dry and warm! Likewise, on a beach hack on Mull a couple of weeks later, which was wet and chilly and required a muddy field walk, my boots coped brilliantly. I cleaned them with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, dried them, and applied some Dr Martens Wonder Balsam wax. Good as new
With their front zip and elasticated sides, together with brogue styling, these boots provide the best of both worlds in my opinion and with a full leather upper and a chunky and rubber sole, I’m pleased with my purchase.
The design of this boot was updated to include a heel pull tab to make them easier to get on and off. I don’t have an issue getting my foot in and out however, but for those with a wider foot, the addition of the pull tab may be welcome.
As a novice riding infrequently, I just don’t need anything too flashy or feature-packed and these are capable boots that do exactly what I need them to do. They are comfortable enough to wear whilst driving, and post-hack or lesson, out and about if I don’t have time (or can’t be bothered) to change. I’m sure I’ll have many more years of happy hacking and lessons ahead of me wearing them.
DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased. This review is not part of a brand collaboration.
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