Field vs. Dress Boots

[ChampionMercedes]

I was curious how faux pas it would be to have field boots in the dressage ring instead of dress boots. I have an ankle injury that causes my ankle to now be extremely swollen all the time and regardless of the two surgeries I've had this year it does not seem to be getting much smaller. I am coming over from hunterland and really want to do everything right in the transition over to dressage. Unfortunately the dress boots I have tried on are very tight and constricting to my ankle and make it almost impossible for me to walk. With field boots I can at least loosen the laces and have some relief. Ultimately the most pain free option is my paddock boots w/ half chaps but I would't want to go in the show ring like that even with permission. I do want to have a polished look and don't want to stand out in a negative way.

I'm only planning to show Intro/Training this summer. Would it be really bad to have field boots? Or should I keep searching for a dress boot that fits the ankle better?

[Renae]

If your field boots fit you, are nice quality, and are cleaned and polished most people won't even notice and the judge certainly will not care.

[lizathenag]

field boots are fine. mine even have <<horrors>> zippers due to my once shattered ankle.

go and have fun.

[flshgordon]

Field boots are completely acceptable. That's all I show in (hunters & dressage). Just make sure they are clean and polished and no one will even notice

[CDNJumperGirl]

I showed provincial Training in my Ariat Field Boots last year as I was just transitioning over to dressage and was saving $$$, this year I have Cavallo dressage boots as I will be showing the big rated shows. I never got any comments on the boots- they were always polished and clean. The other thing I did was I tucked the 'bows' into the lacing of my boots so that they weren't flapping around (if my explanation makes sense), that might help. I saw plenty of riders at the provincial shows in Intro/Training riding in feild boots, not so many at the big rated shows. Sounds like feild boots are your most comfortable option, good luck in the ring!

[elmerandharriet]

i have bad ankles and i use field boots

[Speedy]

I use field boots with zips - they are really common, you shouldn't stand out at all.

[rothmpp]

I'd only suggest that you take the time to tuck the laces in once they are on to clean up the look of the boots.

[STF]

Dressage Extensions has a pair of dress boots with zips that are actually decent leather for $200.
I also have a bad ankle that is hard to get on regular boots. I have to wear zip boots. I think at the lower levels that field boots are fine as long as its a clean apperance, but after 2nd I would get some dress boots for sure.

[Romany]

The better European dress boots often have fairly generous ankles, eg my Cavallos - they look normal, and I love them, but the ankles are PLENTY big enough to wiggle my gimped-up feet through.

I find that many dress boots with pre-market zippers are way too tight in the ankle, fwiw - they've sacrificed practicality and comfort for a slim "look."

[CLB15]

I've known people who have shown in nothing but field boots (given, it was only through 3rd/4th level, but I'm sure if they'd continued UP the levels they wouldn't have felt the need to change their boots because of it). BUT, I've been told & have seen that "dress" boots are ususally "softer"... similar to field boots except without the laces, where as "dressage" boots are usually [fully] lined & have shafts. Field, dress, and dressage boots can all come with zippers or have them added, so I suppose if you wanted the look of a dressage boot with the feel of a field boot, you could go with a dress boot (assuming there is enough room in the ankle that you aren't riding in pain).

[iroquois]

I show not only in FEI, but in the Trials, in my Polo boots - no one notices or cares!!! As long as they are black, you are within the rules to wear whatever tall boots you want.

[Valentina_32926]

I've shown up to 2nd level in field boots and NEVER had anyone say a thing about it. AT lower levels is isn't an issue - and while not recommended for upper levels it isn't against the rules so who cares?

[Jump14]

It has been my experience that laces have not had that much of an affect compared to dress boots.

[petitefilly]

Another vote for keeping the field boots. :) I had dress boots for years and had to buy a pair of Ariat field boots at a tack store going out of business. BEST thing I ever did. I love my field boots, they are so much easier to get in and out of. I LUV them. No one needs fancy dress boots with a high$$$, be comfortable unless you have dreams of going head to head with Anky. :):):):):):):):):)