Jockey Boots vs Riding Boots: The Key Differences and Which One You Need
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If you ride, you have probably noticed that a jockey's boot looks nothing like the tall riding boot you see at a riding school or in the show ring. Both are horse riding boots, but they are built for very different jobs. This guide explains the differences in plain terms, covering weight, sole, heel, fit and materials, so you can choose the right pair for racing, for track work or for everyday riding.
The short answer
Jockey boots are made to be as light and close fitting as possible, with a thin, soft sole that lets the rider feel the stirrup. Traditional riding boots are heavier and more structured, with a firmer sole and a clear heel that helps stop the foot sliding through the stirrup and supports the rider through long hours in the saddle. Jockey training boots, also called exercise rider boots, sit between the two: lighter and slimmer than a riding boot, but tougher and more cushioned than a race boot.
The three kinds of boot riders usually compare
1. Jockey race boots
Race boots are worn on race day. In racing the jockey weighs out with their kit, so every gram of equipment counts toward the weight the horse carries. That is why race boots use a soft, thin upper and a light, grippy outsole, and why they fit very close through the ankle and calf. They are designed for the few minutes of a race, where feel and lightness matter most.
2. Jockey training boots (exercise rider boots)
Training boots are what jockeys and exercise riders wear for morning track work, breezes and barn work. A rider may ride several lots and then spend hours on foot around the barn, so a training boot needs more durability and more cushioning than a race boot, usually with a heel and a sturdier rubber sole. A quick note if you are searching for these: "exercise boots" often brings up protective boots for a horse's legs. Exercise rider boots are footwear for the rider.
3. Traditional horse riding boots
This covers tall field and dress boots and paddock boots worn with half chaps, used for lessons, flatwork, jumping and hacking. They have a firmer sole, a defined heel, a stiffer shaft and more ankle support, and they are built for years of everyday use rather than for the lowest possible weight.
Jockey boots vs riding boots at a glance
| Feature | Jockey race boots | Jockey training boots | Traditional riding boots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main use | Race day | Track work, breezes, barn work | Lessons, flatwork, jumping, hacking |
| Weight | As light as possible | Light, but built for daily wear | Heaviest and most structured |
| Sole | Thin, soft and grippy for stirrup feel | Cushioned rubber sole with a heel | Firm sole with a defined heel |
| Fit | Very close through ankle and calf | Close, with comfort for long mornings | More structured, varies by style |
| Upper | Thin, soft synthetic | Durable synthetic or leather | Leather or synthetic, stiffer |
| Worn for | Minutes | Hours | Hours |
Why weight matters so much for jockeys
For a flat jockey, a lighter boot can be the difference between making a weight and not making it. Jump jockeys often accept a little more weight for extra support. That is why a good racing range offers several weights rather than one boot. Here is how the Elegance Boots racing range compares, using the weights listed on each product page:
| Boot | Listed weight | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Flyweight Ultra Matte | 140 g per pair | Our lightest race boot, with a matte outsole made from the same material as the boot |
| Flyweight | 160 g per pair | Ultra light PU upper with a soft, grippy outsole |
| Corsa Light | 230 g per pair | Midweight, with a half thickness rubber outsole for grip and stirrup feel |
| Corsa Race and Corsa Croco Race | 340 g (0.75 lb) | Our most structured and durable race boot, with a soft rubber sole |
| Winter Corsa Race | 410 g (0.9 lb) | Fleece lined for cold race days |
Can you wear jockey boots for everyday riding?
Race boots are not the right choice for everyday riding. They are built for the few minutes of a race, with a thin sole and a very light upper, not for hours of lessons, jumping or walking around the yard. For everyday riding and barn work, a jockey training boot is a much better fit, and for disciplines such as show jumping or dressage, a traditional riding boot made for that discipline is the right tool.
Outside race day, a training boot is the practical choice. The Elite Training has a soft sole and cushioned heel that reduce impact on the back and joints, which helps on long mornings in the stirrups and on foot. The Hybrid Training uses a short heel for stirrup stability.
Which Elegance boot should you choose?
- Racing, lightest possible: Flyweight Ultra Matte or Flyweight.
- Racing, balance of weight and grip: Corsa Light.
- Racing, most durable: Corsa Race or Corsa Croco Race.
- Cold race days: Winter Corsa Race.
- Daily track work: Elite Training, Elite Training Matte, or the Elite Signature Training with its refreshed top and smoother inner lining.
- Training with a short heel: Hybrid Training.
- Leather training boots: Elite Leather Training in premium calf leather, or Hybrid Leather Training in full leather with a short heel.
- Cold mornings: Elite Winter Training, fleece lined for warmth.
You can browse every model in our Racing Boots, Training Boots and Winter Boots collections.
Getting the fit right
All Elegance boots are listed in US men's sizes, and every product page has a conversion chart for EU, UK and US women's sizes along with the standard calf size. Choose Regular for our standard measurements, or Customize to give your calf, height and colour and have a pair made for you.
To measure for a custom pair, measure your calf all the way round at the widest part. For height, measure from the floor to where you want the top of the boot to sit. Customized pairs are made to order, so allow the production time shown on each product page plus shipping. Customized items are non-refundable, so take your measurements carefully.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jockey boots and riding boots?
Jockey boots are lighter, slimmer and have a thinner, softer sole for stirrup feel. Traditional riding boots are heavier and more structured, with a firmer sole and a clear heel for support during long rides, lessons and jumping.
How much do jockey boots weigh?
It depends on the model. In the Elegance Boots racing range, listed weights run from 140 g per pair for the Flyweight Ultra Matte to 340 g for the Corsa Race, with the fleece lined Winter Corsa Race at 410 g.
What are exercise rider boots?
Exercise rider boots, also called jockey training boots, are the boots riders wear for morning track work and barn work. They are tougher and more cushioned than race boots and usually have a heel. They are footwear for the rider, not protective boots for the horse.
Can I use jockey boots for normal horse riding?
Race boots are not designed for everyday riding. For regular riding and barn work, a training boot such as the Elite Training or Hybrid Training is a better choice, and for jumping or dressage, choose a riding boot made for that discipline.
Do jockeys wear different boots for training and racing?
Yes. Most jockeys train in a sturdier, cushioned training boot and switch to a lightweight race boot on race day.
Can I get jockey boots made to my calf and height?
Yes. Choose Customize on any Elegance boot and enter your calf, height and preferred colour. Production times are shown on each product page.
Should I size down in jockey boots?
Check the size chart on each product page first. On the Flyweight models we advise taking half a size smaller than your usual size, because the material has some stretch.