Dress boots vs true dressage boots - Do I have to?

[Hawks_Nest]

Ok, so I’m looking to move up to PSG next spring (eek). I am an eventer turned dressage person and so far have been riding in my mountain horse field boots (which I LOVE) but I know at some point I should leave my laces behind.

I prefer a soft boot, I have a weird ankle that rolls out and I much prefer to not have support on it (I find the support very distracting and limiting because of how my ankle is most comfortable). I like my soft boots, I don’t even like riding in my paddock boots which have a stiffer ankle.

Can I get away with just getting a regular dress boot instead of a stiff dressage boot even as I keep moving up the levels?

[mmeqcenter]

The rules just say “boots.” I plan on never giving up my laces, personally, both due to ankle problems and I just personally like the look better. I see no reason to try to force my feet into a popular fad if it is uncomfortable for me.

[MysticOakRanch]

Regular dress boots, field boots, you are fine with anything as long as it is a tall boot of appropriate color (black, or matching your jacket).

[islgrl]

I have always had field boots. I have seen them at upper levels. Wear what you find works best for you.

[mjhco]

No rule against field boots. Precise fit and polish are important. Not laces.

[2tempe]

Ditto most of above. I prefer softer boots, but personally dont like/need laces. (Dont like laces in shoes either - god we get peculiar in our older age…)

[Cally0826]

I was reluctant to buy another pair of dressage boots because the last pair I had were very stiff and painful to wear. I bought some Deniro dressage boots on sale last year and was surprised at how soft the leather is. Break-in time was minimal and they are very comfortable.

[Hawks_Nest]

Thank you guys! I’m happy to do away with the laces since my spur strap keeps rubbing through them but I’ll go with regular dress boots

[the_sandiest_shoes]

My coach hates my regular dress boots (what they call my “slipper boots”) because apparently my ankle wiggles around a lot and I’d be more independent with my legs in a stiffer boot. I dunno, I can see the logic - I’ve had Konigs before and remember the back of my knees being swollen and yellow-bruised for weeks. I’ve heard the more modern stiff boots like Deniro aren’t as torturous. I plan to switch up eventually since I do think I can use my legs more deliberately in a stiffer boot, however other than that one perspective I think it’s just aesthetic preference and you can do what you want. As others have mentioned, there’s no rule requiring the hard ones.

[Hayburner]

I bought a pair of dress boots at Dover made by Tredstep and break in was maybe 2 rides. The ankle area is very soft . They are softer than I’m use to, but I think I like them.

[rothmpp]

I believe the original argument for stiff dressage boots was that they stabilized your leg so you could give very subtle aids. If you’ve got very stable, independent legs, I see no reason for them. I have two pairs - one stiff pair of Petries, and a much softer pair of Cavallos. I haven’t busted out the Petries in 2 years, show PSG, and get no negative comments from the judges at all.