Are these shoes appropriate for horseback riding (pic included)?

Question

I've had 2 lessons so far and these are the shoes I wore. My instructor didn't tell me that they're inappropriate. However, I'm not so sure these shoes are right; they have a poor grip and my feet frequently slide in the stirrups.

What do you think?

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3766/picturesey9.jpg

Answer 1

Nope

Answer 2

no... not at all

Answer 3

No way. You need a heel for a start.

Answer 4

they are inappropriate and the instructor should not of even let you on the horse with shoes like that on. you need shoes that are either actual riding boots or walking boots. riding boots preferably.  

Answer 5

Everyone is saying to get a pair of actual "riding boots," but you should be fine with a pair of construction-like boots. Don't get a steel toe, though. I wore them for a while, but then my foot got stomped and I had to get two toes amputated.

My fave boots that aren't riding boots are actually old Skechers construction boots.

Even a pair of boots from Wal-mart should be fine as long as they're not too wide for the stirrup and have a one-inch-high heel (not like high heels, but a heel running back from the arch of the foot).

Answer 6

I don't think they're appropriate.  You would need something with a heel, such as riding boots or work boots.

Answer 7

you really do need to change ur shoes cos you could injure yourself get some riding boots or even wellys you really need a heal !

Answer 8

Totally innapropriate. You should get a riding boot with a low heel. It is not only for comfort but safety. You sound like you are a beginner who isnt doing much. Your instructor should have told you lol.

Anyway, I'll link you to some pictures of boots that are probably a better idea to be wearing.

Here are some nice affordable horse riding boots good for all levels

http://www.doversaddlery.com/dublin-rese...

http://www.doversaddlery.com/middleburg-...

When you wear the boots they will feel hard for your first few rides until you break them in but you will feel a MUCH better grip in the stirrups and if you fell,  your foot cant slide through the stirrup and you cant go dangling off the saddle.

Answer 9

no, they're not. they look like plain sneakers. they won't provide very good grip in the saddle. you need riding boots. they will provide better grip in the saddle and its going to be better when your jumping or trail riding.

Answer 10

you dont NEED riding boots, they are just nicer, but if you are really serious about riding, then i'd fork out they cash for a pair of riding boots.

Answer 11

Oh my gosh NO!!!!!  you need to go to www.bootbarn.com

Answer 12

No, horseback riding boots should have a small heel and proper grip. If you are serious about horseback riding for even just the next couple months, you should buy proper riding boots.  

Answer 13

Nope, you need some boots with heels!  I'm surprised you wern't told you needed riding boots with heels before you started your lessons.  You're not allowed on a horse at my barn unless you're wearing appropriate boots.  Check these out, these are basic western boots: http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/d...

and these are basic english tall boots: http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/d...

Answer 14

those are skater shoes u need to buy some real riding boots go to your horse store or state lin tack cause ur feet could slip out as you troting or cantering :]

Answer 15

they are definatly not a good pair to be wearing for riding. You should have a boot with a heel so that your feet do not slide through the stirrups, which can be very dangerous

Answer 16

Well I don't think they are inappropriate. I wear shoes like that all the time but if they are making you not have a secure seat and if they are making you slip and slide in your stirrups then you should try changing shoes to see if this helps.

Answer 17

i rode in joggers

bbut for safety dich the stirrups and use your legs and body.

they have no heel to stop ur shoe going throo!!!

and they are a lil wide and the laces might gettangled in the stirrup.

just flip the stirrups over and work on your balance, you'll have to do it sooner or later in your riding instruction, i do it all the time to develop a good blance and seat.

do that until you can buy real boots and by the time you do your legs  will be so strong and your riding would have improved!

Answer 18

No, those shoes are not appropriate for riding. You need a shoe with a heel the way a boot has. This is to keep your foot from sliding through the stirrup and getting caught. If that were to happen and you fell, you could get drug by the horse. This is called the 'death drag' for a reason. That is why it is actually dangerous to ride in shoes of this type, and I am worried that your instructor let you do it.

I know you are just starting out, so I suggest you get either some rubber riding boots or short boots called paddock boots. These will be much safer to ride in and will cost $50 or less.  

Answer 19

basically no, these are trainers and are not suitable for riding in the long term. Most people wear them the first few times they start but I always advise not to wear them because of the poor grip and lack of ankle support and personally I have issues with the laces too. Ideally you should wear something with a small heel like a walking boot for example unless you're willing to pay out for proper riding shoes. You can get them in both short and long versions. Ask your instructor which shoes would best do you. You can find some good bargains online at eBay or you could visit your local tack store and see what's on offer there.