Discover Jodhpur Boots in The World of Men’s Boots

It’ll soon be boot season again, so now is a good time to start a mini series about different boots. First, we’d want to talk about Jodhpur boots, which are a classic shoe closet essential despite being less popular than the Chelsea boot, which we’ll talk about shortly. Jodhpurs, like most boots, have an equestrian origin, having been developed for riding following the ‘creation’ of the Jodhpur trousers. Go with Teeanime for all your doubts!

Understanding the History

Before Jodhpur pants, men’s riding breeches were worn with knee-high boots. The groundbreaking Jodhpur trousers shielded the inner calf from friction while riding, eliminating the need for tall riding boots. This helped because tall riding boots were pricey and hard to put on and off. A cheaper boot for Jodhpur pants was waiting to be designed. An ankle-length boot that was easy to put on and off and economical to build and replace—especially for growing feet—would be ideal.

Jodhpur pants were invented in 1890, but riding ankle boots remained unusual. Chelsea and Paddock ankle boots were popular at the Fin de siècle. Since they predated Jodhpur pants, Jodhpurs were probably not used for riding. They were worn for country walks and stable maintenance. Before mounting, riders changed onto tall riding boots. Thus, the Jodhpur boot and pants were developed for riding.

The Jodhpur boot may have been designed in Jodhpur, as were the pants. The name suggests it was conceived in Jodhpur. However, it could have come from the west’s Jodhpur pants, which were worn with Jodhpur boots to distinguish them from tall riding boots. Jodhpur still makes boots by hand. The fundamental design may have come from England, modified in Jodhpur, and then brought back to England as the Jodhpur boot.

Characteristics of the Jodhpur Boots

Regardless of where they are from, Jodhpur boots have distinct traits that set them apart from other ankle boots, many of which are now also used for riding.

1. The length of the ankle.
2. They have toes that are rounded.
3. Low-heeled shoes.
4. The vamp and the quarters are crafted from a single piece of leather.
5. The vamp is attached to the quarters.
6. A strap and clasp that wraps around the ankle secures the shoe.
7. The strap is divided into two halves, each of which is attached to the vamp.
8. The buckle side of the strap is attached to the inboard side and reaches halfway around the ankle on the right boot, counter clockwise, and vice versa on the left boot.
9. The other, or free end, is hooked to the outboard side and extends clockwise around the entire ankle on the right boot and counterclockwise on the left boot.
10. Make a loop at the back of the boot to pass the straps through.

There is another version available these days in which:

1. The straps do not wrap entirely around the ankle.
2. Both sides of the straps are attached to opposite sides of the vamp.
3. Buckle side on the outboard side and the free side on the inboard side.
4. The length of the buckle side is shorter than the free side.
5. The free side wraps around the rear of the boot and meets the buckle side near the ankle.

Many manufacturers sell Jodhpur boots without straps but with elastic sides. These Chelsea boots are not Jodhpur boots. Jodhpur boots are available in two styles. Jodhpur boots are not other boots.

Wearing Boots

Ankle boots have long been a component of menswear, and were the main type of men’s everyday footwear until the early twentieth century. When men began wearing knee-high riding boots in town when not riding, the famed dandy and arbiter of elegance of the time (18th century) Richard’Beau’Nash would stop them and comment, ” Sir, you have forgotten your horse “. Boots remained an important element of men’s everyday footwear in the nineteenth century, possibly due to his dislike. The advent of the Jodhpur pants in 1890 would have undoubtedly aided this look.

Boots began to lose favor in the early twentieth century, possibly as a result of rebellious college students wearing Oxford shoes instead of boots. However, by the 1960s, the boot had regained popularity and has since been an essential element of a man’s wardrobe.

Wearing the Jodhpur boot

Boots convey authority and mark the user as a distinguished man. It also keeps your shins from showing under your trousers! After choosing footwear, which one? I prefer Jodhpur boots over other ankle-length boots because they are more elegant and interesting than Chelsea boots. The clean-looking Jodhpur boot has a big leather canvas from the toe to the top. The suggestion of straps peeking out from under the trousers contributes to this gorgeous big expanse of leather without stitching.

Jodhpur boots, traditionally linked with horseback riding, work with suits and sport jackets due to their close fit, short heel, and sleek style. The outfit should be more informal and consider the Jodhpur boot. The jacket lapels, shirt collar, and tie should match the narrow Jodhpur boots. Balmoral or Chelsea boots work with business outfits. Follow the same color rules for dress shoes and suits.

Jodhpur boots can be worn with jeans and chinos with several shirts and a leather jacket if the weather permits. A solid Oxford shirt with straight-leg trousers can be folded to create a single cuff. They clash with Jodhpur boots and baggy trousers. The boot comes in saddle tan, black, suede, and crocodile, providing the wearer extra options.

Jodhpur boots are versatile and a fantastic starting point. However, one should not be worn with your trouser/jeans tucked into them, as they were not made for that and would look ridiculous and clumsy. Before buying, make sure they suit you. We often enjoy the way something looks on others or in a photo, but when we wear it, it looks different.

Accoutrements

There are various accessories that come with Jodhpur boots that are used both while riding as well as for maintaining them.

• Attachable Spurs – Quite essential for riding and easily removed when transiting to everyday use.
• Boot Jacks – Useful for removing your boots after a hard day.
• Chaps – Provides additional protection to the lower legs while in the saddle.
• Heel Lifter – Jodhpurs are known for their low heels, heel lifters provide a little extra lift for those who desire it.

For maintaining your Jodhpurs:

• Boot Bag – The best way to store your boots when not in use. Protects the leather both from excess moisture and reduces drying.
• Saddle Soap – To remove dirt and mud before applying polish.
• Shoe Polish – Needs no explanation and comes in all colors.
• Shoe Trees – Essential to maintain the shape of your boots after all it is the sleek look that makes them so attractive in the first place.

It is up to the individual to determine which of the following accoutrements are required, but Jodhpur boots are a great investment for both riding and everyday life. Their appearance is timeless, utilitarian, and adaptable, and having these accessories can help preserve them in good condition and extend their life.