A newbie question about paddock boots and socks

[An_Riz]

Hellooooo.

So I have been wondering: are paddock boots meant to be worn with socks instead of chaps? Are chaps just for jod boots? Why do people wear those funny long socks over their jodhpurs? Are they just an alternative to half chaps?

Ok I'm done. Thanks in advance

Curious equestrian

 

[Jessey]

I've always presumed it started when someone forgot their chaps and it became an odd fashion thing, really no idea

 

[Lissie]

You can wear chaps with any short boots if they fit. Wearing socks over jods is just a convenience thing, stop your jods from riding up your legs and means you can ride in just your short boots without your legs rubbing.

 

[mystiquemalaika]

I always wear long socks over my leggings (dont own any jods) i tend to badly potter about in my trainers like this in dry weather and pop my boots and half chaps or long boots on when riding. I am oftem seen setting the trend round town of long socks over leggings and generally looking like a mis match but its convenient

 

[An_Riz]

Ok so really there are no unspoken rules but rather its just... wear whatever the hell you want I was beginning to think I never got the memo about these knee high socks that people wear with short boots. Thats good! I have paddock boots that I wasnt sure how to wear but yes my chaps fit over them so that's that sorted. Thanks for the quick replies guys

 

[Trewsers]

I actually like the look of long socks with short boots over jodhs but my stumpy lumpy legs won't cope with the socks and instead of a smooth elongated leg I just look really moth eaten lol maybe it is because my jodhs are all too long?!

 

[Bodshi]

Haha, when I read this thread I realised I don't actually know why I wear long socks over my jods. I just always have, and can only imagined it's because I copied everyone else. I think it stops my underneath short socks from falling down in my boot and wrinkling up, but not too sure because I can't remember not having the long socks. I do put them on over the top of my normal short socks though - again, I don't know why.

 

[HaloHoney]

I've always presumed it started when someone forgot their chaps and it became an odd fashion thing, really no idea

I forgot my chaps and rode in socks/jod boots... and gave myself a 50p piece-sized blister on the inside of my left calf. Agony! Don't do it, people!

 

[An_Riz]

I actually like the look of long socks with short boots over jodhs but my stumpy lumpy legs won't cope with the socks and instead of a smooth elongated leg I just look really moth eaten lol maybe it is because my jodhs are all too long?!

yes jods are often quite long and I have long legs but still end up with extra fabric at the bottom!!

 

[An_Riz]

Haha, when I read this thread I realised I don't actually know why I wear long socks over my jods. I just always have, and can only imagined it's because I copied everyone else. I think it stops my underneath short socks from falling down in my boot and wrinkling up, but not too sure because I can't remember not having the long socks. I do put them on over the top of my normal short socks though - again, I don't know why.

Then it really must be down to fashion haha You are right though that they would stop short socks from falling down, that happens to me if my socks arent long enough under my chaps! I assumed that they acted as a half chap in stopping your calf from sliding around the horse's side too much/allowing for more grip? But havent tried them so dont actually know if thats true

 

[Lissie]

I forgot my chaps and rode in socks/jod boots... and gave myself a 50p piece-sized blister on the inside of my left calf. Agony! Don't do it, people!

I ride in short boots and long socks without chaps all the time never have blister!

 

[newforest]

I can say don't bother going to the expense of the riding sock chaps on the market.
Waste of your cash. Tried and Tested thread on the forum.

I wear long socks over because I have short ones underneath. You wouldn't notice if I had long boots/ wellies on which I don't until I get to the yard.
It's not fashion to me as I used to do this back in the 90's with walking socks that didn't come all the way up.
Hiking/ walkers have always done this and in fact you can buy waterproof gaiters designed for walking that are just good for riding.

 

[PePo]

See, I prefer riding socks as I think they sit better on the foot & leg than other types of socks.

I personally always wear long socks with my breeches & either long boots or short boots & chaps. I hate riding in just boots and socks, as I find it rubs my legs!

 

[Jessey]

I can't do this out of my complete hatred for anything that hay sticks to or gets in to, short boots alone allow the hay down the top of them, socks get hay stuck to them, fleece anything gets hay stuck to them etc etc. I actually don't wear my long boots much as they don't fit as snugly at the top and also allow hay in them. I also have bad allergies and hay/grass is one of them plus sensitive skin that drives me nuts if I get the tiniest piece of hay stuck in fabric that's against it

 

[Kite_Rider]

I didn’t even realise it was a thing to be honest, I always wear long sock, current favourites are woof wear ones, but they always go under my breeches, leggings or jods. Must be a pain to get them over jods, especially if they have a cuff at the bottom.

 

[newforest]

I think the main reason it's standing out is because the socks are now bright pale colours instead of what I recall black, grey and navy. Black breeches I put on navy socks.
Tradition would have had you wearing these over your breeches and putting on gaiters / boots to ride or wellies when you were not.
Thinking back to the 1940's book I had your attire in the saddle was covered, walking around showing your socks probably was not the accepted norm.

 

[Taffie]

Well obviously we’re well behind in fashion over here in West Wales as no-one here wears long socks over jods I’ve luckily never had my leg rubbing so only need to wear chaps when it’s wet or cold - I do get cold feet in winter. I find long boots less comfy too.