What footwear is best in the ring?
Many people ask the question, what footwear they should wear in the ring.
It depends what you find comfortable and what goes best with your outfit. My main two types are worlds apart. Either ballet pumps. Comfy, look OK with suits and come in so many colours there is a pair for each suit. My other showing favourites are my Dubarry boots due to their extreme comfort, warmth, support and grip, plus I just love them and live in them anyway!
When your next at a show, have a look around to see what people are wearing. You will see a variety of different shoe and boot styles.
Think about something that is comfortable to you. Find a shoe that fits well and doesn’t slip off as you move your dog round the ring and that has good grip, you don’t want to be slipping. If you have a small dog and always wear heels, then find a comfy, non-slip pair, but consider what you would wear if you were showing on soft grounds.
Also get used to the idea of wearing wellies/waterproof boots. I have had, on a number of occasion’s worn wellies in the ring along with a majority of exhibitors due to the wet British summer and outdoor shows.
I do believe, gone are the days when you have to wear something unfashionable on your feet in the ring. You will find something that’s fashionable and practical if you look around, try them on and run up and down in the shop!
For men, as always there is less choice but try to avoid trainers. A smart pair of shoes will look good and will go with suit/trousers or help smarten up a pair of jeans. (Sorry men, I’m not up on the male fashion, maybe someone could comment on this blog to advise further!)
Happy shopping and remember, if you’re not moving properly, your dog is unlikely to either. So your shoes could be very important to your dog’s performance.
- simple, comfy, black shoes
