Spur straps might seem like a small piece of tack, but they play a big role when it comes to riding comfort, control, and style. Designed to keep your spurs securely in place, spur straps connect the spur to your boot, ensuring everything stays exactly where it should while you ride.
Getting the right fit isn't just about looks—it’s about functionality and safety too. Poorly fitted spur straps can cause discomfort, affect your leg cues, or even lead to unexpected pressure on your horse. That’s why taking a little time to measure properly can make a big difference.
In this article, we’ll talk you through everything you need to know about measuring spur straps. Whether you're buying your first pair or replacing an old set, we’ll cover tips for getting the perfect fit, what to look for in quality straps, and how to make adjustments when needed.
Understanding the Spur Strap
A spur strap is a small but essential piece of tack that wraps around the rider's boot to secure the spur in place. Its main function is to prevent the spur from slipping out of position or falling off entirely. Spur straps also help riders maintain proper contact and effectively cue their horse, providing better control while riding.
Spur straps are made from various materials, but leather is one of the most popular choices due to its durability and long-lasting quality, especially when properly cared for. In addition to functionality, decorative elements also play an important role in the design of leather spur straps, adding a touch of personal style to a practical piece of gear.
Why Proper Measurement Matters
Measuring spur straps correctly might seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in both your riding experience and your horse’s comfort. Here’s why it's so important:
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Prevents Discomfort or Injury: Straps that are too tight can cause rubbing, chafing, or even restrict movement around your ankles. On the other hand, straps that are too loose can flap around or cause pressure in the wrong places.
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Keeps Spurs Secure: Poorly fitted straps may allow your spurs to shift, twist, or even fall off mid-ride. This not only disrupts your ride but can also become a safety hazard for both you and your horse.
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Supports Accurate Cueing: Spurs need to be properly aligned to your boots to work effectively. A misaligned spur can send confusing signals to your horse, reducing communication and control.
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Boosts Confidence and Performance: When your tack fits right, you can focus more on your ride and less on adjusting gear. That added confidence shows in your posture, cues, and connection with your horse.
Tools Needed for Measurement Spur Strap
Before you begin measuring, take a few moments to gather the tools that will help you get the most accurate results. You don’t need much—just a few simple items:
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Flexible Measuring Tape or Tailor’s Tape: This soft, bendable tape is perfect for measuring around your boots without any gaps. A ruler or stiff tape won’t give you an accurate fit.
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Your Riding Boots: Always use the exact pair of boots you plan to wear with your spurs. Different boot styles and thicknesses can affect how the strap fits.
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Pen and Paper (or a Phone Note App): Write down your measurements as you go. If you’re shopping online or ordering custom straps, having those numbers handy will make the process smoother.
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A Mirror or a Friend (Optional): If you’re struggling to get an accurate reading around your boot by yourself, using a mirror or asking someone to help can make a big difference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Spur Straps
Measuring your spur straps properly ensures a secure, comfortable fit that performs well in the saddle. Follow these easy steps:
1. Put On Your Riding Boots
Start by putting on the boots you plan to wear while riding. Make sure they’re fully on and snug, just like they would be during a ride. This gives you the most accurate measurement, accounting for the shape and bulk of your boots.
2. Locate the Spur Rest on Your Boots
Most riding boots have a small ledge or notch at the back called a spur rest. This is where the arms of your spur will sit. Identify this spot on both sides of your heel—it’s the reference point for measuring strap length.
3. Wrap the Measuring Tape Around Your Heel
Take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the back of your boot, starting from one side of the spur rest to the other.
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Keep the tape snug but not tight.
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You want it to mimic how the spur strap will sit, not dig into your boot or hang loose.
4. Leave Room for Adjustability
Add a little extra room (usually about ½ to 1 inch) to allow for buckle adjustments. This is especially helpful if you wear different thicknesses of socks or switch between boot styles.
5. Account for Buckle Placement
Depending on the type of buckle your strap has (centered, side, or decorative), you may need to adjust your measurement slightly.
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Center buckles usually require no adjustment.
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Side buckles might need an extra ½ inch on one side for a clean fit.
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If your strap has a decorative concho or overlay, make sure it won’t interfere with your spur’s arms.
Note: These are starting points; your personal style may influence what fits best.
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Prefer a tighter, more secure fit? Go on the shorter side.
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Want a looser or decorative look? Choose a slightly longer strap.
Fit Testing and Adjustment Tips
Once you’ve measured and chosen your spur straps, it’s time to try them on and make final adjustments. Here’s how to ensure they fit just right:
1. Try Them On with Spurs Attached
Attach your spurs to the straps and slide them onto your boots. Make sure the spur arms sit properly on the spur rest of your boots and that the straps hold them firmly in place.
2. Adjust the Buckle for Comfort and Stability
Use the buckle to fine-tune the fit.
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The strap should be snug but not tight—you don’t want it cutting into your boot or ankle.
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Make sure the buckle sits flat and isn’t digging in or catching on your pants or chaps.
3. Check for Pressure Points or Movement
Walk around a bit or flex your ankle as if you’re riding. Look for signs of:
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Slipping or sliding (too loose)
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Pinching or pressure (too tight)
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Spurs are tilting out of position (wrong alignment)
If anything feels off, adjust accordingly or consider trying a slightly different length.
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
To get the best fit and avoid frustrating do-overs, keep an eye out for these common measurement errors:
1. Measuring Without Your Boots On
Your boots add shape and size to your ankle area. Measuring without them leads to underestimating the length you need, resulting in tight or unusable straps.
2. Ignoring the Buckle and the Adjustment Room
Always leave space for buckle adjustment. Spur straps with no “wiggle room” are hard to use and may wear out faster due to constant tension.
3. Choosing Style Over Fit
While fancy buckles, tooling, or conchos may look great, don’t sacrifice a secure fit just for the sake of looks. A decorative strap that doesn't hold your spurs properly can affect your ride—and even your horse’s comfort.
Maintenance and Longevity
A good pair of spur straps can last for years—but only if they’re properly cared for. Regular maintenance not only keeps them looking great but also helps preserve their fit and function over time.
1. Proper Care to Maintain Size and Fit
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Clean regularly: Wipe down leather straps with a damp cloth after each ride to remove sweat, dust, and dirt.
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Condition leather: Use a quality leather conditioner every few weeks to prevent drying and cracking. Avoid soaking or over-conditioning.
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Dry thoroughly: Always let straps dry completely after riding—especially if they get wet. Never store them in damp areas or near direct heat, as this can warp or damage the material.
2. Dealing with Stretching or Shrinking
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Stretching: Over time, especially with leather straps, the material can stretch slightly from use. If they become too loose:
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Use a tighter adjustment hole if available.
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Consider punching an extra hole (use a proper leather punch tool).
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If the strap becomes too long to fit properly, it may be time to replace it.
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Shrinking: Exposure to water or poor storage can cause leather to stiffen or shrink.
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To soften, gently work in leather conditioner and flex the strap by hand.
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Avoid forcing shrunken straps—they may crack.
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3. When to Replace Worn-Out Straps
Check your straps regularly for signs of wear that could affect safety or comfort:
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Cracked, brittle, or stretched leather
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Broken or rusty buckles
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Loose stitching or torn holes
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Inability to hold the spur securely
