Why All the Fuss About Ariat ?
I coveted other people’s
Ariat boots aren’t cheap, nor should they be. Using cutting-edge technology and high-quality materials,
Looking for reasons why every self-respecting equestrian deserves a pair of Ariats, or how to choose the perfect pair? Keep reading! With a little tender loving care, you can make your new favorite boots last for years.
Ariat Overview
When Pam Parker and Beth Cross founded
His competitive spirit and big heart galvanized them to create a company that would put its heart and soul into manufacturing innovative footwear for the world’s top horse riders. Since then, the brand has expanded and diversified and is now a global innovator for all things equestrian.
All
The only collection that’s truly homegrown is the Two24 lifestyle collection.
Named after Secretariat’s record-breaking time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds, this collection features boots made from ultra-durable bison leather, which is about 40% stronger than cow leather.
The Vast Array of Ariat Boots
When
These days,
Ariat creates boots for every imaginable equestrian discipline, along with fashion footwear, sneakers, and slippers.
Some of
Boot Category |
Example Boot | Key Boot Features | Price Point |
Western Cowboy Boot | Ariat VentTEK Western Boot | Comfortable Western boots with supportive 4LR™ technology, mesh panels to boost airflow, and a slip-resistant sole. | $$ |
Tall English Boot | Heritage Contour II Field Zip Tall Riding Boot | Elegant tall boots made from premium leather and featuring a Duratread™ sole with rider-specific traction zones. | $$$$ |
Work Boot | Treadfast 6” Waterproof Steel Toe Work Boot | A steel-toed waterproof work boot designed to protect your feet against hooves and heavy objects. With a slip-resistant sole, mesh lining, and full-grain leather. | $ |
Paddock Boot | Heritage Breeze Zip Paddock Boot | A stylish zip-up paddock boot with 4LR™ stabilizing technology, and self-cleaning tread. | $$ |
Fashion Boot | Dixon Western Boot | Hand-crafted leather booties with ATS technology to support your feet on uneven surfaces and dance floors! Veg-tan leather and cut-out design for easy entry. | $$ |
Other Types of Boots by Ariat :
- Hiking boots – a wide range of durable, waterproof boots engineered for performance on any terrain.
- Shoes & sneakers – lightweight yet durable casual shoes and sneakers available in a range of colors, styles, and sizes.
- Slippers – after a long day in the saddle, slip your tired feet into a pair of warm and cozy
Ariat slippers - Rubber boots – a practical range of waterproof rain boots and insulated rubber boots, including shortie boots and full-length Wellingtons complete with zips for easy access.
- Dress $ fashion boots – from cute Western booties to show-stopping knee-high cowboy boots,
Ariat ’s footwear will turn heads at your local bar, just as they do at the barn.
Ariat Boot Sizing
Ariat boots are good, but not so good that you can wear the wrong size comfortably. Here are some tips on how to fit your
Western Specific Boot Sizing
When you pull on a pair of cowboy boots, you should feel some resistance and hear a faint popping sound as your heel nestles into the boot. If you can fit a thumb’s width between your big toe and the end of the boot, you’ve found a perfect fit. Any looser than this, and the boots will feel clumpy and uncomfortable, any tighter, and they’ll squeeze your toes!
When you walk, there should be a small amount of heel lift – or space between your heel and the insole when you lift your foot. You should also feel some gentle pressure across the top of your foot.
Don’t forget, cowboy boots stretch a little as you wear them, so you want them to be a little tight to start with so they don’t end up flopping around like a pair of clown shoes later on!
English Specific Boot Sizing
While paddock and short jodhpur boots are relatively easy to fit, finding a pair of long riding boots that fit correctly can be challenging. Not only must they fit your feet, but they also need to hug your calves without restricting your freedom of movement.
To accurately measure your leg length and width, you need to measure the widest part of your calf and the distance between your heel and the back of your knee. Once you have accurate measurements, refer to
Ariat’s Proprietary Boot Technology
Ariat boots may be simple and stylish to look at, but under the surface, all sorts of different technologies are at work.
Ariat’s proprietary boot technology includes Four Layer Rebound (4LR™) technology that stabilizes the foot and improves performance. More advanced is their Advanced Torque Stability (ATS) technology that cushions and supports the foot.
ATS technology combines a moisture-wicking footbed with a heel stabilizer and ergonomic forked shank, creating a stable, comfortable, and cool environment for your feet.
As if that wasn’t enough,
ATS Max has all the benefits of ATS but includes extra elements to improve shock absorption and reduce fatigue. It also includes
While this may all sound very advanced and technological, we’re only just scratching the surface of what makes
In addition to their 4LR™ and ATS technologies,
Recently,
It’s not only
Again, this is only a small selection of the technology
Boot Break-In
Like any boot,
At first, leather boots may be a little stiff and offer some resistance when you move, but over time, the materials will soften, making riding, walking, and running more comfortable.
The best way to break in a new pair of
Ariat boots is simply to wear them a lot.
Ariat also recommends wearing two pairs of socks, providing it’s comfortable, as this will, they say, “stretch and break in your boots more rapidly than typical single-sock wear.”
You can also use a boot tree and a hairdryer to gently stretch and shape the boot to create the perfect fit. Slip your boot onto the boot tree and then heat them gently, using a hairdryer at its lowest setting. Before your boot gets hot to the touch, turn off the hairdryer and increase the tension on the boot tree. Allow the boot to cool completely before removing the tree.
If you still can’t get a perfect fit, consider changing your insoles, or if you’re wearing lace-up boots, switch up the lacing pattern. An Army method of lacing can create more space than a standard criss-cross pattern, alleviating pressure on the top of the foot, heel, or arch.
Boot Care & Cleaning
You’re going to love your
If your boots are covered in mud or manure, you want to remove this at least once a week, if not daily. The easiest way to do this is with a clean cloth or brush.
Every week or so, you need to give your boots a little TLC in the form of a thorough clean.
Start by removing the surface mud and scuffs with a damp cloth or sponge, then use a soft-bristled brush to remove any remaining scuffs and to get the dirt from your zippers.
You may need a leather cleaner to remove more stubborn dirt or stains, after which you should apply a leather conditioner to protect your boots and keep them soft and supple. Work the conditioner into the leather using small, circular motions.
If you’re preparing for a competition, you can complete your session with some leather polish and a bit of buffing to create that show-ready shine!
Ariat Competition
Ariat is a market leader when it comes to English-style riding boots, and they make a darn fine Western boot to boot!
Few other brands really give
When it comes to Western-style riding boots, the competition is a little stiffer, with the likes of Tecovas and Justin Boots muscling in on the action. According to some, Justin Boots are a little more durable than
Similarly, Tecovas boots are known for their high quality but tend to be more expensive than
Ariat Diversification
Over the past 30 years,
- Men & Women’s clothing
- English & Western clothing
- Pet Accessories
- Workwear
- Accessories
- Scrubs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where are Ariat boots made?
Ariat boots are designed and developed in the US, but manufactured mainly in Mexico and China. Some boots are also made in Vietnam and Italy.
Q: Are Ariat boots waterproof?
Not all
Ariat produces waterproof Western and English-style boots, all of which feature
Q: Do Ariat boots stretch?
Ariat boots will stretch a little as you break them in, so you should look for a snug fit to begin with to prevent them from becoming too loose.
Q: How do you clean Ariat boots?
Clean off surface mud and dirt with a damp sponge or cloth, and use a leather cleaner to remove more stubborn dirt and stains.
Q: How do you break in Ariat boots?
The best way to break in a pair of
Q: Do Ariat boots run big or small?
Ariat boots run somewhere between a true fit and a little large, so you may want to order 1/2 a size smaller than your street shoe size.
Q: What does B mean in Ariat boots?
The B in
Q: What does C mean in Ariat boots?
In
Parting Thoughts
To say that
You don’t even need to swing into the saddle to enjoy
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- 5 Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots for Dancing
- These Boots Are Made for Working: Best Pull-On Work Boots
- Best Boots for Western Horseback Riding
- Best Boots for Working Hard & Playing Hard
- Horse Polo Wraps vs Sport Boots (Pros, Cons)
- 12 Most Comfortable Cowboy Boots for Walking All Day Long
- $hit Happens: Best Boots for Mucking Stalls
Sources
How to Make Your Boots More Comfortable – Boot Tips | Ariat
Size Charts | Ariat