About Ariat
Ariat, a distinguished brand within the footwear and apparel sector, specializes in the creation of equestrian performance attire that seamlessly blends contemporary western fashion trends. Their extensive collection of products is designed to appeal to men, women, and children. While their footwear is particularly celebrated for its unparalleled comfort and durability, Ariat has also garnered considerable acclaim within the fashion industry.
With a substantial following exceeding 735,000 on Instagram and featured in esteemed publications such as Forbes and Independent magazine, Ariat has established itself as a fashionable and highly sought-after brand. In this review of Ariat boots, we will explore their best-selling items, customer feedback, ongoing promotions, and more. By providing in-depth analysis, our goal is to assist you in making an informed decision regarding the purchase of their equestrian boots and gear.
Overview of Ariat Boots
Given Ariat's primary emphasis on equestrian performance wear, it is understandable that the company's co-founder and CEO, Beth Cross, harbors a profound passion for horses. Raised on a horse farm in Pennsylvania, she was deeply immersed in the equestrian world from a young age.
Reflecting on her youth, Beth cherishes a pivotal moment from 1973 when she watched Secretariat's victorious run in the Kentucky Derby on television. This remarkable horse went on to achieve the prestigious Triple Crown, setting records that stand as unbroken to this day.
Beth Cross recognizes Secretariat's exceptional athleticism and relentless competitive drive as a constant source of inspiration for Ariat. This legacy continues to influence the company's ethos and commitment to excellence in equestrian performance attire.
Ariat was founded in 1993 as a pioneering brand, introducing athletic technology into the equestrian footwear market and positioning themselves as "the new breed of boot." By collaborating with international suppliers, Ariat is dedicated to innovating designs that ensure optimal comfort, durability, and performance. Notably, their boots undergo a rigorous 150-step construction process to guarantee the highest quality standards.
In addition to their dedication to producing superior footwear and apparel, Ariat demonstrates a strong commitment to philanthropy. They allocate a portion of their sales to support various charitable organizations, including Team Rubicon USA, a non-profit that mobilizes veterans for disaster relief efforts. Furthermore, Ariat contributes to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of disabled military personnel and those who have sacrificed their lives in service.
Ariat's philanthropic efforts also extend to America's Gold Star Families, offering essential support to the families of fallen soldiers through complimentary programs and services. Moreover, they contribute to the Western Service Foundation, an organization that provides medical, life counseling, and financial assistance to injured Western sports athletes. Lastly, Ariat supports EQQUS, a national animal welfare charity in the US, focused on the welfare of American horses and strengthening the bond between horses and humans.
Upon conducting an evaluation of Ariat boots, it has been determined that the brand is actively supporting a comprehensive array of 12 non-profit initiatives. This level of commitment is indeed praiseworthy, and we extend our appreciation for their substantial engagement with national charitable organizations.
Before proceeding with our analysis of Ariat boots, it is pertinent to consider both the advantages and disadvantages associated with the brand:
Advantages:
- An extensive selection of high-performance footwear, apparel, and accessories designed for equestrian athletes
- A variety of fashion styles available, including Western, Work, English, Outdoor, and Lifestyle
- A significant number of positive customer reviews
- Products are reasonably priced, reflecting the premium status of the brand
- A portion of sales is donated to 12 national charities
- Offers Afterpay as a payment method
Disadvantages:
- A few instances of negative customer reviews have been reported on certain websites
Ariat presents a broad selection of footwear, ranging from hiking boots to riding boots, as well as shoes suitable for casual and lifestyle wear. Their footwear designs are categorized into Western, Old English, Work, Lifestyle, Casual, and Outdoor styles. Beyond footwear, Ariat also provides performance clothing for men, women, and children, including English riding outfits, denim, jackets, vests, tops, pants, shorts, dresses, fire-resistant shirts, sweaters, and jeans.
Additionally, the brand offers a variety of accessories, such as hats, gloves, belts, and bags, to enhance their clothing and footwear collections. This review will focus on a selection of Ariat apparel and boots designed for both men and women.
Ariat Women’s Apparel Review:
The Ariat women's collection is distinguished by its extensive range of options, catering to various equestrian needs. From sleek English riding vests and bootcut jeans, ideal for a relaxed Western riding experience, to sophisticated floral dresses and skirts, perfect for a chic evening look after a competition or trail ride. Ariat equips women with essential equestrian attire, seamlessly transitioning into stylish evening wear. Explore the top choices from Ariat for women:
Ariat First Rodeo Vest
The Ariat First Rodeo Vest conjures up images of participating in country fairs, rodeos, or engaging in agricultural activities within the autumn season. This vest radiates a rustic elegance, characterized by its earthy, desert brown hue and its combination of cotton and rayon twill fabric. To introduce a distinctive element, it incorporates a novelty tie in the belt for a tailored fit and a tribal print ribbon along the zipper.
Equipped with four pockets, this vest not only boasts a fashionable appeal but also serves a practical purpose, allowing for the secure storage of essentials such as a wallet, phone, or even a carrot for a horse prior to the commencement of races. The Ariat First Rodeo Vest is available at a price point of $75, with the option to choose a payment plan of four interest-free Afterpay installments, each amounting to $18.75.
Ariat Kirby Stretch Shirt
The Ariat Kirby Stretch Shirt represents a reinvention of the conventional collared button-down shirt through its innovative design. Crafted from a blend of stretch poplin, cotton, and spandex, this dress shirt is a testament to both style and functionality. It has been rigorously tested by equestrians, affirming its performance capabilities and durability. The design includes a construction that enhances arm mobility, ensuring comfort and freedom of movement.
Available in a variety of colors, such as cream, patterned white, blue, and purple, this shirt is engineered for its resistance to wrinkles and its ability to facilitate ease of movement. For a contemporary look, this shirt can be paired with vintage-inspired bell-bottom jeans, cowboy boots, and a necktie scarf. The Ariat Kirby Stretch Shirt is currently priced at $35, with a discount of $50. Alternatively, customers have the option to select a payment plan of four interest-free Afterpay installments, each amounting to $12.50.
Ariat Men's Apparel Review
Ariat presents an extensive selection of men's apparel, catering to a variety of activities, from competitive events to casual outings, and everything in between. Whether you're gearing up for a barrel race with its comfortable plaid shirts ideal for the sport, indulging in a leisurely ride with its classic English-style polo shirts, or simply unwinding at the barn with its warm jackets, Ariat ensures there's an outfit for every moment. This review focuses on the standout, versatile footwear options from Ariat's men's collection.
Ariat FR Caldwell Sweater Jacket
The Ariat FR Caldwell Sweater Jacket emerges as an excellent choice for those cool days spent at the stables. Constructed from premium fleece and flame-resistant fibers, this jacket not only offers warmth but also safety. Its unique feature lies in the incorporation of Ariat's DuraLight Stretch Canvas panels, which enhance durability at the forearms and shoulders.
This zip-up style jacket is equipped with practical breast and side pockets, providing a secure place to keep your essentials, such as your wallet, phone, and keys. To complement this ensemble, consider pairing it with a crew neck shirt, well-fitted jeans, and tan boots. Available in a sleek cool gray shade, the Ariat FR Caldwell Sweater Jacket is priced at $280. For those who find the price a bit high, the option of 4 interest-free Afterpay installments of $70 is available.
Ariat TEK Polo
Elevate your style and comfort with the Ariat TEK Polo t-shirt. This standout polo is meticulously crafted with advanced fabric technology, ensuring it wicks away moisture, fights odor, and offers a refreshing feel even under the sun. With a UPF rating of 45, this high-performance fabric safeguards you from harmful UV rays.
Made from 100% polyester, this polo features a ribbed collar and an Ariat embroidered logo on the chest, adding a touch of sophistication. Choose from 8 vibrant colors and designate the Ariat TEK Polo as your preferred work shirt, available at just $37. Alternatively, for the convenience of 4 interest-free Afterpay installments of $9.25, consider this option.
Ariat Women’s Boots Review
Ariat presents a wide array of footwear options for women, encompassing various styles and lengths, ideal for activities such as riding and barn work. The collection ranges from ruggedly styled cowboy boots designed for rodeo to sophisticated English riding boots crafted from premium leather, to waterproof alternatives suitable for cleaning stalls. This collection caters to the diverse preferences of all riders.
Ariat Fatbaby Boots
The Ariat Fatbaby Boots stand as a standout choice, designed specifically for the rigors of exercising your horse in the stable. Crafted from full-grain leather, these boots feature innovative moisture-wicking technology and a ventilation-friendly lining for enhanced comfort. Enhanced with a padded top collar and a Duratread outsole, meticulously developed with rider feedback to ensure superior traction wear, these boots offer impeccable support.
The sole is engineered for its shock-absorptive capabilities, incorporating a heel cushion designed to accommodate a comfortable heel strike and gait, and is available in two classic styles: brown and black. Priced at $140, these boots are also made available through Afterpay, facilitating four interest-free installments of $35.
Ariat Paddock Boots
For riders seeking superior comfort and functionality during pen work, the Ariat Paddock Boots are an excellent choice. Comprised of a full-grain leather upper and boasting moisture-wicking technology along with a breathable lining for ventilation, these boots guarantee comfort through a padded top collar. The Duratread outsole, tested by riders for maximum traction wear, is designed to absorb shock, with a heel cushion specially engineered for a smooth and efficient heel strike and gait. Available in the classic colors of brown and black, priced at $140, these boots are further accessible through Afterpay, offering the convenience of four interest-free payments of $35 each.
Ariat Men's Boots Review
Ariat Men's Boots are meticulously engineered to endure the rigors of a demanding workday. Offering a comprehensive selection that includes sophisticated English boots, vibrant Western designs, as well as steel toe and composite work boots, Ariat ensures there is a style to suit every man's requirements. In this detailed review of Ariat Boots, we will spotlight three of their most highly sought-after boot styles for men:
Ariat WorkHog Boots
The Ariat WorkHog Boots stand out as an ideal choice for those seeking durable and fashionable cowboy boots that offer superior traction to prevent slips. These boots are equipped with Ariat's ATS Max technology, which guarantees maximum stability from side to side, thereby reducing fatigue and promoting correct body posture. Packed with a cushioned EVA midsole and an abrasion-resistant Duratread outsole, these boots deliver both comfort and durability.
Boasting a wide square toe, these Ariat steel toe boots provide enhanced protection for the feet against any accidental impacts. They are embellished with a Western stitch pattern and a deep scallop, imbuing them with a Western aesthetic. The reinforced finger holes facilitate effortless slip-on and slip-off.
Available in three widths: B narrow, D medium, and EE wide, these boots are designed to ensure a comfortable fit for all foot sizes. Priced at $210, the Ariat WorkHog Boots represent a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize both style and functionality. Alternatively, customers can enjoy the convenience of making four interest-free Afterpay installments of $52.50 each.
Ariat Groundbreaker Boots
The Ariat Groundbreaker Boots are crafted with simplicity and practicality in mind, making them an excellent choice for demanding work settings such as muddy, slippery, and rough terrains. Ideal for construction, factory, warehouse, or agricultural and ranch work, these boots are equipped with 4LR technology for continuous comfort and support.
Made from a full-grain leather foot and suede upper in a natural earth brown shade, these Ariat boots are available in D medium and EE widths. Set at $130, customers have the option to spread the cost over four interest-free Afterpay payments of $32.50 each.
Ariat Reviews: An Analysis of Customer Feedback
Upon examining the feedback from Ariat boots reviews, it is evident that the majority of consumers are pleased with their purchase, particularly noting the superior quality and attractive design of the boots. A specific reviewer highlighted the exceptional comfort and support provided by the Ariat Workhog Boots.
However, a critical evaluation of Ariat's performance on the Better Business Bureau platform reveals a lower rating due to grievances related to shipping and customer service. Similarly, Ariat has received unfavorable reviews on Trustpilot, with recurring complaints about customer service, delays in shipping, and issues with boot quality.
The perception of Ariat varies significantly across different review platforms. On Influenster, Ariat has achieved an outstanding rating of 4.7/5 stars, based on 147 reviews. Numerous users who regularly utilize Ariat products praise the brand for its quality and dependability on its boots and apparel. Similarly, Ariat boots have received outstanding ratings on Amazon:
- Men's Groundbreaker Workboot: Rated at 4.6/5 stars from 3,623 ratings, securing the top position in Men's Work Boots category
- Men's Midtown Rambler Casual Boot: Rated at 4.6/5 stars from 1,731 ratings
- Men's Circuit Patriot Western Boot: Rated at 4.7/5 stars from 1,166 ratings
- Women's Mid Rise Bootcut Jean: Rated at 4.4/5 stars from 3,347 ratings
- Women's Fatbaby Western Boot: Rated at 4.7/5 stars from 8,423 ratings
- Women's Dixon Western Boot: Rated at 4.6/5 stars from 530 ratings
It is clear that the sentiment towards Ariat reviews is highly positive, with a minimal number of negative reviews on Trustpilot and BBB. This discrepancy in feedback is noteworthy, considering that the negative reviews on Trustpilot and BBB represent only 43 out of the thousands of overwhelmingly positive reviews found elsewhere.
Is Ariat a Worthwhile Investment?
Given the predominant positive feedback in comparison to the limited negative feedback on Trustpilot and BBB, Ariat appears to be a brand worth considering. With an impressive track record of over 20 years and a commitment to blending athletic technology with equestrian fashion, Ariat distinguishes itself as a leader in the industry.
Furthermore, Ariat's dedication to supporting various charitable initiatives, including veterans, the families of fallen soldiers, horses, and Western riders, adds an additional layer of value to choosing Ariat products. By opting for Ariat, consumers not only receive high-quality products but also contribute to meaningful causes.
Where to Find Ariat Products
Ariat products are available for purchase through Ariat.com or by visiting one of the numerous Ariat stores located in Fresno and Gilroy, CA; Lexington, KY; Sunrise, FL; Lehi, UT; Phoenix, AZ; and El Paso, TX.
In addition, Ariat products can be found at a variety of other retailers, including Nordstrom, Boot Barn, Walmart, Outdoor World, and the official Ariat Amazon page.
