Ariat

Where does Ariat come from and what does the name mean?

Ariat comes from California and was founded in 1993. The two founders, Beth Cross and Pam Parker, wanted to transfer construction methods from athletic footwear to riding boots. In the same year the company was founded, the first two boot models came onto the market.

The name comes from the racehorse Secretariat, which won the American Triple Crown in 1973. The middle syllables of the name make up Ariat. The company headquarters is in Union City, California.

How do I find the right calf width and leg height for Ariat riding boots?

Measure calf width and leg height while seated, wearing riding breeches and riding socks. Your legs should be at a right angle. Measure the height from the heel on the ground to the back of the knee and, depending on Ariat’s recommendation, add about 1.5 to 2.5 cm, because the leather will drop over time.

Depending on the model, Ariat offers several widths (from Extra Slim to Wide) and heights (for example Extra Short, Short, Medium and Tall). If you are between two sizes, the manufacturer recommends the smaller one.

How tight can new Ariat leather boots be?

New leather riding boots should fit closely, and the zip can offer some resistance the first time you close it. If you can move them up and down on your leg when they are closed, they are too wide. Leather will give a little with wear, and the boots will drop slightly.

If the boots are painfully tight, they are probably too small. It is best to try several widths in the shop, wearing the riding breeches you also ride in.

What is behind Ariat’s ATS technology?

ATS stands for Advanced Torque Stability and refers to the construction of the sole and footbed in many Ariat riding boots and shoes. According to the manufacturer, this includes a footbed with gel padding and heel support, a light, forked shank made of composite material and an insole that wicks away moisture.

This construction is taken from athletic footwear. You will find ATS in riding boots as well as in paddock boots. You will notice which model suits your foot best when you try them on.

How are Ariat riding boots and shoes sized?

With Ariat you choose riding boots using three measurements: shoe size, calf width and leg height. Ariat gives shoe sizes in UK, EU and US. According to the size chart for women, UK 3 corresponds to EU size 36 and US 5.5, UK 6 corresponds to EU 39 and UK 6.5 already to EU 40. For men, UK 7 is equivalent to EU 41 and US 8. The EU values are rounded to half sizes, so if you are unsure, it is worth trying on two sizes.

For tall boots there are calf widths Extra Slim, Slim, Regular, Full and Wide as well as heights Extra Short, Short, Medium and Tall. These appear as abbreviations in the model name, for example RM for Regular Medium or ST for Slim Tall. How many centimetres these are depends on the model and shoe size: for the Palisade, for example, a Slim Short in UK 3 measures around 32 cm calf width and 43 cm height, and a Full Short in the same size around 36 cm width. Always compare your measurements with the chart for the specific model.

According to Ariat, paddock boots should fit firmly at the heel and instep without pinching, and leave enough room for your toes. The widest part of your foot should sit at the widest part of the boot. Ariat offers some women’s paddock boots in foot widths Medium and Wide. The best way is to try on boots and paddock boots with the riding socks you also wear when riding, ideally with us in our shop in Tangstedt.