Lightweight Boots Tested: Ariat’s Legendary Performance Shoes – An Evolution
The Ariat brand name is synonymous with western footwear. And it continually brings new technologies to the forefront that athletes need in boots.
I still remember my first pair of Ariats. I had saved my allowance to buy riding boots to replace my parents’ first high, hot, and uncomfortable rubber riding boots. Back then, I could only afford the synthetic boots, but they were a revelation – even in the mid-1990s.
For me as a teenager, the gel footbeds were cutting-edge technology. And I wore those boots all summer long, from morning to night, mucking out stables, riding whenever I could, feeding, saddling, and caring for horses. They were comfortable, quickly broken in, and secure in the saddle. They also lasted a long time, which was crucial for a kid who had to make a living from horses.
Today, I have (at least) five pairs of Ariats in my closet and a few horses myself. I estimate that Ariats have adorned my feet at least 95% of the time I’ve spent in the saddle or around horses. And that’s still true today.
The opportunity to travel to Fort Worth, Texas, visit Ariat’s newest store, talk to members of the Ariat team, and experience the brand’s latest technology firsthand was right up my alley.
Ariat Stores Offer Unique Comparison Opportunities
I used to buy my Ariats at my local equestrian store, and if they didn’t have the product I wanted in my size, they could order it directly for me. Now, I shop primarily online, although you can also buy Ariats at almost any local farm and ranch store.
Ariat also has ten brand stores and outlets across the country. Whether you live in Utah, California, Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, or Arizona, you’re in luck. I visited the newest Ariat brand store in Fort Worth’s Stockyards and was able to witness firsthand how the brand is evolving.
Perhaps it’s a combination of the post-pandemic lifestyle and the necessity of online shopping in rural areas, but it felt almost nostalgic to meet people in the store who knew the brand and helped me figure out what might work and what might not.
And yet, the store was bustling. The few times I stopped by, the store was packed. People were clamoring for boots, and it showed. However, the actual selection was limited to new, seasonal offerings. And in Texas, Ariat is definitely focused on cowboy boots and western wear, as opposed to the riding boots and breeches of my youth.
Ariat's Evolving Technologies
Back then, Ariat was the first manufacturer to develop hybrid performance footwear for athletes and horses. They had to look traditional and be comfortable. Today, this technology-driven approach shapes performance footwear and can also be found in lifestyle shoes. The gel footbed I remember is constantly evolving.
The first technology I noticed in the store was Ariat’s Bantamweight sole. Significantly lighter than conventional boots, it combines a chemical compound with wear-resistant mapping to create a durable, lightweight sole. And it’s amazing how much lighter the boots feel in the hand.
Another technology perfect for summer is Ariat’s VentTek technology for boots. It cleverly (and simply) integrates mesh into the boot panels and a Dri-Freeze lining for the foot and sole. For someone who’s spent summers in sweaty leather boots, this is a huge win.
And many of the VentTEK models feature the Bantamweight sole, resulting in lightweight, breathable boots. Simply super.
Tried and tested: Ariat Plano boots in review
I’ve been wearing the Plano Bantamweight boot ($210) for a few weeks now, and the weight difference is so significant that it’s barely noticeable. I’ll explain in a minute. Often, especially on long days, I switch boots when I need to run errands or take a break from the stable.
I haven’t had to do that with the Planos so far. To be clear, they’re men’s boots, and I’m a real woman. But I’ve often worn men’s cowboy boots because they’re simpler, more neutral, and more sophisticated. They also tend to be heavier.
These aren’t. And otherwise, they’re perfect for me. And while the Plano style is sold out online, there are 39 styles for men and 18 styles for women in the Bantamweight version. So you’re in luck.
I’ll admit that the first few times I wore the Planos, I wore cotton socks (oh my!). and got a few blisters in the process. But if I had taken them home, I would have broken them in a little slower—and not in the Texas heat wearing cotton socks. Since then, I’ve had no problems and have already ridden quite a few miles in this pair of boots.
As Ariats have always done for me, they feel excellent in the saddle and are also great on my own feet. If I buy an older Ariat boot and the newer Bantamweight, the weight difference isThis is obvious. This technology has made its way into my permanent riding gear.
Looking ahead: More Ariat tests
Although I’ve been a lifelong fan of the brand, I’ve certainly worn other boots. I’ve tried everything from high-quality cowboy boots to vintage boots from thrift stores. And yet, I always return to Ariat. They’re affordable, durable, and offer the right boot selection for every riding style I know. From show jumping to polo and trail riding to reining, I’ve always worn Ariats.
I suspect not much will change in the future. This summer, I’ll be putting the VentTEK technology through its paces on Montana’s hottest days. And in the winter, I’ll turn to the insulated boots from the Ariat Terrain collection, which get me through it just fine.
Ariats just fit me and my feet. They always have. And I suspect they always will.