Brief Company History

Ariat was founded in 1993 by Beth Cross and Pam Parker – classmates at Stanford Business School, and later worked for Bain & Company and as consultants to Reebok. The company introduced its first two boot styles in the same year after the co-founders decided to create riding boots that were much better and more comfortable than the traditional stiff, heavy boots. The result is the “New Breed of Boot” – the first boots for equestrian use to utilize footwear technology that was once only enjoyed with shoes. Ariat now manufactures high-quality Western and English riding boots and apparel, as well as high-performance work boots and workwear, together with lifestyle footwear to cater to a wide range of needs.

The Legend Behind the Ariat Brand Name

Where did the name “Ariat” come from? It was derived from “Secretariat” – the name of the renowned racehorse with a heart that’s almost thrice as big as an average thoroughbred’s and was the Triple Crown winner for the 1973 Kentucky Derby. Co-founder Beth Cross remembered spending her childhood with animals all around her as she grew up on a working horse farm and vividly remembered watching the legendary Secretariat win in 1973. The thoroughbred’s competitive spirit and (quite literally) big heart served as inspirations that led the way to the company being given the name “Ariat”.

Leather Made Better -Because It’s Responsibly Sourced

Ariat boots are made with premium quality leather that’s sourced mainly from American cattle ranchers, with the company standing by its belief that the best hide quality can be found in sources within the US. The company is a part of the Leather Working Group. This non-profit organization represents responsible leather sourcing, analyzing the environmental operation of leather manufacturing facilities to ensure that they conform to the group’s strict standards. Ariat continues to nurture a mutually beneficial relationship with American cattle ranchers, who represent the specific demographic for which Ariat boots are designed and manufactured.

The type of leather used in Ariat boots varies depending on the footwear’s intended use. Work boots are usually made with thick, durable leather that can easily withstand heavy use in challenging environments and with exposure to the elements. For lifestyle boots – a softer, more flexible type of leather may be used instead, allowing design enhancements (such as intricate stitching) to be added without compromising the boot’s structural integrity. Ariat boots can be made with full-grain leather, and top-grain leather, and can also be enhanced with synthetic & hybrid materials, such as the mesh panels that are fitted into the Ariat VentTEK boots.

Types of Boots Made by Ariat

These are the types of boots that are manufactured by Ariat:

Men’s Cowboy Boots

Cowboy boots for men can be categorized according to the most popular styles – classic cowboy boots and modern boots. The classic cowboy boot features a high shaft that reaches at least mid-calf height and usually comes with intricate stitching and cutouts, an angled heel, and a rounded or pointed-toe box. On the other hand, the modern cowboy boot (roper) comes in a wide range of toe shapes and styles, usually with a lower heel and shaft.

Women’s Cowgirl Boots

Cowgirl boots are created with various toe shapes, including rounded U-toe, and the classic pointed J-toe silhouette. The traditional cowgirl boot has an angled heel that’s around one to two inches in height, while the roper heel is leveled and is about an inch or so shorter than the former option.

Work Boots for Men and Women

Ariat work boots are designed to be as tough (maybe even tougher) as the demanding environments that may be encountered with certain jobs. These boots come with a lace-up design for better fit customization or a pull-on style that can be more convenient to wear, especially when time is of the essence. The boots cater to a wide range of job requirements and work settings, providing increased durability to keep up with the challenging activities and locations while ensuring continuous comfort at the same time.

Some Ariat work boots come with safety toe enhancements that deliver continuous protection against compression and impact threats lurking in hazardous job sites. These safety toes can either be made with steel for maximum protection or with a composite material, offering superior foot protection without the extra weight. Most of these high-quality work boots have the proprietary Waterproof PRO construction or GORE-TEX waterproofing system, blocking wet elements to ensure long-lasting foot dryness in wet conditions. The boots also showcase technologies and enhancements for increased comfort, such as shock-absorbing midsoles and cushioned insoles that help ward off the pain, especially with long hours of continuous boot-wearing.

Hiking Boots for Men and Women

Ariat hiking boots are designed to keep your feet planted firmly on different terrains while keeping you pain-free for long hours of hiking and other outdoor adventures. Some of these boots are built with waterproof structures, preventing mud, water, and other liquids from seeping in to ensure complete foot dryness while navigating the outdoors in inclement weather and settings with exceptional wetness. These boots mostly have Duratread outsoles, delivering superior strength and flexibility to keep you moving effortlessly while also working hard to prevent slipping on tricky ground conditions.

Lifestyle Boots for Men and Women

The lifestyle boots are built with stylish silhouettes, delivering maximum aesthetic benefits as they pair well with workwear and even with more casual outfit choices. These versatile choices can be maximized on and off the worksite with high-quality materials designed to keep up with the demands of your activities while offering comfortable boot-wearing experiences. Most of the lifestyle boots from Ariat feature pull-on designs for increased convenience and comfort but there are also some lace-up styles for better fit personalization and stability across different surface conditions.

A Guarantee of Superior Quality

Ariat offers a 12-month warranty on its footwear products. The company guarantees that all products are free of defects at the time of purchase, and the warranty doesn’t apply to damage due to neglect, unauthorized repair, misuse, normal wear and tear, accidents, modifications, or the inability to follow care instructions properly. The warranty enables you to return the defective footwear for a refund or replacement, provided that the eligibility standards specified by the company are met. For purchases made at authorized Ariat retailers, brand shops, and outlet stores – the item must be returned to the store or shop where the item was originally purchased. On the other hand, a warranty return ticket must be submitted online for footwear bought through the official Ariat website.

Exceptional Value for Money

Yes, Ariat boots offer good value for money. They’re made with high-quality materials designed to keep up with different work environments and activities while maintaining long-term structural integrity. In addition, these boots showcase athletic footwear technology, enabling you to enjoy continuous foot comfort even with long hours of walking or staying upright without experiencing discomfort from excessive bulk. It’s also worth mentioning that the leather is sourced from the best cattle ranches across the US, ensuring the highest level of aesthetic and functional advantages that can be maximized for riding, various work purposes, and different lifestyle settings.

Many of Ariat’s boots undergo a 150-step construction process and extensive field tests, ensuring outstanding durability, fit, and functionality that offer superb value for money. They’re also available in a wide range of sizes and widths – including an extra narrow width option that’s represented by the letter “B”.

An Exceptional Boot Brand That’s Made in the USA

Ariat boots are developed and designed in the USA, with manufacturing done worldwide. Most of the top-quality leather materials used for the footwear are sourced from American cattle ranches with whom the company has built and sustained mutually beneficial partnerships. The company works with international suppliers for cutting-edge materials that make the footwear stronger, lighter, and more stylish for maximum functional and aesthetic benefits.

The brand’s shoes and boots use premium quality leather with athletic footwear innovations, delivering maximum comfort, durability, and aesthetic benefits that you’ll be able to enjoy in different settings. Ariat is one of the most trusted footwear brands in the world, starting as a producer of high-quality equestrian footwear and evolving into a manufacturer of a wide variety of footwear choices for different activities, work settings, and lifestyle preferences.

Top-notch Ariat Boots

Rambler Western Boot – made with distressed leather- showcases the exclusive ATS technology, providing superior cushioning for all-day comfort as it simultaneously keeps the foot fully supported. The technology includes a gel-cushioned footbed that adds just enough bounce to return the energy to every step and a heel stabilizer that holds the heel securely, preventing it from sliding unintentionally inside the boot for a more stable stride. The mid-calf height with its scalloped edge delivers a stylish touch, making this a remarkable addition to different outfits. The Duratread outsole offers increased stability over various surface conditions, providing you with a more stable and effortless walking experience. Read full review.

Wexford Waterproof Boot – featuring the proprietary Waterproof PRO construction, this boot forms an impenetrable barrier to stop water and other liquids from entering, assuring that you’ll enjoy dry feet even in exceptionally wet conditions. The cushioned insole comfortably cradles the foot, keeping it supported while stopping pain from developing when you’re on your feet for long hours. The ATS forked shank increases the boot’s strength by providing enough rigidity to maintain the structural integrity even when heavy use in tough surroundings. The shank isn’t as heavy as steel, so it doesn’t add much to the total boot weight. The boot blends in nicely with workwear while retaining a stylish silhouette, making it great for pairing with casual clothes that you can enjoy in more laid-back settings. Read full review.

Workhog Pull-On Waterproof Boot – built with the proprietary ATS Max technology, this boot ensures that the foot maintains its proper alignment throughout the day, allowing you to continue walking without compromising good posture. This platform works hard to deliver superior structural stability to provide enough support, making it easier for you to maintain your steady gait across different surfaces. The EVA midsole cushions the foot to protect it from feeling the discomfort of walking for hours on unyielding surfaces. The Waterproof PRO construction blocks wet elements to guarantee all-day foot dryness while you’re in extremely wet conditions. The Duratread outsole is slip-resistant, enabling you to walk more safely in tricky terrains without compromising your comfort. Read full review.

Heritage R-Toe Western Boot – built with a classy four-row stitch pattern, this women’s cowboy boot showcases the Western flair that can easily elevate your outfit’s aesthetics without being over the top with the enhancement. The full-grain leather upper exudes a premium look that can complement most of your outfits on and off the work area. The insole has enough cushioning to stop foot pain from developing over a busy day, with enough bounce to bring back the energy to your steps so you can continue to walk pain-free for longer. In addition, the ATS technology helps maintain your steady footing over various indoor and outdoor surfaces. Read full review.

Unique Features of Ariat Boots

High-Quality Leather – Ariat boots are made with premium leather materials sourced from American cattle ranches, ensuring superb quality and durability that shine through with the boots’ great function and aesthetics.

Pull Strap – The leather pull straps on both sides of the boot’s collar aid in easier boot-wearing with minimal effort.

Two-Row Stitch Pattern – The intricate stitching adds a stylish Western flair, giving the boot an eye-catching profile that instantly elevates the aesthetics of even the plainest outfits.

VentTEK Panels – These mesh panels are placed on the boot’s shaft, allowing plenty of air to get into the boot to promote good air circulation to keep the foot feeling cool and comfortable even in humid or hot conditions.

Strong Side Seam – Also called piping, this side seam forms a strong bond to keep the leather components on the boot’s shaft secured firmly for superior durability.

Toe Bug – This is the decorative stitching on top of the vamp, providing a welcome accent that’s visible even when you wear pants over the boot’s shaft. This stitching also helps make the break-in process easier with certain leather types.

Heel Counter – This component secures the heel properly, preventing it from sliding inside the boot for a stable walking experience.

Stockman Heel – The heel type is suitable for different activities, including extended periods of walking. It’s made with the exclusive Duratread material that’s ergonomically designed, providing superior flexibility while also offering remarkable wear resistance at the same time.

Duratread Sole – This sole is more durable than regular rubber, with an extremely flexible structure for effortless mobility. It’s also resistant to barnyard acid and slip-resistant for superior protection in challenging outdoor environments.

Advanced Cushioning and Shock Absorption – Ariat boots are built with advanced cushioning and strong shock absorption, promoting a comfortable experience while fighting foot fatigue development with long hours of standing or walking.

Double Stitched Welt – The double stitching pattern outside the shoe results in tougher construction and increased water resistance.

Conclusion

Ariat is renowned for a wide range of Western boots, but there’s so much more to the brand than just cowboy boots. It also offers work boots that are ideal for different professions and a line of hiking boots that can easily take on the challenges that come with outdoor adventures. The lifestyle boots, along with the other product choices, are built with premium leather materials and athletic footwear technology, providing superior comfort to power you through the most strenuous activities. Designed and manufactured in the USA using fine-quality, responsibly sourced leather, Ariat boots and shoes are designed to cater to a wide variety of work and leisure requirements, offering superb performance without sacrificing comfort.