Ariat Women’s Anthem H20 Boot – A Detailed Review

Comfort

Cowboy boots aren’t my first choice for comfortable walking, so I was happy to discover that the Ariat Women’s Anthem H20 Boot was comfortable. The insole delivers great cushioning that’s enhanced with the proprietary 4LR technology. With four layers providing rebound where it’s needed the most, the insole gave off a slight bounce that helped me maintain my energy throughout long hours of walking and standing. The high-rebound cushioning protected my foot against fatigue, especially when I spent almost the entire day on my feet. This comfortably cushioned insole also created a supportive base that helped sustain my foot’s proper position inside the boot, preventing unwanted movement that would’ve led to an unstable feeling.

The boot had enough rigidity to keep its structure intact without causing discomfort. This was due to the lightweight shank that helped maintain stability, enabling me to walk comfortably as my foot kept its proper alignment even with quick sideways movements. I appreciated the stabilizing shank’s lightweight profile because it didn’t contribute a lot to the boot’s weight, preventing it from becoming too heavy or dragging my foot down.

I loved how the thick sole formed a protective base that cushioned my foot when I walked on challenging surfaces. I didn’t feel the rocks and twigs that I stepped on when I was outdoors because the sturdy sole soaked up the impact, providing me with a comfortable walking experience. The sole also felt flexible and allowed me to walk naturally without stiff parts that would’ve made walking painful and awkward. The EVA midsole formed an extra source of cushioning and support that warded off the pain to keep me walking comfortably throughout the day.

The removable insole was comfortably cushioned, but it was challenging to put back in. If you don’t plan on keeping this component out, I recommend against removing it in the first place. This is because it’s very hard to squeeze back in due to the boot’s tall shaft and the leather’s thickness.

Weight

The boot didn’t feel too weighty, which was what I assumed given its tall height, robust sole, and the thickness of the full-grained leather. Considering these components, I felt that the boot had a welcoming weight level – providing enough heft to stabilize my footing over unstable ground but without too much bulk, so it didn’t push into my foot with uncomfortable heaviness.

Traction

I was impressed with the outsole’s strong traction that kept me walking confidently over tricky surfaces losing my stable footing. Cowboy and Western boots usually have thin, slippery soles, so this boot stood out with its sturdy, thick Duratread outsole which turned out to be the best of any Western boots that I’ve tried so far – even including the men’s models. I loved how the sole cushioned my foot, so it didn’t feel pain from stepping on rocks and other sharp objects on the ground. Even if the sole didn’t have deep treads, this boot performed well over uneven, gravelly terrain as it dug strongly into the ground.

Fit and Sizing

This is a comfortable boot, but I felt some pinching on my right foot, while my left foot felt rather loose. It may be a good idea to go for a wide size or choose a pair that’s half a size bigger than your usual size to avoid any uncomfortable pinching. It’s also worth noting that while the insole felt nicely cushioned, it’s not a good idea to remove it (unless absolutely necessary). This is because it’s quite hard to put it back through the tall, tight boot shaft.

Waterproofing

This boot’s Waterproof PRO construction maintained a comfortably dry interior, protecting my foot against annoying wetness while I worked on muddy ground or in the rain. The tall boot also worked to stop water from splashing in through the opening, so I easily waded through deep puddles without worrying about foot dryness.

Breathability

The boot had a mesh lining that effectively promoted good air circulation to keep the interior cool for a longer period of time. It worked to dissipate heat and moisture so they didn’t have a chance to build up to uncomfortable levels, protecting my foot from feeling overheated when I used the boot for extended periods.

Quality and Durability

I felt very stylish while wearing the Ariat Women’s Anthem H20 Boot. It’s approved for riding and looked like a fashionable cowboy boot, with Western-style stitching on the shaft that delivered an eye-catching dimension against the rich, full-grain leather. It paired nicely with workwear and injected a rugged appeal to give otherwise plain, casual outfits a striking aesthetic. I liked the height as it provided extra coverage against abrasive materials and unwanted elements in tough settings, at the same time working to protect my ankle from accidental twisting when navigating unstable terrains.

I appreciated the pull loops that were fitted into the opening. Although they were designed to make foot entry a lot more convenient, these loops didn’t entirely eliminate the difficulty of pulling the boot on. I did welcome the scooped shape of the opening because it somehow made it easier for me to slip my foot in before I encountered a bit of tightness on the tall shaft. Meanwhile, I was grateful for the thick leather on the shaft because it worked to keep my ankle stabilized, protecting it from unintentional twisting when I was trudging on loose, unstable ground conditions.

The Waterproof PRO construction was a blessing in wet conditions as it stopped the rain, mud, muck, and other liquids from seeping in. The interior of the boot remained dry while I worked outdoors in inclement weather and in other wet conditions, so I didn’t suffer from annoying foot wetness. I welcomed the enhanced height because it helped stop moisture sources from getting in from the top, allowing me to wade in puddles and still maintain the interior’s comfortable dryness. The boot’s components, including the upper and sole, all seemed very durable, so I expect the boot to maintain its remarkable form and performance for a long time. It has a mid to high price range that’s justified by its notable qualities, offering superb value for money.

This comfortable boot had multiple layers of cushioning to promote pain-free walking for hours. The insole delivered a bouncy feel that worked to re-energize my steps, making it much easier for me to keep walking for a long time without feeling a great deal of pain. The sole had ample padding to cradle my foot comfortably while also providing enough support to keep my steps stable. I won’t recommend taking off the insole, though (even if it’s supposed to be removable) because putting it back was such a challenging task due to the boot’s extended height and tight leather shaft. It’s also worth noting that the boot’s fit is a bit off, with my right foot feeling a bit cramped while my left foot had a somewhat uncomfortably loose fit.

This boot stands out even more because of its Duratread outsole, which is the best cowboy boot I’ve worn. Instead of the thin, slippery soles that are often built into Western boots, the boot’s Duratread sole had a thick structure that was robust enough to keep my foot supported through tough environments. I loved how the sole’s thickness also worked to cushion my foot to prevent discomfort when I walked on rocky ground. The high-traction outsole promoted stable walking as it bit strongly into unstable surfaces, allowing me to navigate challenging ground conditions without easily slipping or losing my balance in the process.

Other Versions

The Ariat Women’s Anthem H20 Boot is offered in a distressed brown color. It also has a non-waterproof option, an 8-inch Shortie version, and one with VentTEK mesh panels. There’s also a version with a less rugged style (Anthem 2.0) that’s not waterproof, as well as one with a composite toe cap.