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Justin Stampede vs Ariat Rambler Western Boots

Comparing Two Iconic Western Boots – which one is superior?

All of our content is editorially independent and based on real product testing. Learn More

Toe & Heel Reinforced

Justin Stampede

Editors Rating: 8.5 /10

  • Rugged design made with high-quality materials deliver long-lasting performance
  • Classic Western boot vibe enhanced by square-toe silhouette and multi-colored embroidery on the shaft
  • Comfortable J-Flex insole that flexes along with every step

Lower-profile option

Ariat Rambler Western Boot

Editors Rating: 7.2 /10

  • People who have thin feet or prefer boots with a snug fit
  • Those who like a Western-style boot with a high shaft design
  • People who prefer boots with a premium leather material
Author Luke Davis

Western boots showcase such striking looks, so it’s not surprising if you also want to enjoy them in the workplace. The Justin Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work Boot and Ariat Rambler Western Boot are superb examples of Western boots with awesome looks and reliable performance on the job. Are you curious about these two boots and what differentiates them from other choices? We’re here to do the grunt work for you by inspecting these boots’ features so you can see which one matches your needs.

Do the Justin Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work Boot vs Ariat Rambler Western Boot have the same style?

Ariat Rambler and Justin Stampede Driller are both Western boots, but it’s quite easy to tell them apart. They’re both 11 inches tall and built with superior-quality leather but each pair has a distinctive look. The Ariat Rambler doesn’t have intricate stitching accents, with the unadorned leather showcasing its superior quality with a distressed finish. It has some stitching details near the toes, blending in beautifully with the rest of the upper and sustaining a monochromatic appearance. This boot is a superb choice for those who prefer Western boots with a minimalist style. On the other hand, the Justin Stampede Driller has a bolder look. The shaft has elaborate stitching in contrasting colors that immediately catch the eye. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer eye-catching boots.

Winner: These boots are equally stylish but if you’re looking for a more striking look showcasing the Western vibe, the Justin Stampede Driller Boot is your best bet.

Are the Ariat Rambler Western Boot and Justin Stampede Driller Boot waterproof?

No, these boots are not waterproof. High-quality leather prevents liquids from instantly being absorbed by these boots, so the feet at least have a barrier against minimal wetness. However, without fully waterproof features, these boots can’t protect the feet against being soaked when working in the rain or while wading in deep mud or muck.

Winner: With non-waterproof designs, the Justin Stampede Driller and Ariat Rambler are not strong contenders when it comes to water resistance.

Can the Justin Stampede Driller Boot and Ariat Rambler Boot keep the feet cool and dry?

These 11-inch boots aren’t the most breathable pairs, but they also don’t make the feet sweat a lot. Thankfully, both boots are designed with mesh linings that help promote good air circulation. These linings allow more air to move inside the footwear, preventing heat and sweat buildup after long hours of continuous boot use. The breathable linings save these tall boots from becoming too hot, especially when used all day in humid or hot work areas.

Winner: The Ariat Rambler and Justin Stampede Driller Boots are both winners when it comes to breathability. The mesh linings help improve air circulation inside the boots. However, heat accumulation may be expected with these tall boots if used for high-intensity activities in extremely warm surroundings.

Do these boots protect against electrical hazards?

The Justine Stampede Driller Boot has an electrical hazard-safe design. It provides a secondary defense against an electrical shock if there’s unintended exposure to open wires or electrically charged objects in the work area. On the other hand, the Ariat Rambler Boot doesn’t have this protective feature, making it unsuitable for job sites with potential electrical hazards.

Winner: The Justin Stampede Driller wins with an electrical hazard-safe design, which significantly lowers the risk of electrocution if there’s exposure by accident to electrically energized objects.

How’s the performance of the Justin Stampede Driller and Ariat Rambler Boots’ outsoles?

These boots’ outsoles perform better than most Western boots. Justin’s Stampede Driller Boot’s rubber and EVA outsole follow the foot’s motion to promote a more comfortable way of walking. It also stands out with superior traction, which is probably one of the best levels of grip we have experienced in Western boots. The boot can take on unstable surfaces while ensuring stable steps. The Ariat Rambler Boot’s outsole is flexible and doesn’t interfere with the foot’s natural flexing motion. The Duratread outsole offers long-lasting performance that can be relied on even in challenging settings. However, it has minimal traction and can’t withstand slippery or unstable ground conditions.

Winner: The Justin Stampede Driller emerges on top with superior traction for improved walking stability and safety in the workplace. It’s also flexible, just like the Rambler’s outsole.

Can the Ariat Rambler and Justin Stampede Driller Boots protect the toes against falling objects?

The Ariat Rambler and Justine Stampede Driller both have soft-toe designs. Without safety toe caps forming a barrier over the toes, these boots aren’t suitable for work areas where heavy objects can accidentally fall from elevated spaces. These soft-toed Western work boots are better suited to work conditions with minimal exposure to compression and impact hazards.

Winner: Both boots have soft-toe designs that don’t protect the toes against falling objects. With no safety toe caps in place, these boots don’t win when it comes to toe protection against impact and compression threats in hazardous environments.

Is there enough cushioning inside the Justin Stampede Driller Boot and the Ariat Rambler Boot?

These boots are built with ample cushioning to keep the feet comfortable. The Ariat Rambler Boot has a fully cushioned footbed that softens continuous steps’ impact. A shock-absorbing gel is incorporated into the forefoot of this footbed, where the impact of walking is concentrated, soaking up the shock to prevent foot discomfort. Meanwhile, the Justin Stampede Driller Boot’s exclusive comfort system makes the insole probably the best we’ve encountered so far in terms of cushioning for Western boots. This insole design features gel padding on the heel and ball of the feet sections to soften the impact of walking. It also provides the necessary support to prevent fatigue after hours of walking or standing. The heel feels particularly supported, thanks to the padding which creates a comfy fit.

Winner: The Justin Stampede Driller Boot wins with comfortable cushioning. It has an exclusive J-Flex Flexible Comfort System insole brings shock absorption, softness, and support for exceptional foot comfort all day.

Do the Ariat Rambler and Justin Stampede Boots have heavy designs?

These boots weigh as much as we expected them to be. Their 11-inch heights give a clear indication that these won’t be lightweight boots, especially with all-leather uppers and robust outsole designs. They don’t feel extremely heavy, so walking with these boots on doesn’t cause much discomfort even after a while.

Winner: These boots weigh the same and feel just right (weight-wise) given their materials and height. They’re not exactly winners when it comes to weight, but they don’t completely lose in this aspect, either.

Do the Ariat Rambler and Justin Stampede Driller Western Boots offer long-lasting performance?

These boots are designed to deliver outstanding performance for a long time. They’re both made with premium quality leather that can withstand normal wear and tear, maintaining their handsome appearance and function for a long time. Even their outsoles are made with robust materials that don’t easily wear down with non-stop use in different ground conditions.

Winner: Both boots are winners because of their durable designs. Their top-quality materials and construction keep up with various work conditions while resisting damage and more than normal wear and tear.

Who’s the Overall Winner?

The Justin Stampede Driller Western Boot has superior features in this comparison. It excels with a striking design showcasing elaborate Western-style accents, a high-traction outsole, exceptionally comfortable cushioning, and electrical hazard protection. It’s worth noting that it shares similar capabilities with the Ariat Rambler in terms of breathability and moisture control, weight, and durability. They also don’t have safety toes and have non-waterproof designs.

Recap

Choose the Ariat Rambler Boot for:

  • A minimalist Western boot look
  • Non-wet conditions
  • Work footwear offering long-lasting aesthetics and performance

 

The Justin Stampede Driller Boot is your best bet if you:

  • Prefer Western work boots with striking profiles
  • Need electrical hazard protection
  • Want comfortably cushioned Western work boots with grippy outsoles

Comparison table

Justin Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work BootAriat Rambler Western Boot
Safety ToeNoneNone
StyleRugged with elaborate Western-style stitching accentsRugged but sleek, featuring plain distressed leather (no intricate stitching)
TractionExcellentWeak
Breathability & Moisture ControlVery goodVery good
CushioningVery comfortableComfortable
WeightHeavyHeavy
Water ResistanceNon-waterproofNon-waterproof
DurabilityExcellentExcellent
Electrical Hazard Protection YesNo

Conclusion

When it comes to high-quality Western work boots, you can’t go wrong with either the Justin Stampede Driller Soft Toe Work Boot or the Ariat Rambler Western Boot. These soft-toe boots are suitable for non-hazardous work areas that aren’t exposed to extreme wetness. However, based on our testing, we recommend the Juston Stampede Driller Boots, as they deliver superior performance with an eye-catching profile, a high-grip outsole, supportive cushioning, and electrical hazard protection.

FAQ's

Will these boots feel comfortable after hours of walking?
Yes, they have a very comfortable fit and a reasonable weight for Western boots. If you are looking for very lightweight work boots, we recommend sneaker / athletic work boots.
Does the Ariat Rambler Boot have a version with elaborate stitching?
No, all Rambler Boot versions have plain leather uppers. However, other Ariat western boots have elaborate stitching, like the Sport Cool VentTEK Western Boot.
Which boot looks more rugged?
The Justin Stampede Driller Boot looks more rugged, featuring striking patterns and white stitching around the sole’s perimeter.
Are these boots suitable for hazardous settings?
No, they’re not ideal for hazardous work conditions because they don’t have safety caps to protect the toes against dangerous impact and compression.

Luke Davis

Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!