Darn it! My Ariat riding boots are broken! The eyelet hook at the top completely snapped off. There are three on each side so I've just been creative with how to lace my boots but that's not gonna do for too long. I need new boots, I'll bring these to a shoe repair shop to see what they can do and perhaps they can be salvaged without breaking the bank.
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| My Ariats with the broken "hook eyelet" next to it. |
Anyhow, this Sunday I was in Parker visiting a friend who lives in the Cherry Creek area. I swung by Dover Saddlery to see if they had the Dublin Pinnacles, see pic below. I really, really, really want these boots! They are tall boots but aren't formal looking, since I don't show that's perfect. These will give more support than my paddock boots, they're water proof and man they look so freaking cute! Perfect for working around the barn, riding in the arena or on a trail ride. I won't look silly wearing these with a western or aussie saddle either. Me likie a lot! I've priced them at $178 cheapest, this includes free shipping from this particular online store. Dover Saddlery did not have these boots in stock for me to try on which was a total bummer, I really wanted to see them in person. I guess I can buy some online and return them if I don't like them. I hate doing that though....but what can you do?
I looked at the various paddock boots at Dover and found several comparable Ariats to the ones I broke, and mind you I've had for 12-13 years (with only the last three years of regular use). These are the Ariat heritage boots below. I'm not making the mistake I did with my unused black paddocks and going cheap....you get what you pay for! There are many styles of Ariats and the prices range from $119 to $150 for the ones I like, some of the paddock boots are upwards of $300!!! So, why not get the boots I've been pinning for if I have to get new boots?
Again another unexpected expense but I need safe and comfortable boots to ride in. One thing I do have to mention is all the Ariats I viewed at Dover now have metal eyelet hooks instead of the plastic ones like mine that broke. Phiff! We'll see what the shoe repair guys says and see if I can squeeze out a bit more life from my Ariats. But I still am gonna get those Dublin Pinnacles sometime in the near future!!
5 comments:
I love the long boots, that you looked at and went to try them on. i think that they are really good BUT I had the problem that I have quite a high instep so my foot just wouldn't fit in them I was soo gutted!
I have the Dublin River boots and love, love, love them. Comfy & always having someone comment when I wear them. I've had them three years, I don't however wear them to muck! Like em to much.
I wear the Ariat All Terrains. They have held up thru working around the barn for several years and they are comfy for riding. They are extremely popular among endurance riders beause they are so sturdy.
you have my old boots! i loved my ariat heritage boots and they lasted me about 5 years before falling apart at the seams (when i just kept on using them and the puddles would just come on in!). now i have ariat terrains (again) but they are crappily made recently. i cannot hike in them at all, they gave me the worst blisters of my life after my lease mare got kicked and i had to walk home. i'm pissed off at ariat for making a big seam in the heel sectin of the terrain boot which cuts right into you. now i have no horse to ride but i'm ready: i got myself some keens hiking boots and they are the most comfortable shoes i own, and so far i've hiked up to 3 hours no problem. when i did dressage i had these tall shiny black boots with laces but i gave them to the goodwill when i changed to endurance. now i just need comfortable hiking shoes and *important part:* safety stirrups (cages). so, we're not stylin' anymore...
Well I just ordered these boots! I received some nice money gifts for my birthday and sold some fish/reptile lights on craigslist so I went ahead and purchased them. Hopefully they will work nicely for me. Since I haven't seen them in person I will just wear them in the house until I determine they are thee boot. Cross your fingers for me!
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