Boots, Boots, COWBOY BOOTS!

Ariat boots were the overwhelming favorite in my recent poll, "What will the brand be of the next pair of cowboy boots you'll purchase?" The fact that Ariat had the most votes both surprises me, and doesn't.

I have one pair of Ariats, they are what they call "fat baby" boots. Kind of short with a chunky lug sole, a cognac colored ostrich. I enjoy wearing them with jeans. I would not actually wear them riding. They are pretty comfortable, although I probably could have gotten a size smaller as they feel kind of clunky.

When I finally bought a pair of real riding boots, I chose Twisted X brand and was happy with my choice. I tried on some Ariats too, but at the time, I was looking for square toed boots and Ariat didn't seem to offer as many riding boots with a square toe. Most of their boots looked more like a fashion boot, not something I'd want to get dirt on.

{ My Twisted X~ before I broke them in }

My friend who is a bit of a cowboy boot connoisseur told me that on her annual NFR trip in Vegas a couple of years ago, she and her friend were shopping for boots, looking at Ariats that were on sale. The retail clerk kind of laughed and said Ariats weren't "real cowboy boots." A year later in Vegas, she tried on a pair of Lucchese and said, oh, that's what they've been talking about. She ended up buying them.

{ These aren't mine, but I sure would love this collection! }

When I was shopping for my boots, the store owner (who only wears custom made boots) tried to sell me some Boulet, but I didn't like the particular style in stock. He also said that a lot of men don't like wearing Ariats or other boots with a "sneaker last" because their feet tend to sweat in them.

{ My cousin's red pirate boots! }

Interesting perspective, but I do notice that when you slip a boot on, you can tell immediately if its love or not. I do have one pair of boots I've yet to really break in, they are stiff and I wonder if they ever will or if that is just their design. They are Tony Lamas and the only black boots I have. They are shiny and I love them, they just aren't comfortable yet.

I could write about boots all day. In fact, in Friday's post I'll post pictures of a few that are on my wish list! I would love to hear more about your favorite boots, too. Tell us your brand of choice and why. If you want, consider this a tag and post a picture of your favorite pair of cowboy boots on your blog, be sure to let us know to stop by and check yours out!

P.S. I realize I left all you English riders out in this one but it was a cowboy boot poll and besides, I bet some of you have a few pairs of cowboy boots, too, right?!