Wednesday, January 28, 2009

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?!

45 comments:

  1. I'm afraid I don't own and have never owned any cowboy boots! I do love the look of your twisted x ones those - they're really pretty!
    My love is for my Cavallo long riding boots - they're by far the most comfortable footwear I own. If the damn zips didn't keep breaking, I'd wear them every day...!

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  2. When I was younger, I loved to wear cowboy boots but now it's not something I wear anymore but seeing them brings back so many memories and I know here that many of our local residence wear them!

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  3. I love, LOVE my Ariat ropers, I wear them all over the place. I would wear them to work if I thought I could get away with it.

    I've yet to find a pair of "real" cowboy boots (ie no laces) that I like. But I will try some of the brands you mentioned.

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  4. I own two pairs of Ariats and quite like them both. The first pair I bought was the Pro Baby boot. Which is similar to the Fat Baby's, but doesnt have the short boot top, its regular height. And the Pro Baby's don't have as think and chucnk a sole as the Fat Baby's do. They are much mighter and work better for riding. I LOVE these boots. So much in fact that they are ready to fall apart I wear them so much. I need another pair! The ones I have are a soft brown with a velvety finish instead of shiny. with light blue and pink design up the boot top.

    My other pair of Ariats are a more classic square toed boot and I love them. I try to keep them in better condition than my Pro Baby's! These boots are a black foot with leather sole and white stitching around the sole, and a chestnut coloured boot top. I probably should have bought one size smaller, but they didnt have the next size down and I needed black boots in a hurry for drill team!

    My sister owns two pairs of Twisted X and absolutaly loves them. She wont go to any other brand. I may have to try them out on my next purchase!

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  5. I have 2 pairs of Ariats, one was a pair of paddock boot (I think that's what the term is) that I used when riding english. They are only to be worn for riding, not fashion at all. Very comfortable but haven't been used in over a decade since I don't ride anymore. The other is a pair of cowboy boots, pointed toe. Very cute, not a pair of shoes I'd wear to walk around in for fear that the heel would be a bit uncomfortable. Plus I am an every day tennis shoe wearer so anything without a cushy sole is torture for me. I also am not a fan of the pointed toe, I have very very short feet so adding that kind of length is just a bad idea. If I were to go boot shopping again I'd get a pair of fat babies. Unless those red pirates were there. They'd call to me, I know they would.

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  6. I always wore Cowboy boots ,no particular name brand ,just whatever fit and felt good .The I had a bone in my foot broken, I now wear Ariat laceups they are a cross between a hiker and a roper (great in case you have to walk!) Still hace a beautiful pair of old school black cowboy boots that I bought in Montana about 18 years ago. I keep them for "good" they are gorgeous and butter soft

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  7. I have Ariat cascades, which are lace-up paddock boots. They are heavy-ish, but so comfortable to wear all day that I don't mind. I do NOT like those Fat Baby boots. They seem very dorky looking to me, for an adult woman anyway. I have bought several different Ariat casual shoes on Ebay, and they are all comfortable. I would like to have the zip-up paddock shoes, and some really cool cowboy boots. I'm just afraid of those pointy toes...

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  8. My boyfriend, Zach has a pair of Boulet boots. He says they are the most comfortable pair of boots he's ever had. And he's had lots of boots, trust me. Since we are both in them pretty much all day everyday we wear a lot of boots. I have a teenie tiny foot and have trouble finding boots off the shelf that fit. Plus I never like the styles of them and demand to be different. So I, like your firend, will tell you that ariats aren't really boots. Luccesse is closer But until you've slipped on a pair of made to your feet ML Leddy's you haven't lived. They're worth every penny you'll pay. And they cost a lot of pennies. But they're durable, beautiful and the most comfortable pair of boots you'll ever wear. I'm about to order my third pair.

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  9. I have a pair of Ariat Terrains...which are lace-up, waterproof paddock boots (English style) and I LOVE them. They are comfortable enough to wear all day long and stylish and safe enough for riding.

    I'm not a big fan of cowboy boots. I have wide feet and I've yet to find a pair that doesn't pinch my feet horribly.

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  10. Personally, I'd love some Lucchese boots but they're so expensive, holy cow! I have two pairs of Justin boots, not so much by choice, but because they were about all I could afford and get at the time. However, I do love Ariats, but the Ariats I have are english paddock boots ;).

    My husband has Ariat cowboy boots and I think they're incredibly nice. I guess technically Ariats aren't 'real' cowboy boots, but they make some wonderful products.

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  11. Ergh... had this nice post typed out and blogspot lost it!

    When I used to sell boots, Lucchese was the high end. At that time (early 80's) they were handmade. Not sure if that is still the case, but they were sure nice!

    Although I ride western, I love my Ariat Terrain Paddock boots (which they no longer make!) I added half chaps this winter for warmth. I guess I'm kind of an enigma as far as equestrian fashion!

    Saw the Ariat Barn Yard Side Zip in one of the magazines. My friend who owns a tack store ordered me a pair - they were backordered for about 6 wks, but she called this week that they are in. Google the name -- they are CUTE!

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  12. I have about 6 pair of Ariat Fat Baby's...love them and I do wear mine for riding. I also have a pair of Justin Gypsy Cowgirl boots that are SOOOOO comfortable. I like the style, a little funky and you can get all kinds of fab color combos! I've never been much into wearing "real" cowboy boots. Prior to the fat babys, I used to love the Ariat heritage roper.

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  13. I love Cowboy boots, but don't wear them like I did when I was younger. I have always gone by my dad's idea on a good boot. If it isn't leather lined, don't buy it. Boots with a cloth lining will not hold up or be comfortable and are cheap. I personally own Justin ropers, and a pair of old Dan Post snakeskin with a riding heel and super high tops. My hubby wears Lucchese that were made for him.

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  14. I'm an English girl, so I definitely don't know much about cowboy boot brands. I do love Ariat for my riding and work boots, and own three pairs of them. They fit me well, are very supportive, and comfortable. They also hold up better than any other boot I've had.

    I have Ariat Cobalt Paddock boots, Ariat Heritage Zip field boots (got for Christmas and I love them), and a pair of Fatbaby's that I wear for working around the barn. They're pretty western for me, but are easy to slip on and off, sturdy, and comfortable for all day barn work.

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  15. I love my Ariat boots. I think they are almost like slippers to me. I can wear them everyday and just about do. I also have a pair of Fat babies but I would not wear them for riding since they are a little chunky on the sole and I think you could get in a world of trouble with your stirrup.

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  16. I have 2 pairs of Ariat Pro Babys (similar to Fat Babys but with a sole made for riding).
    I like them because they are comfy, and with my back/knee/hip problems that is a priority! They are also "fun".
    I like the look of the Twisted X but I've never seen them for sale anywhere around here.

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  17. I'm interested in this subject because I've had the same pair of Ariats for four years--pointed toe--Cowboy boot--I've loved them and they've held up pretty good with conditioning--but they're ready to be replaced. They're definitely not anything you'd want to wear out on the town. I'm not wedded to the Ariat name though--I've owned a couple of others before--Justins for one. So, I'll be reading everyones comments to get ideas.

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  18. I certainly didn't vote for Ariat as they tend to be made in China which I won't buy. I bought American made (afterall what do the Chinese know about COWBOY boots?) ;) But I bought Justins and they are very comfortable with a square toe like yours only the colorful part is pink (gasp!), which I wasn't too happy about at first but have been woo'ed over to the dark side of Pink. :D LOL

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  19. I voted for Ariats becuase that's what I get for my English riding. I DO have a pair of cowboy boots, but I don't know what brand they are.

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  20. I have 4 pairs of Ariats, 2 pairs are for riding. One is the lace up that was my first pair when I got back into horses again. My other riding pair is the Ariat pro-baby. My other 2 pairs of Ariats are for good, just to wear with jeans, they are funky and one is pink (like a magenta pink) and the other is called amber. They are the exact same boot, I bought the Amber colored ones and decided I really liked them so I called the store and ordered them in pink.
    I also have a pair of Twisted X in a lighter pink. These aren't for riding either, the toe is too soft but they are the MOST comfortable boot I have ever worn. I origionally tried these on in California and they didn't have my size so when I got home I got online and it took me forever to find a pair in my size. This style was discontinued so that made it even harder. I finally found a wonderful salesperson somewhere in a store that had first said they didn't have my size than somehow found one for me.
    I love boots also. I wish I could have more, square toes are next. My only problem now is storage for all these boots!

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  21. LUCCESSE! Love em! You can buy them off the rack in a variety of width's and tons of great colors. They are great to ride in, and even better to walk in. The first time I wore my latest pair was at a cattle show and we were on concrete ALL day, and I was comfy all day! Ariat Fat Baby's are cute and I have had a couple of pairs, but I agree don't ride any horse that is tricky or you don't trust. They are really too sticky in the stirrup.

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  22. I have those same fat babys!! I got them for free when I was invited as the new up and coming artist. Ariat sponsored the event. I also won a buckle for peoples choice award. Boots and a buckle! Yee haw, he he. I think I like my square toed Justins I just bought the best. I have lace ups, and they are a little heavy. Lucchesse are what my husband wears, he swears by them. Thanks for the birthday wishes, I should have know all my friends would be there to cheer me up.

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  23. I have that exact same pair of Ariat Fatbabys and I LOVE them. I wear them every where. I also have a LIme Green Gator pair and a black Gator pair, but my all time fav;s are my blue denium Ostrich Justin with the J toe. Awesome boots! They are so comfy I could sleep in them! As a matter of fact- I don't own any shoe other than cowboy boots, I even have high heeled ones to wear with a (shudder))) dress!Even my slippers are boots!

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  24. Ooh! Good idea! I have 3 pairs of "real" cowbody boots plus my pink Pro Babies, which I, too, would not wear to ride. Those are my statement on Casual Friday. Guess I need to take some pix.

    LOVE the pirate boots. Which cuz?

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  25. I wore Justin's and Tony Lama's growing up...my current pair are Durangos...cheap, but comfy. My husband told me he'd buy me a pair of Lucchese because he drags me all over the world...I'm still waiting :)

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  26. My favorite subject: Boots! I did a post on this awhile ago. Being I have a rather different foot, (high instep and wide at the bunion point) it is difficult for me to find boots that fit good. I currently have several different brands like Justin ropers, twisted x but my faves right now are my Anderson Beans. Really hard to find sometimes but love them! Mine are underslung heel and square/round toe . Not to square but not so pointy. Go back through my old posts to find them when you have time. Love Old gringos but they are just too narrow for big foot here.

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  27. Now, I like those fat baby boots! Really like them. I could see me in those.
    My feet are too duck like for pointy shoes or boots.
    Loved looking at all the different boots.
    Have a great day.
    Pam

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  28. I hate Ariats cowboy boots. They are too narrow for my big wide feet. I do however like their sandals. Very comfy.
    For all round boots that aren't discipline specific I go blundstone all the way. I got a free pair a month ago from blundstone australia cause they werent satisfied with the customer service in their canadian dept.
    For cowboy boots, twisted x. I got a pair that have like a running shoe sole on the bottom and they are SO comfy. Made from nubuck leather.

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  29. Goodness gracious here I love boots, square toed are my favorites! I love my Twisted X Tall top riding boots. They are extremely comfortable for a off the shelf boot. I have my church boots Justin rough out square toes, love them. I have a pair of Nocona square toes, love them. I have a pair of tall top Oletha boots, not square toes, but I love them as well, they were given to me. I have a pair of Anderson bean elephant boots, given to me, don't wear them very often though. I would love to have a pair of custom made boots, just haven't found the colors that I want yet. Hubby loves his Beck Boots~they are custom made.

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  30. Ah, PonyGirl - I love me some boots!!!

    I don't own any cowboy boots at the moment, but I have a wishlist a mile long! I also have a thing for tall English riding boots. Funny, I've been meaning to do a post on my wish list, but haven't got around to it yet.

    I remember when I was 12 and got my first horse - a friend of the family helped me buy the horse and she also gave me an old pair of cowboy boots that one of her kids had outgrown. I wore those boots until they fell apart. Luckily I had small feet, so I didn't really outgrow them, they just wore out!

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  31. Oh yeah bitlesshorse.blogspot.com my post on boots

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  32. i am totally an ariat devotee... english riding boots, winter tall boots, the ones for trail riding.. on on
    gives new meaning to footloose and fancy free
    gp

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  33. My favorite boots were my Ariat lace ups! I sadly let them go but I've yet to find another like them.

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  34. I've got such a variety of boots myself, Frye, Ariat, Justin, Laredo, Dan Post, good grief I could go on! One can never have enough boots!

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  35. I would never admit in writing how many boots I have...some are for dress only but every now and then I do have to wear them on a "BLING RIDE"! And cowgirls...what about the spurs and spur straps that go on them????

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  36. who makes the skull boots your cousin has on? I LOVE those boots!
    I have Ariat's, but english paddock boots. No cowboy boots yet, but this post is making me want some.
    Yep, I need those skull boots. Please share the maker. Pretty please??!! :o)

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  37. My first pair was a red pair of rubber winter boots which my sister says I insisted were cowboy boots -- I recall insisting on being called Bronco and I remember tying up my imaginary horse to the dining room chair for dinner. I was five. My best pair of cowboy boots are a custom made pair (I am a ladies size 114A, not possible to find on a shelf anywhere.) I am still breaking them in but they are spiff! I also have a pair of Ariat paddock boots but since I don't have the right size...they do, but after a while, my feet start to go to sleep. Not so good. I also have a pair of old Roper lace ups with flat heel for corral cleaning/hay hauling/dump running. They've worn well. I loved an old pair of pull on Red Wings I had years ago, but wore them out (they started to rot) after a hard year working in a horse barn every day.
    Boots...you gotta love 'em. My husband loves his Wilsons, and he also is big on his Whites boots....

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  38. {Mikey}~ I've got an email in to my cousin to find out what brand the boots are and I'll let you know! ;)

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  39. I'm way out of the fashion loop...and don't mind at all...I go for function not fashion. The best boots I ever owned were a pair of Ariat packers...they wore like slippers from the very first day I put them on.

    Now, I'll take a step up onto the rant and rave podium...the stupid looking, dangerous, and irritating "fat baby" boots need to be outlawed. Wrangler changed the width of the bottom of their "slim fit" jeans to accommodate the larger width of the fat baby syndrome...so, all of my jeans drag the ground because I don't comply with fat baby syndrome...I wear packers...I don't like fashion boots...I'm a cowgirl...period...*gtyyup steps off of the rant and rave podium*

    Ahhhhh...I feel much better now...except for my jeans dragging the ground :(

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  40. {gtyyup}~ I had to chuckle at your comment! ;) I have the same problem when I wear my fatbaby's with bootcut jeans. The boots are short and wide in the shaft, and I have such narrow calves anyway, so they don't fit right and look funny under all of my jeans. I really have to wear a "flare" styled jean with them. So I understand what you mean. I think the "pro-baby" style is made to be worn riding, but the style I featured, the "fat-baby" style, is not. The lug sole is too big and not stirrup safe.

    Interestingly but unrelated, I wore my Tony Lama's to dinner and a movie tonight. Coming out of a wet skybridge area and walking into the mall, I slipped on a slick spot off the floor and fell! Luckily I half landed on my friend to break my fall, but my left wrist was kind of sore. Those boots are leather soled with a rubber heel. But- I am blaming the mall not the boots though, I thought there would have been a foot rug there as you came inside!?

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  41. Whooee! Those Twisted X boots are sure flashy! I'm surprised you don't wear those to go out in. They are purty!

    I don't have any cowboy boots anymore. I used to have two pair and freecycled them when we moved to SC. They were fancy going-out boots, though.

    The boots I usually rode in were lace ups with a heel. The laces were always coming undone, though.
    The boots I wore when I fell off on Christmas eve, were lug bottom boots. Not cowboy style but they were knee high and had thick fleece lining. Perfect for cold weather. I had bought them from Sketchers last winter on sale.

    Ufortunately for me, they were the first and loast time I got to wear those boots. I don't think any kind of rubber bottom boot, especially not lugged soles, should be worn while riding horses...way to many chances of your boot getting caught up in the stirrup.

    lol! Those pirate boots are crazy! :)

    ~Lisa

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  42. {Lisa}~ I actually have cleaned up my Twisted X and worn them out, once to go dancing, and a few times to rodeos (that I'm watching, obviously!)
    I love the term "freecycle!" That is a great one! Did you coin that yourself?

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  43. HI Ponygirl,

    Did your cousin e-mail you back yet? I went online looking ALL OVER for her skull boots and can't find. Please do share if she replies back to you. I NEED those boots. LOL! :o)
    Thanks so much. I love your blog!

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  44. {Mikey}~ I haven't forgotten ya, I am still waiting! My aunt thinks they are Lucchese and she got them for a steal, but I emailed my cousin and asked her to go check her closet for sure. ;) I'll get back to you soon!

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  45. thanks, Pony Girl. If you hear from her, I'd love to know. I'll check back again. ;o)

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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