---

Ariat Revolutionizes Children's Footwear
Ariat Boots

---

As every parent knows, children’s growth spurts are both miraculous and expensive, especially when it comes to footwear. With the everincreasing price of prestige athletic shoes, not to mention the need for at least one pair of dress shoes, parents end up spending big bucks on shoes at least twice per year, per child…typically, before the “old” shoes have begun to show any signs of wear.

Ariat, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of performance equestrian and casual footwear, is bringing relief to parents’ wallets as well as to children’s feet. With the launch of Ariat Western Kids, the same company that revolutionized the equestrian footwear industry is now revolutionizing parents’ expectations of children’s shoes and boots. Not only will kids get great-looking shoes that feel good, too…but they’ll also get to enjoy them for much longer, thanks to the ingenious addition of Ariat’s patented Booster Bed™.

According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, some of the most painful adult foot problems originate from improperly fitting shoes during childhood. Many parents wait until their child complains to buy larger shoes but, by the time the child complains, some damage may already have occurred. But with Ariat Western Kids, a new line of children’s boots and shoes developed by footwear leader Ariat International, getting the most wear possible out of their shoes is as simple as removing the Booster Bed™ when their toes need more “wiggle room”.

Children’s feet grow at a rapid pace, and therefore need the appropriate protection and support to prevent future harm to bones, toes and muscles that are not fully formed until the age of 14. With Ariat’s exclusive Four Layer Rebound Technology™ (4LR) which includes a wide, composite shank, EVA cushioned footbed, moisture wicking sock liner and exclusive Duratread™ outsole, Ariat Kids products provide the cushioning, support and fit essential for a child’s growing feet. And thanks to the Ariat Booster Bed™, parents can purchase boots that fit their children now, then remove the Booster Bed from underneath the footbed as their feet grow.

According to Beth Cross, Ariat founder and chief executive officer, the introduction of Ariat Western Kids represents an important brand extension for the footwear leader. “As a leading manufacturer of performance footwear, we know firsthand what a difference technology and innovation can make to the performance, and comfort, of the people who wear them. Ariat Western Kids line features the same revolutionary technology as our adult lines but, more importantly for growing feet, offers a superior fit, improved stability and support, and extended product lifespan, which we know is important to parents. For kids who live in athletic shoes, Ariat Western Kids represent a stylish and equally comfortable option that also relieves their parents’ budgets.”

The Ariat Kids line offers a shoe for every activity and occasion including fashionforward boots with outrageous colors and exotic prints (Fatbaby Kids™), traditional western boots (Ariat Heritage Roper Kids, Ariat Stockman Kids and Ariat Heritage Western Kids) and trail riding-ready athletic boots (Ariat Terrain Kids™). Beginning this month, the complete line of Ariat Kids can be purchased at selected Western retailers nationwide. Available in children’s sizes 8 through 13.5 and youth sizes 1-3, 4, 5, the suggested retail price for Ariat Kids products ranges from $59.95 to $79.95.

About Ariat
Ariat International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear and apparel. Featuring patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat is the pioneer of integrating athletic shoe technology into equestrian footwear. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800-899-8141 or visit www.ariat.com.