Ariat
Challenge Field Boot with Zip Backs
English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Manufacturer: Ariat
Model: Challenge Field Boot with Zip Backs
Category: English Chaps/Boots/Helmets
Purchase: I bought these boots new from my local tack store for $375 because I needed a new pair.
Likes: I like very much the feeling of these boots. They hug your calves snugly and are roomier in the foot than some of the other boots I've tried are. I have the medium height & wide calf size, and even though I had to go up a foot size to get a perfect fit, they still work fine with my tall boot socks and an extra pair of ankle socks on. These boots broke in and dropped in about 5 days of walking around the house in them and oiling the ankles daily. I now only have to oil them to clean them. Once broken in, they are buttery soft. Your foot feels softly cradled and protected due to the partial gel boot sole whether you're riding or walking, and that's always a definite plus!
Dislikes: The one thing that really worried me about these boots was the fact that after about 3 oilings, I noticed some of the dye was coming off onto my sponge. I use Vogels Leather Conditioner and I'm not sure if it's just a result of that particular brand or what, but I try not to press real hard when oiling now. I haven't noticed any actual 'raw' spots or areas where the dye has come off noticeably, though. Maybe it's just because the boots had never been oiled before. They're still completely black, so all is well. They do get considerable rubs from spurs, however, and I noticed they pick up scuffs easier.
Another thing is that you have to tug the zipper carefully a bit sometimes over the wrinkles in the boot where it has dropped around the ankle. It's harder for the zipper to maneuver it's way up I guess, but this can be avoided by flexing your foot upward so the back of the boot is straight and smooth.
Quality: These boots are made very nicely and seem very durable, seeing as I both school and show in them, do barn chores in them, and hose my horses in them. I'm very pleased with the way they've held up so far, minus the slight dye scare, which I haven't found any serious problems with yet.
Summary: Overall, I would recommend these boots to anyone who wanted a good, affordable, and comfortable pair. They come in many sizes and vary considerably, so there will definitely be a size for you! Ariat has always been high on my good-riding-supply-brands list, and stays there. I cannot stress enough how COMFORTABLE these boots are to me, but that is only a matter of opinion. If you're looking for nice ZIPPER field boots, don't buy anything without trying these at some point. I am only giving these a 4 because of the dye.
Rating: 4
Author: Very Happy Customer
Date: 2006-07-03
Usefulness Rating: 4.26667 out of 5.
15 reader(s) voted.
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