Review: Ariat Heritage Contour Field Boot

Ariat Heritage Contour Field Zip Tall Riding boot.
Size 8, Medium height, Wide Calf.
Price at $195.95

Ariat Heritage Contour

Purchased at the Dover store.
My legs are 16.5 inches tall with 16.5 in calves. I'm square (Ha!).

It took me a while to find a boot that fit. Fortunately, the only one in the store that did fit me was also on clearance!
The Ariat Heritage Field boot is being re-designed for next season. (This likely means that by the time I need to replace these boots, the new Heritage Contours won't fit me, oh the joys of short round calves.) Regardless, in this moment, I'm in love with these boots. I'm still in the process of breaking them in. This is my first pair of tall riding boots. I've always worn paddock boots and half chaps before (or cowboy boots).

I will also comment on Dover Saddlery's store. I went to the Dallas location for Dover Saddlery, on a Saturday, and it was a holiday weekend (New Year's). They were moderately busy. Regardless, they were very pleasant and helpful. Also very patient. I knew I would be a hard fit for boots. One of their staff members spent approximately 30 minutes with me. He measured my leg. Discussed price range and boot style and then went in the back to find boots for me to try on. The first few he brought out didn't fit me right, so he went and got a more experienced employee to help. She found the boots that I ended up purchasing. They were very attentive and friendly.

The Dover store itself, is medium sized, has a large display of saddles (mostly Peossa,, HDR, Wintec, and Bates.) There was also a large clothing/apparel section. Nearly anything an English rider would want/need is in there somewhere. The store is warm, well decorated, and inviting. Overall, my boot buying experience was wonderful with them.

As for the boots themselves, I've ridden in them for about 3 weeks now. I quite like them. They can be a bit challenging to get on as I'm still breaking in the leather, and it's been bitterly cold here which is slowing the process. But I like them! I can maintain proper leg position. I still feel close contact with the horse. I like the way they look and feel. I've always enjoyed and trusted Ariat before, so we'll see how these boots hold up in the long haul.

**UPDATE: I have now been riding in these boots for about 5 months. I can zip them up no problem. I actually got minimal blisters during the breaking in process. Good boot socks helped with that. I really like these boots. I ride in them about 3 times every week.

ProsCons
100% leatherMore expensive than synthetic half chaps, but more durable.
Comfortable with multiple fit options.
Ariat offers multiple boot heights and calf sizes.
Leather needs time to break in, but is comfortable once that process is completed. 
Polished/Elegant appearance.


★★★★★
5/5 stars.

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