Something new · Rider to rider
Alternatives to Ariat Boots: What Riders Wear Next
Your Ariat fit, in boots riders say go the distance.
Riders who leave Ariat tell us they want more calf and height options, warmer winter boots and pairs that last. Here is where they go, model by model, from Tredstep, Mountain Horse, Shires Moretta, Dublin and more, with what Ariat does well in fairness below.
The short version
If you wore Ariat boots: the pairs riders switch to
Tredstep's Donatello III is the closest match to Ariat's Heritage Contour, the Shires Moretta Gianna is the same look a tier lower, and Mountain Horse covers the retired Volant and the insulated Heritage.
If they wore
Heritage Contour II Field Zip
Riders switch to
Tredstep Donatello III Field BootThe closest match, in short, regular and tall heights, with the calf graded from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage Contour, for less
Riders switch to
Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field BootsThe same look a tier lower. A short rider with wide feet says it fits where Ariat didn't.
Shop nowIf they wore
Volant or Monaco (retired)
Riders switch to
Mountain Horse Sovereign Field BootA premium leather field boot. One rider got four years from her Ariats, then moved to Sovereigns.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage Contour II Insulated
Riders switch to
Mountain Horse Rimfrost III Winter Tall BootAn insulated winter tall boot two tiers lower, with a wide-calf version too.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage paddock boots
Riders switch to
Dublin Venturer RS Jodhpur Boots IIIAn everyday leather paddock boot with a roomy toe box. A rider with high arches calls it the most comfortable she has found.
Shop nowIf they wore
Terrain or a country boot
Riders switch to
Dublin River Boots IVA waterproof tall country boot for the barn and the trail, with the Dublin footbed.
Shop nowYour favorite was retired?
Discontinued Ariat boots: the closest match riders buy now
When we checked ariat.com on October 19, 2026, these lines were no longer sold, or no longer listed on Ariat's US site. If one of them was your boot, here is where riders who loved it went next.
Riders moved to
Riders moved to
Riders moved to
Rider voices
Why riders switch from Ariat, in their own words
Fit comes up first, then how long the boots last, warmth and value. These are riders' own words, as posted.
More fit options
The boots they point to
Shires Moretta GiannaTredstep Sirani
More calf, height and foot options across brands.
See tall bootsBoots that go the distance
The boots they point to
Mountain Horse SovereignDublin Venturer III
Years of hard riding, in riders' words.
See the swap guideWarmer winter rides
The boots they point to
Mountain Horse Rimfrost IIIEquinavia Ari
Insulated tall boots for real cold.
See winter bootsThe look for less
The boots they point to
Horze RoverDublin Foundation II
A tier or two lower, in riders' words.
See paddock bootsMore fit options
Riders who couldn't get an Ariat in their calf, height or foot width tell us the Gianna, Dublin's roomy paddocks and TuffRider fit them.
Ariat tall boots
I've always been an Ariat die hard as well but much to my frustration, they just don't make tall boots in my size.
Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
I am 5'1 with wide feet, I wear Shires Moretta Gianna - they have a good few size variations and aren't crazy money. Ariat and Mountain Horse weren't short enough and/or wide enough. DeNiro have many more size options but are also much more expensive.
TuffRider Belmont Field Boots
These boots are close to a custom fit (better than Ariat) for a budget friendly price point.
Dublin Venturer III Front Zip Boots
These boots are roomy for my large feet. I don’t like Ariats because they are too narrow for me. These are just perfect. The leather is supple and the zipper is smooth and stays put. Very happy with my purchase.
Boots that go the distance
Riders say newer Ariats didn't last the way they hoped, and report Sovereigns, Shires boots and Kerrits paddocks holding up to daily use.
Ariat Heritage boots
I'm a huge Ariat boot fan and I did the Heritage boots for a while, but they just, they don't last as long.
Mountain Horse Sovereign Field Boot
I got through four years with them (riding three, sometimes four days a week, usually on at least two horses each time) and only bought the Sovereigns because the soles on the Ariats were starting to separate from the foot
Shires Moretta boots
I had Ariats for years but I was becoming less impressed with the quality. I've just checked my emails and it looks like I bought my first Shires pair in September 2023, they have been abused and are still trooping on and on.
Kerrits paddock boots
I have the Paddock boots. I've used them hard for over a year, like 7 days a week. I've been happy with them. They have held up better than ariats. They have a side zip, which I love.
Warmer winter rides
Riders who have worn both call Mountain Horse warmer, and a Wyoming rider says the Equinavia Ari keeps her dry and warm.
Mountain Horse winter boots
I have had the Ariat Bromonts(?), the Mountain horse ice riders, and the stella polaris. IMO, the MH boots are considerably warmer than the Ariats, although they are bulkier.
Equinavia Ari Thinsulate Lace Country Boots
Worth every penny! Wyoming winters are no joke, and these boots keep me dry & warm. Didn’t need much “break in”. I ride in an English saddle, they fit well in stirrups.
The look for less
Riders say the Horze Rover looks and feels like an Ariat, and that the Dublin Foundation feels like an early Heritage paddock boot.
I was really happy with the quality considering the price. Look great and look and feel just like Ariat boots. The boot is perfect and even the stiff bottom allows you to bend your heel, I would 100% buy again.
Dublin Foundation Zip Paddock Boots II
This boot surprised me with its quality for the price. It felt like one of the early Ariat Heritage Paddock Boots with the way it was constructed.
Find the Ariat you wore
Ariat swap guide: your model and the boots riders move to
Find your Ariat model in the left column. The boots riders moved to sit beside it, with a price tier for each.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest)
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Contour II Field Zip | The Donatello III is the closest match. The Gianna suits wide or short calves a tier lower, and the Regal is a mid-tier field boot. | |
| Volant, Monaco or Devon Sport Tall | Premium leather field boots in the same tier. One rider got four years from her Ariats, then moved to Sovereigns. | |
| V Sport Zip | Sporty field boots. The Pinnacle III is laced, with no zipper. | |
| Kinsley Dress, Ravello or a show dress boot | Show-ready dress and hunter boots. The Serenade has elastic inserts the full length of the back. | |
| Ascent Tall, or a Heritage on a budget | Leather schooling boots in the lower tiers. | |
| Ariat men's tall boots | A classic leather field boot and a budget schooling pick, cut for men. | |
| Heritage Contour II Insulated | Insulated tall boots. The Rimfrost III and Active Winter Rider come in wide-calf versions; the Snowy River is the dressy one. | |
| Coniston, Wythburn or Terrain | Waterproof country boots you can ride in. The lace fronts adjust over winter layers. | |
| Heritage paddock or Heritage Zip | Everyday paddock boots a tier below the Heritage. The Rosetta is the pick for a very wide foot. | |
| Devon or Scout paddock | Padded zip paddocks and a waterproof leather lace-up for lessons and chores. |
Fit tip
Measure your calf over your breeches and your leg from the back of the knee to the floor, then match both on the new brand's size chart, not your Ariat size.Field and dress boots
Tall boots after Ariat: Tredstep, Mountain Horse and Shires Moretta
Tredstep, Mountain Horse and Shires Moretta are the tall boots riders choose after an Ariat Heritage, Volant or Kinsley. Tredstep grades its calf from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus in three heights, the Mountain Horse Sovereign and Serenade are the premium leather picks, and the Gianna is the one short and wide-calf riders bring up.
For a lower tier, the Shires Moretta Ortona, Equinavia Karolina and Horze Rover are leather schooling boots.
In fairness
Ariat's standard calf and height grid is broad, so if an Ariat size fit you well, start from those measurements on the new chart.Tredstep tall boots
I thought I would go for a reasonably priced Ariat but after trying on a couple of Ariat styles I decided to look at this Tredstep boot which was about the same price. This boot felt great and was so comfortable. The leather was so much softer than the Ariats and there was virtually no break in time.
Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field Boots
I have the Gianna, they have loads of size options which means I can actually have a pair of boots that fit me well! They get used most days - I don't hunt but I am an active rider - they don't receive much TLC but for the price I'm happy with how they've lasted and I have a new pair in the loft (bought on Black Friday) ready for when these ones inevitably die.
Shop field boots riders switch to
Shop all ›Winter and country
Winter boots after Ariat: Mountain Horse, Ovation and Equinavia
Mountain Horse's Rimfrost III, Active Winter Rider and Snowy River are the insulated tall boots riders pick after an Ariat Heritage Contour II Insulated or a Bromont. The Rimfrost III sits two tiers lower, and both the Rimfrost III and Active Winter Rider come in wide-calf versions.
For a lace front you can ride in and wear all day in the snow, riders point to the Equinavia Ari and Shires Moretta Teramo. The Ovation Telluride's front lace and back zip adjust over winter breeches.
In fairness
Riders who've worn both say Ariat's winter boots look slimmer and more refined, so if a sleek winter tall boot matters most, try both on.Mountain Horse Active Winter Rider
I like that they are a bit taller than the Ariat Bromonts (which were too short on me, and I am short!)
Mountain Horse Snowy River Winter Tall Boot
I bought a pair of the Mountain Horse Snowy River boots last winter, and they were worth every penny. Very warm waterproof and comfortable, both for riding and working around the barn, and are still in excellent condition.
Shop winter tall boots riders switch to
Shop all ›Paddock and jodhpur boots
Paddock boots after Ariat: Dublin, Shires Moretta and Horze
Dublin's Venturer III is the everyday leather paddock boot riders choose after an Ariat Heritage, with a roomy toe box; a rider with high arches calls it the most comfortable she has found. For a very wide foot, look at the Shires Moretta Rosetta: one rider who says it is the only boot that fits her is on her fourth and fifth pair.
For a padded zip paddock like the Devon, look at the Horze Suffolk and Dublin Rapture Zip, or Mountain Horse's Veganza Zip Paddock.
In fairness
Riders often praise Ariat's paddock boots for comfort right out of the box, so try a new pair on in your usual riding socks.Dublin Venturer III Jodhpur Boots
I have high arches, too, and the Dublin footbed in the River boots, and their Venturer jodhpur boots are the most comfortable I've found- plus the roomy toe boxes. (I started out with Ariats - paddock boots and Terrain - but they hurt.)
Shires Moretta Rosetta Paddock Boots
These boots are the only boots that comfortably fit my very wide foot. All areas and other brands end up being quite painful. Very good value for money, this will be my fourth and fifth pair that I have purchased.
Shop paddock boots riders switch to
Shop all ›Kids and teens
Kids' boots after Ariat: Horze Rover, Tredstep and Dublin
Horze's Rover is the field boot one parent reorders each time her daughter outgrows a pair, and another family hands Dublin kids' paddock boots down from one child to the next. For a show-tier boot, look at the Tredstep Donatello Junior S, LeMieux Junior Field and Mountain Horse Veganza Youth.
In fairness
Ariat's Wiggle Room sizing on the Devon IV kids' paddock boot is a nice touch for growing feet.These are my daughter's default riding boots. We've ordered them several times. Each time she outgrows them, we get them again! They last a full season of nearly daily wear and sometimes multiple horses a day.
Dublin kids' paddock boots
WE love the Dublin paddock boots, they have a GREAT sole and they are much warmer than the Ariats plus in our house they wear longer ( I get two kids out of each pair and they are still show quality!)
Shop kids' field boots
Shop all ›In fairness
What Ariat boots do well
We'd rather you buy the right boot than the wrong one. Ariat's footbeds and broad calf and height grid are why many riders start there, and plenty keep their Ariats for years.
If you want the slimmest winter tall boot, riders who've worn both say Ariat's look more refined than a bulkier Mountain Horse.
If you have a very short calf, try an Ariat short height beside the Shires Moretta Gianna before you decide.
If you're buying for a growing child, Ariat's Wiggle Room sizing on the Devon IV kids' paddock boot is worth a look.
If your Ariats last you years, you've found your boot. Keep it.
Ariat boot alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to Ariat Heritage Contour field boots?
The Tredstep Donatello III Field is the closest match, in short, regular and tall heights. For a lower tier, riders choose the Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field. For a premium step up, look at the Mountain Horse Sovereign.
CloseWhat can I buy now that the Ariat Volant and Monaco are discontinued?
Riders replacing a Volant or Monaco point to the Mountain Horse Sovereign Field and the Tredstep Medici II Field. Both are premium leather field boots.
CloseWhat is the best Ariat alternative for wide or short calves?
Short riders and riders with wide calves rate the Shires Moretta Gianna Leather Field. Tredstep grades its calf from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus in short, regular and tall heights, and Mountain Horse makes the Rimfrost III and Active Winter Rider in wide-calf versions.
CloseAre Mountain Horse winter boots warmer than Ariat?
Riders who have worn both often describe Mountain Horse as warmer but bulkier, and Ariat's winter boots as slimmer and more refined. For a lace-front boot you can ride in all day in the cold, riders also point to the Equinavia Ari.
CloseDoes Ariat's warranty cover broken zippers?
When we checked in October 2026, Ariat's warranty page gave 12 months against defects in materials or workmanship and did not mention zippers. Shires Moretta's footwear warranty names zips as a covered part. Check each brand's current terms before you buy.
CloseWhere can I read more comparisons like this?
Riders weighing a switch from Ariat also read these guides to compare boots, half chaps and breeches across the brands we carry.
- Ariat Heritage Contour field and dress boots: alternatives
- Ariat Heritage and Devon paddock boots: alternatives
- Ariat winter riding boots: alternatives
- Ariat vs Tredstep: English boots
- Ariat vs Mountain Horse: tall, paddock and winter boots
- Ariat vs Shires Moretta boots: tall and paddock
- Ariat vs Ovation and TuffRider: budget-minded alternatives
- Ariat half chaps: alternatives
- Ariat breeches and tights: alternatives
Brands we carry
Premium boot brands riders choose after Ariat
Every boot on this page comes from a brand we carry, including Tredstep, Mountain Horse, Shires Moretta, Dublin, Ovation, TuffRider, Horze, Equinavia and LeMieux.
How we built this guide: Ariat line status was checked on ariat.com on October 19, 2026, and Ariat's and Shires Moretta's warranty pages in October 2026. Boots and price tiers checked November 4, 2026. Rider quotes are shown as posted, with spelling fixed and names withheld. Ariat is a trademark of its owner and has not reviewed this page.