Something new · Rider to rider
Looking for Something New? Half Chaps Riders Try Beyond Ariat
Half chaps that fit your calf and keep their zipper, from brands riders trust.
We don't carry Ariat, so this guide points Close Contour, Terrain, Scout and Ascent riders to the half chaps we do: Tredstep for a tall-boot look and hard daily wear, and Ovation, TuffRider and Shires Moretta for a lower tier. Riders who switched talk about calf fit, thickness and how long the zipper lasts.
The short version
If you wore Ariat half chaps: what riders try next
Tredstep's Deluxe and Original Suede are the half chaps riders mention when they leave Ariat, and Ovation, TuffRider and Shires Moretta cover riders who want a lower tier.
If they wore
Ariat Close Contour
Riders switch to
Medici Air Half ChapsA Tredstep half chap from the line riders say gets mistaken for tall boots.
Shop nowIf they wore
Ariat Terrain or All Terrain
Riders switch to
Deluxe Half ChapsThe Tredstep riders call super durable for barn work, baths and wet pastures.
Shop nowIf they wore
Ariat Scout or Ascent
Riders switch to
Women's Belmont Leather Half ChapsA leather half chap at the lowest tier among these picks.
Shop nowIf they wore
Ariat leather that felt stiff
Riders switch to
Original Suede Half ChapsA suede Tredstep for riders who want less stiffness under the leg.
Shop nowRider voices
What riders say about leaving Ariat half chaps behind
Riders tell us the reasons they moved on were fit, stiff leather and wear, and the half chaps they chose were Tredstep, Ovation, Dublin and Shires.
Fit and wear that sent them looking
The half chaps they point to
Riders who moved on from Ariat half chaps name wear and stiff leather.
See the swap guideTredstep for hard daily wear
The half chaps they point to
Riders who work in their half chaps point to the Deluxe.
See TredstepHalf chaps at a lower tier
The half chaps they point to
Ovation Pro SuedeShires Moretta SuedeDublin Easy-Care
Riders choose Ovation, Moretta and Dublin for fit range and for half chaps that last.
See the lower tierFit and wear that sent them looking
One rider's Ariat Kendron wore through within a year, another keeps replacing zippers on old All Terrains, and a rider who found Ariat leather too stiff chose Tredstep suede instead.
Ariat Kendron chaps
All that I can tell you is that you should NOT get the Ariat Kendron chaps. I loved loved loved then for the first few months but they wore through really easily and there's a large hole in one of mine after about a year. They are gorgeous, leather, exactly what you're describing, but really are not durable at all.
Ariat All Terrain half chaps
I am still repairing my old Ariat All Terrain Half-Chaps --three zipper replacements and a lot of elastic under the boot and repair.
These half chaps are my favorites! Fixing to buy another pair! I am in love with the suede. I ordered some Ariat leather ones prior to these, and none seemed to sit me right due to the stiffness of the leather. Got these a few months after (when I had re- gained my patience) and I am so glad I did! Super high quality. Have had my pair for 3 years now, and are still in good condition! They match my brown boots perfectly.
Tredstep half chaps
Where do I start? I am a 100% Ariat fan but the chaps I was looking at were out of stock for my size. I have fat calves and I'm also short. I was surprised to see that Tredstep offers their chaps where the calf size is bigger than the height (no shame here)! When I put them...I DID NOT STRUGGLE!! There is button right behind the calf and a button down below the ankle and they BOTH button! The zipper is also hardy and thick. I have been getting compliments left and right! Everyone seems to think that I have tall boots but are surprised to see that they are half chaps! I am so happy I bought these and I love a good ol' spanish top too! Thanks, Tredstep!
Tredstep for hard daily wear
Riders who ride many horses, bathe and walk wet pastures say Tredstep's half chaps last, and one says she has had incredible luck with hers.
I opt for pretty, comfy tall boots to show in. But then I get really supportive Ariat Devon Pro paddocks and super durable Tredstep Deluxe half chaps, and I can ride a zillion horses and walk through wet pastures, and do baths and stalls, etc., and they last forever. I tend to go through a pair of half chaps every couple of years, but the boots usually last for 5+.
Tredstep half chaps
I've always had Ariat paddock boots with Tredstep half chaps. You will probably be more stylish with the Ego7 half chaps as they seem more like thin leather, Parlanti style. However, I've had incredible luck with my Tredsteps.
Half chaps at a lower tier
A rider with slim legs calls Ovation's size range a lifesaver, a Shires suede half chap earns praise for comfort and good zips, and Dublin riders say budget half chaps lasted years.
Ovation half chaps
My legs are so scrawny it's hard to find half chaps snug enough. Ovation's extensive size range is a lifesaver. I think the ribbing is also better for precise fit than just an elastic panel like other chaps. About to buy a second pair!
Shires suede half chaps
I love my Ariat Terrain paddock shoes (will wear them all day and am on my fourth pair in 15 years of constant use) and recently bought Shires half chaps in suede that are comfortable and have good zips. They are great for colder weather. May feel hotter in the summer.
Dublin half chaps
They are durable, and hold both shape and color after many washings. They fit perfectly and hold their shape and stretch after many washings. Buying "cheaper" half-chaps just costs more in the long run, as they do not last.
Dublin half chaps
My last pair has lasted years, and even now the zippers are in great shape. I finally bought a new pair since most of the wear area is tired on the last pair. Pretty impressive for a pair of budget half chaps!
Swap guide
Swap guide: Ariat half chaps and the closest ones we carry
Find the Ariat half chap you wore in the left column. The half chaps riders move 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ariat Close Contour | Tredstep and Ovation leather half chaps to try beside the Close Contour. A rider who moved to Tredstep says everyone thought she wore tall boots. | |
| Ariat Terrain or All Terrain | Riders point to the Deluxe for hard daily wear. The Liberty has a side zip. | |
| Ariat Scout or Ascent | Entry-tier half chaps; a rider says her budget Dublin pair lasted years. | |
| Ariat leather that felt stiff | Suede half chaps with a softer feel under the leg. |
Fit tip
Measure around the fullest part of your calf and from the back of your knee to the floor in your boots, then match both to the new maker's chart, not to your Ariat size. Tredstep sizes by calf width and height, so a taller or wider calf has a fit.Closest match
Tredstep half chaps: the Ariat switch riders talk about
Tredstep's Deluxe is the half chap riders name when they leave Ariat, and the Original Suede is the softer choice. A rider with a short, full calf says Tredstep's sizing let her button every closure, and riders who work in their half chaps say Tredstep lasts.
Tredstep sizes by calf width and height, with calf sizes up to 17 inches, so a rider whose calf runs bigger than her height has options.
In fairness
One rider who wears Tredstep says Ego7 half chaps look more stylish in thinner leather, though she has had incredible luck with her Tredsteps.Shop Tredstep half chaps
Shop all ›A lower tier
Ovation, TuffRider and Moretta: half chaps at a lower tier
Ovation is the brand a rider with slim legs credits for a wide size range, and TuffRider's Belmont Leather and Shires Moretta Suede sit at the lowest tier on this page.
Dublin's Easy-Care half chaps are the budget pick riders say lasted years, zippers included.
In fairness
These half chaps sit a tier below Tredstep, and riders who work in their half chaps all day point to the Deluxe.Shop Ovation half chaps
Shop all ›In fairness
What Ariat half chaps do well
We'd rather you buy the right half chaps than the wrong ones from us. Riders who stay with Ariat have good reasons.
If you need a calf size from XX-Small to X-Large in four heights, Ariat's Close Contour is sized for it.
If Ariat has always fit your calf, try a new brand beside your old pair before you retire them.
If your Ariat has served you for years, keep wearing it and compare a new pair when it tires.
Ariat half chaps alternatives: FAQ
Do you sell Ariat half chaps?
We don't carry Ariat. We carry half chaps from Tredstep, Ovation, TuffRider, Shires Moretta and Dublin for riders who want something new.
CloseWhich half chaps are closest to the Ariat Close Contour?
Tredstep's Medici Air and Ovation's Top Grain are close-fitting leather half chaps to try beside it. Fit varies by calf, so measure first.
CloseHow long do half chaps last?
Riders report anywhere from about a year to several years, depending on how hard they ride and which half chaps they wear. Riders who work in theirs daily say Tredstep's Deluxe lasts.
CloseDo Tredstep half chaps fit a full calf?
One rider with short, full calves says Tredstep sizes by calf width and height, with calf sizes bigger than the height, and she buttoned every closure. Measure first, then match the maker's chart.
CloseHow do I size half chaps?
Measure around the fullest part of your calf and from the back of your knee to the floor in your boots, then use the maker's chart rather than your Ariat size.
CloseWhere can I read more comparisons like this?
Riders replacing Ariat also read these guides to compare boots, breeches and more across the brands we carry.
- Alternatives to Ariat boots: are they worth the money?
- Ariat breeches and tights: Shopping for alternatives?
- Ariat Heritage Contour field and dress boots: Shopping for alternatives?
- Ariat Heritage and Devon paddock boots: Looking for something new?
- Ariat vs Mountain Horse: Shopping for alternatives?
- Ariat vs Ovation and TuffRider: budget-minded alternatives
- Ariat vs Shires Moretta boots
- Ariat vs Tredstep: Looking for something new?
- Ariat winter riding boots: Looking for something new?
- Tailored Sportsman sun shirts: alternatives we carry
Brands we carry
Half chap brands riders try after Ariat
Every half chap on this page comes from a brand we carry: Tredstep, Ovation, TuffRider, Shires Moretta and Dublin.
How we built this guide: Ariat half chap details from Ariat's own site, checked October 2026. Carried half chaps checked November 3, 2026.