Something new · Rider to rider
Ariat vs Shires Moretta Boots: What Riders Say About Fit and Wear
A boot cut for your calf and your leg length, that keeps going after the barn, in riders' own words.
Riders who wore Ariat tall and paddock boots tell us why they moved to Shires Moretta: a calf and height combination that finally fit, boots that keep going through daily riding and barn work, and comfort from the first ride. The Gianna field boot comes in five calf widths and three heights. Here is what they say, with what Ariat does well in fairness below.
The short version
If you wore Ariat boots: the Shires Moretta pairs riders move to
Shires Moretta's Gianna is the field boot to try after an Ariat Heritage Contour II Field Zip, the Voltana Tall XGRIP is the laced waterproof boot riders compare with the Coniston, and the Vittoria XGRIP is the zip boot riders moved to from the Telluride.
If they wore
Heritage Contour II Field Zip
Riders switch to
Gianna Leather Field BootsLeather inner calves with soft stretch outer panels, five calf widths from X Slim to X Wide, and Short, Regular and Tall heights.
Shop nowIf they wore
An Ariat dress boot
Riders switch to
Lanciano Leather Riding BootsA smooth leather dress boot with a zip, a shaped leg and a contoured ankle, made for training and competition.
Shop nowIf they wore
Coniston
Riders switch to
Voltana Tall XGRIP BootsBuffalo leather treated for water protection over a waterproof membrane, with front laces and full-length zips. One rider finds the footbed as comfortable as her Coniston Pros.
Shop nowIf they wore
Telluride
Riders switch to
Vittoria XGRIP BootsWater-repellent leather with a full waterproof membrane and an XGRIP sole with a riding heel, for the saddle and the barn.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage zip paddock
Riders switch to
Rosetta Paddock BootsPolished full grain leather with a front YKK zip and a shock-absorbing rubber sole with a steel shank, for everyday riding.
Shop nowIf they wore
An insulated Ariat tall boot
Riders switch to
Teramo Lace Country BootsOiled water-resistant leather, a waterproof membrane to above the ankle and a faux fur lining, with a full lace front and a rear zip.
Shop nowRider voices
What riders say after they swap Ariat for Shires Moretta
Riders tell us Shires Moretta fits legs that other brands miss, keeps going through daily use and feels good from the first ride, and they say it better than we can.
A calf and height that finally fit
The boots they point to
Five calf widths and three heights on the Gianna; five calf widths on the Ortona and Lanciano.
See the tall bootsBoots that keep going
The boots they point to
Daily riding and barn work, in riders' words.
See the paddock bootsComfortable from the first ride
The boots they point to
Voltana Tall XGRIPGianna Field
Riders describe little or no break-in.
See sizingA calf and height that finally fit
One rider at 5'1 with wide feet says Ariat and Mountain Horse weren't short or wide enough for her, and the Gianna was.
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.
Shires Moretta tall boots
I needed a boot that was short with a wider calf and these boots fit perfectly! I tried no less than 10 different boots before finding these.
Shires Moretta tall boots
I have Moretta boots I have huge calves and these fit easily. Nice looking too
Shires Moretta wide calf tall boots
I adore these boots! Affordable, Durable, and Perfect Fit. I'm a true 10 and the 10 wide calf fits like a glove.
Boots that keep going
Riders who replaced their Ariat Tellurides and paddock boots with Shires Moretta say they are still riding in them.
Shires Moretta zip paddock boots
I used to ride in Ariat Tellurides but bought the Shires Moretta copy last and still riding in those.
Shires Moretta paddock boots
I've just replaced mine with a Shires pair as the quality of Ariat is shocking now IMHO. So far, no complaints!
Shires Moretta tall boots
I’ve got a pair of moretta pietras and absolutely love them. Coming up 3 years old and still look good as new after a clean. Moulded to my leg beautifully but still very supportive (I also have a knackered ankle)
Second the Shires Moretta range of boots. I bought the Eleonora lace ups and they are waterproof, comfortable and I’ve worn them daily all year. They do a trainer version which I’m going to buy for next summer.
Comfortable from the first ride
A rider who wears Ariat Coniston Pros in winter finds the Voltana footbed just as comfortable.
Shires Moretta Voltana Tall XGRIP
Shires Moretta x-grip jod boots might work and would definitely be in your budget. I needed some new summer boots this year, but I prefer long ones, so I bought some Shires Moretta Voltana long boots, and I find the footbed as comfortable as my Ariat Coniston Pros I wear in the winter. The insoles are removable too, so if you needed more support, it would be easy to swap them. ETA I’ve also been impressed with the quality for the price.
Shires Moretta tall boots
Comfortable and stylish right out of the box! Wore them in Scotland and Ireland, and they held up in the mud and rain.
Shires Moretta field boots
I was a tad concerned about how they would hold up in comparison to her Ariats, but I needn't worry, they clean up beautifully.
Shires Moretta tall boots
Very good service and the boots are so comfortable and didn’t even need a break in process, you can ride straight away.
Swap table
Ariat to Shires Moretta: the closest boot for each job
Shires Moretta covers the same jobs riders buy Ariat boots for, from a leather field boot to a waterproof barn boot. These are the closest swaps.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest).
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Contour II Field Zip | Gianna for the widest choice of calf and height; Ortona for polished leather, a square toe and a dressage-cut top. | |
| An Ariat dress boot | Lanciano is the smooth dress boot; Constantina is full grain leather with a full leather lining, nubuck calf grips and brogue details. | |
| Coniston | Front laces for an adjustable leg, full-length zips and a waterproof membrane. | |
| An insulated tall boot | Faux fur lining, a waterproof membrane to above the ankle and a lace front with a rear zip. | |
| Telluride | Waterproof leather boots with a riding heel: Vittoria zips, Eleonora laces. | |
| Heritage zip paddock | Rosetta in polished full grain leather; Clio in quick-clean synthetic, both with a front YKK zip. | |
| A back-zip paddock boot | Wipe-clean synthetic with mock laces, a YKK back zip and a non-slip spur rest. |
Fit tip
Shires Moretta women's boots come in whole US sizes. Measure your calf at its widest point over your breeches and check the size chart on each boot's page before you order.Field and dress boots
Shires Moretta tall boots: Gianna, Ortona, Lanciano and Constantina
Shires Moretta's Gianna Leather Field Boot is the tall boot to try first after an Ariat field boot. It pairs hard-wearing leather inner calves with softer stretch outer panels, adds stretch mock laces and YKK zips, and comes in five calf widths from X Slim to X Wide and in Short, Regular and Tall heights.
The Ortona is polished leather with a square toe and a dressage-cut top, and the Lanciano is a smooth leather dress boot with a shaped leg and a contoured ankle; both come in five calf widths. The Constantina is the premium field boot, in full grain leather with a full leather lining and nubuck calf grips.
In fairness
Not every style comes in every height and calf width, so check the options on each boot's own page.Shires Moretta riding boots
I absolutely love my Shires Moretta riding boots. They are true to size and super comfortable, and so easy to keep looking new!
Amazing fit! I am 5”9 and thought these may be too short, but they fit perfectly, there are not many large boots out there for slim women and these just tick every box. Delivery was very fast with no issues.
Shop Shires Moretta field and dress boots
Shop all ›Paddock and barn boots
Shires Moretta paddock boots: zips, laces and waterproof XGRIP
Shires Moretta's Vittoria XGRIP is the paddock boot riders moved to from the Ariat Telluride: water-repellent leather with a full waterproof membrane, reinforced toe and heel, and an XGRIP sole with a riding heel. The Eleonora XGRIP is the lace-up version.
For everyday riding, the Rosetta is polished full grain leather with a front YKK zip, the Clio is quick-clean synthetic with a front zip, and the Anita has a back zip and mock laces. The Emilia adds a fleece lining and a waterproof membrane sock for winter.
In fairness
A Telluride rider who wants a lighter summer boot should compare the synthetic Clio or Anita with the XGRIP boots, which are built for wet barn days.Shires Moretta paddock boots
Bought a pair of short Moretta boots last summer, worn them almost every day since and they are brilliant. Would definitely recommend them, especially considering the value for money. True to size, maybe slightly on the tighter side? Easy to look after too.
Shires Moretta paddock boots
I am a beginner rider and needed some paddock/riding boots. These were a good option. The leather broke in easily!
These boots are extremely comfortable for me. I have a pinched nerve in my foot and find it difficult to find footwear that can accommodate my orthotics and that I can walk in pain-free on uneven ground. Surprisingly, I don't even need my expensive orthotics in these boots. I can walk around the farm all day without worry or pain. And being waterproof is a must! Highly recommend these boots.
Shires Moretta waterproof boots
Great in the paddock or in the saddle. Really is waterproof, great style!
Shop Shires Moretta paddock boots
Shop all ›Fit and sizing
Sizing Shires Moretta boots after Ariat: foot, calf, then height
Size a Shires Moretta tall boot by foot first, then calf width, then height. Shires Moretta women's boots come in whole US sizes, and the Gianna's calf widths run X Slim, Slim, Regular, Wide and X Wide, with Short, Regular and Tall heights.
Ariat's tall boot chart pairs Short, Medium and Tall heights with calf fits from XX Slim to X Wide. Medium is the closest match to Moretta's Regular, and Short and Tall match by name. Calf labels differ between the brands, so compare your calf measurement against each boot's chart rather than the word on the label.
In fairness
One verified buyer who wears a half size went up and found her field boots too big, and another found her Vittoria larger than her other Moretta boots, so a half-size rider may do better with the size down and a thicker sock.I’m usually a 8 1/2 shoe but ordered a 9 bc they did not come in half sizes. They are too big. I need a size down in the Shires Moretta black field boot.
I have other Moretta boots in size 10 so I ordered these in size 10. Beautiful boots but certainly too large for me
In fairness
What Ariat boots do well
We'd rather you buy the right boot than the wrong one. Ariat is a well-known riding-boot brand, and there are good reasons riders stay with it.
If you are a true half size, Ariat's women's footwear chart runs in half sizes, where Shires Moretta comes in whole sizes.
If you have very slim calves, Ariat's tall boot chart lists an XX Slim calf, one step slimmer than Moretta's X Slim.
If you would rather repair boots than replace them, Ariat publishes a repair service for soles, insoles, stitching and zippers.
If your Ariats have lasted for years, you know how they fit. Try a Shires Moretta on beside them before you decide.
Ariat vs Shires Moretta boots: FAQ
Is Shires Moretta a good alternative to Ariat tall boots?
Riders who switched say yes, mainly for fit: the Gianna Leather Field Boot comes in five calf widths and three heights, and riders with short legs, wide feet or large calves tell us it fit when other brands did not. Riders also describe Moretta tall boots as comfortable from the first ride.
CloseHow do I convert my Ariat tall boot size to Shires Moretta?
Start with your usual whole foot size. Ariat's Medium height is the closest match to Shires Moretta's Regular, and Short and Tall match by name. Calf labels differ, so measure your calf over your breeches and compare it with the chart for the Moretta style you want.
CloseDo Shires Moretta boots come in half sizes?
No. Shires Moretta women's boots come in whole US sizes. A verified buyer who wears a half size went up and found her field boots too big, so check the size chart and consider the size down with a thicker sock.
CloseIs there a Shires Moretta alternative to the Ariat Telluride?
Yes. One rider replaced her Tellurides with a Shires Moretta zip boot and is still riding in it. The Vittoria XGRIP is the waterproof zip boot with a riding heel, and the Eleonora XGRIP is the lace-up version.
CloseDoes the Shires Moretta warranty cover zips?
Shires' published Moretta footwear policy covers manufacturing defects for up to 12 months and names component defects such as zips, fittings and buckles. Check the brand's own terms before you buy, since they can change.
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.
- Alternatives to Ariat boots: are they worth the money?
- Ariat breeches and tights: alternatives
- Ariat half chaps: alternatives
- Ariat Heritage Contour field and dress boots: alternatives
- Ariat Heritage and Devon paddock boots: alternatives
- Ariat vs Mountain Horse boots: warmth, calf fit and wear
- Ariat vs Ovation and TuffRider: budget-minded alternatives
- Ariat vs Tredstep boots: what riders say after they switch
- Ariat winter riding boots: alternatives
Brands we carry
Boots riders chose after Ariat
Every boot on this page comes from Shires Moretta, a brand we carry.
How we built this guide: rider quotes are shown as posted, with spelling fixed and names withheld; verified-buyer quotes come from order-verified reviews. Shires Moretta boots checked November 4, 2026. Ariat size charts and repair service, and Shires' Moretta footwear warranty, as published on each brand's own site in October 2026.