Something new · Rider to rider
Ariat vs Tredstep Boots: What Riders Say After They Switch
The boot that fits your calf and your leg, in riders' own words.
Riders who wore Ariat tall boots and Heritage paddocks tell us why they moved to Tredstep: softer leather, little or no break-in, and boots that keep going. Tredstep also grades its calf from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus. Here is what they say, with what Ariat does well in fairness below.
The short version
If you wore Ariat boots: the Tredstep pairs riders move to
Tredstep's Donatello III and Medici II are the closest tall boots to Ariat's Heritage Contour and Devon, and the Medici III front zip is the paddock boot to try after a Heritage Zip.
If they wore
Heritage Contour II Field Zip
Riders switch to
Donatello III Field BootA field boot at a similar tier, in short, regular and tall heights, with the calf graded from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus.
Shop nowIf they wore
Devon Tall
Riders switch to
Medici II Field BootTredstep's premium field boot, in short, regular and tall heights. A Medici II owner calls it better than her custom boots.
Shop nowIf they wore
Kinsley Field or Dress
Riders switch to
Donatello III Dress BootThe dress boot in the Donatello III line, in short, regular and tall heights.
Shop nowIf they wore
Ravello
Riders switch to
Sirani Field BootsThe top of the Tredstep line we carry, in field and dress versions. Ravello sits a price tier above any boot we carry.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage Zip or Devon Zip paddock
Riders switch to
Medici III Front Zip Paddock BootsA front-zip paddock boot in black and brown, with Medici III lace and double-zip versions beside it.
Shop nowIf they wore
Insulated winter boots
Riders switch to
Shannon Fur H2O Country BootA fur-topped tall country boot. A rider who wears hers daily calls it incredibly warm.
Shop nowRider voices
What riders say after they swap Ariat for Tredstep
Riders tell us Tredstep fits their legs, breaks in fast and keeps going, and they say it better than we can.
Riders who left Ariat
The boots they point to
Donatello III FieldMedici III Front Zip
Riders who left Ariat name the Donatello and the Tredstep paddock boots.
See the swapsA fit across calf and ankle
The boots they point to
Donatello III FieldMedici II Field
Calf graded from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus, in three heights.
See sizingComfortable from the first ride
The boots they point to
Medici II FieldDonatello III Dress
Riders report little or no break-in.
See the tall bootsBoots that last
The boots they point to
Donatello III FieldSirani Field
Years of daily riding, in riders' words.
See the comparisonRiders who left Ariat
Riders who moved from Ariat to Tredstep call the Tredsteps blissfully comfy and say they don't crack over the toes, with softer leather and virtually no break-in.
Tredstep boots
Second Tredstep - they are well made and blissfully comfy! Ariats are good but always seem to crack over my toes - Tredsteps just don't seem to do that.
Tredstep paddock boots
I have been happy with Tredstep paddock boots. I won't buy Ariat paddock boots anymore. To me, they are junk.
A Tredstep boot
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. At my 60+ age I have to go for comfort first and with my orthotics the foot bed was comfortable too.
Overall I love this TredStep boot. They persuaded me away from the Ariat.
A fit across calf and ankle
Riders with skinny ankles and long, slim legs say Tredstep fit them when other boots hadn't, and one who matched the size chart says it was a perfect match.
Donatello boots
I am really impressed by the quality and fit. I have worn Tredstep in the past and have been happy with my boots but these new Donatello's are better again, they have a super stylish and comfortable sole and there was a perfect size match for me on their size chart. I am 5'7 and 135lbs with skinny ankles which have been hard to fit in the past. These are really neat on and looking forward to wearing them in the ring this weekend.
Donatello boots
I also love my Tredstep Donatellos. Mine fit like a custom boots which I didn't think was possible since I'm tall with bird legs.
Comfortable from the first ride
Riders say Tredstep boots were comfortable from day one, with little or no break-in.
These are best boots I have tried even better than my custom boots. There was very little if any break in time. I am a Tredstep fan and have worn their Donatello boots up to now so I know how important it is to fit them as tight as possible at the start. They eased out over the first few days and are now really comfortable. Super delighted with them and would highly recommend them
Tredstep boots
I've bought lots of boots in the past, but never a pair as comfortable as these. I picked them because they look so gorgeous, and I wanted to wear them for Dressage, but when I put them on I realised that I'd hit the jackpot. They were comfortable from day one! No breaking in period at all! I will never wear another brand of boots.
Boots that last
Riders report Tredstep tall boots lasting nine years of riding six horses a day, a fifth year and counting, and two years of hard service without cracking, and one rider wears hers five or six days a week and bathes horses in them.
Tredstep tall boots
I rode in these boots for 9 years and finally had to lay them to rest today. NINE YEARS. Granted I took great care of them and tried to only wear them when riding but I'm still riding 6 horses a day! These were my first pair of tall boots ever and even after owning Parlanti boots I would choose these all over again. I truly don't think I can go to another brand. Talk about getting your money's worth!
Tredstep boots
I've never tried Scouts. But I've had a few pairs of Ariats, and I'm now on my fifth year with Tredsteps.
Donatello boots
My Tredstep Donatellos are to die for though and have not cracked in 2 years of hard service, lovely soft leather and super comfy too.
Tredstep boots
The Tredstep boots are FANTASTIC. Mine are about a year old now, I wear them 5-6x a week, sometimes bathe horses.
In riders' words
Why riders say they gave up on their Ariats
Riders tell us newer Ariat boots don't last the way the pairs they remember did, and that soles and zippers gave out early. These are their words, as posted.
Not what they used to be
Tredstep boots riders try next
Donatello III FieldMedici II Field
Tredstep's Donatello III and Medici II are the closest tall boots.
See the comparisonSoles and zippers that gave out early
Tredstep boots riders try next
Medici III Front ZipDonatello III Lace
Tredstep's lace and zip paddocks are the closest swaps.
See the paddock bootsNot what they used to be
Riders who once loved Ariat say the quality of their newer pairs, tall boots and paddock boots alike, has declined.
Ariat tall boots
Ariat's quality seems to have gone down the drain in the last several years. All of the Ariat brand tall boots that I have encountered are like cardboard, so stiff and difficult to break in, not to mention they tend to be super wide in the ankle now. Almost like a cankle situation on most people. I have 100% stopped recommending Ariat to riders.
Ariat paddock and field boots
I own a few pairs of Ariats, and I will not be purchasing more. I had both paddock and field boots. I used to love them, they were great quality and lasted many years. In recent years, i have replaced both my paddock and field boots with new Ariats and noticed a huge decline in quality, and changes in sizing.
Ariat boots
I used to love Ariat boots - when they were made in the USA. They fit well, wore well, and lasted. Now, not so much.
Ariat tall boots
I'm feeling pretty cranky about Ariat tall boots. The quality has really deteriorated.
Soles and zippers that gave out early
Riders report Ariat soles separating, paddock boots coming apart and front zippers splitting within months.
Ariat Heritage paddock boots
I bought a pair of Heritage a few years ago and they were the first Ariats that didn't last a year. The sole separated.
Ariat Heritage paddock boots
I bought a pair of the Ariat Heritage paddock boots a few years ago and they were a waste of money. They did not hold up at all, started coming apart and leaking along the sole.
Ariat H2O boots
So then I tried Ariat again, with the H20 Gore boots. Result: more heartache, the sole disintegrated for no reason within six months.
Ariat front-zip paddock boots
I went through multiple pairs of Ariat front zips as a teen, and while I liked that they didn't have laces, I soon discovered that the pressure put on them from the "heels down" position caused the zippers to split open after around 8-9 months of use.
Side by side
Ariat vs Tredstep boots: heights, calf range and fit side by side
Tredstep grades calf width from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus. Ariat's tall boot pages list X-Slim to X-Wide, in three heights and one foot width. These are the closest pairs.
| Tredstep boot | Closest Ariat | Tredstep heights | Ariat heights | Fit note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donatello III Field | Heritage Contour II Field Zip | Short, regular, tall | Short, medium, tall | Same tier. Tredstep's calf grading runs wider than Ariat's X-Wide. |
| Medici II Field | Devon Tall | Short, regular, tall | Short, medium, tall | Both are premium field boots. |
| Donatello III Dress | Kinsley Field or Dress | Short, regular, tall | Short, medium, tall | The Kinsley has a Spanish-cut topline. |
| Sirani Field and Dress | Ravello | Short, regular, tall | Short, medium, tall | Ravello is made in Italy and sits a tier above the Sirani. |
| Medici III Front Zip Paddock | Heritage Zip paddock | Ankle boot | Ankle boot | The Heritage Zip lists a C-Wide width. |
| Donatello III Lace Paddock | Devon paddock boots | Ankle boot | Ankle boot | Lace-up, for riders who like to adjust the fit. |
Ariat details as listed on Ariat's website on October 7, 2026. Tredstep calf widths and heights as listed in our catalog.
Tall boots
Tredstep tall boots: Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani
Tredstep's Donatello III, Medici II and Sirani are the field and dress boots riders choose after an Ariat tall boot. Each comes in short, regular and tall heights, with the calf graded from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus.
Donatello III is the core boot, Medici II is the premium field and dress boot, and Sirani is the top of the Tredstep line we carry. Riders who want a winter boot can look at the country boots below.
In fairness
Tredstep's graded calf only helps if you order by your own measurements, so use your calf and leg height, not the Ariat size you wore.Shop Tredstep tall boots
Shop all ›Paddock boots
Tredstep paddock boots: Medici III and Donatello III, lace or zip
Tredstep's Medici III and Donatello III paddock boots are what riders swap in for Ariat's Heritage and Devon paddocks, in lace, front-zip and double-zip versions.
Riders who've moved over say the leather holds up and the boots need no break-in. If you wear half chaps over your paddock boots, our guide to Ariat half chaps covers the Tredstep options.
In fairness
Ariat's Devon paddock has a cushioned footbed that one rider called the cushiest, so try a Tredstep paddock on in your usual riding socks.Tredstep paddock boots
Comfortable and classy paddock boots. The size 40 (size 8.5-9) fit comfortably with thin socks. But because I have thick toes and wide feet, I bought a size 41 (9.5-10) to make room for thicker socks and gave the size 40 to a dear friend with very slim feet. That made for TWO very happy pairs of feet.
Tredstep short boots
It didn't need breaking in time. Slip on and go. No blisters. Tredstep is the best of the best.
Shop Tredstep Medici III paddock boots
Shop all ›Winter and country
Tredstep winter boots: Shannon Fur H2O and Avoca II country boots
Tredstep's Shannon Fur H2O and Avoca II are tall country boots for riders who want a winter boot in place of an insulated Ariat. Riders call them warm and comfortable for all-day wear.
The Shannon Fur H2O comes in black and mahogany with a fur-topped cuff, and the Avoca II is a lace-front country boot in mahogany.
In fairness
Ariat makes an insulated Heritage Contour II boot, so compare it with Tredstep's country boots for the weather you ride in.These boots are so incredibly warm and comfortable. I've been wearing them every day since they arrived. I can walk in them all day without discomfort, the tread is very cushioned. I'm very happy with this purchase. Typically wear a 7.5 in boots. I ordered the 38 and they are perfect. They arrived beautifully packaged and shipping was quick.
Tredstep country boots
This is my second pair of these boots. I am a professional wearing them hard all day. The last pair lasted 2 years, and still has a little more wear to go. I am a cold all the time person, and they take me from early autumn chills to spring warm up with only the need to change to warmer boots on the very worst days of Northern Virginia winter. They fit true to size. I have wide feet and they are comfortable after some boot stretch and a little breaking in.
Shop Tredstep winter and country boots
Shop all ›Fit and sizing
Sizing Tredstep tall boots: calf grade and height, not an Ariat size
Tredstep sizes a tall boot by foot size, calf width and height: calf runs from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus, with short, regular and tall heights. Ariat's tall boot pages list X-Slim to X-Wide, three heights and one foot width, so an Ariat size does not translate straight across.
Measure your calf at its widest point and your leg from the back of the knee to the floor, in your riding socks, then match both to Tredstep's chart for the boot you choose.
In fairness
What Ariat boots do well
We'd rather you buy the right boot than the wrong one from us. Riders who stay with Ariat have good reasons.
If you want a cushioned paddock footbed, one rider who tried both calls the Ariat Devon the cushiest.
If you are short, Ariat lists a Short height across its tall boots, and the Short height is a reason short riders start there.
If you need a wider paddock boot, the Ariat Heritage Zip lists a C-Wide width.
If your Ariats have lasted for years, you know how they fit. Try a Tredstep on beside them before you decide.
Ariat vs Tredstep boots: FAQ
Is Tredstep better than Ariat?
It depends on the boot and the rider. Riders who've switched tell us Tredstep suits them for calf and ankle fit, little break-in and how long the boots last, while Ariat's draws are the Devon footbed and its Short height. Try both on if you can.
CloseDoes Tredstep come in wide calf?
Yes. Tredstep grades tall boot calf from XX Slim to Full Plus Plus Plus, wider than the X-Wide top of Ariat's tall boot range, and offers Wide and Wide Plus in its country boots.
CloseDo Tredstep boots need breaking in?
Riders tell us they needed little or no break-in, and several say their boots were comfortable from the first ride.
CloseWhich Tredstep boot is closest to an Ariat Heritage Contour?
The Donatello III Field. It is a field boot at a similar tier, in short, regular and tall heights.
CloseHow do I size a Tredstep tall boot if I wore Ariat?
Measure your calf at its widest point and your leg height in your riding socks, then use Tredstep's size chart for calf grade and height. An Ariat size does not translate directly.
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: tall, paddock and winter boots
- Ariat vs Ovation and TuffRider: budget-minded alternatives
- Ariat vs Shires Moretta boots: tall and paddock
- Ariat winter riding boots: alternatives
- Tailored Sportsman vs the knee-patch breeches we carry
Brands we carry
Boots riders chose after Ariat
Every boot on this page comes from Tredstep, a brand we carry.
How we built this guide: rider quotes are shown as posted, with spelling fixed and names withheld. Tredstep boots checked November 4, 2026. Ariat details as listed on Ariat's website on October 7, 2026.