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Ariat Winter Riding Boots: What Riders Wear When It Gets Truly Cold
A winter boot that matches your coldest ride and your calf, in riders' own words.
Riders who wear Ariat's insulated tall and paddock boots tell us when they reach for something warmer: Mountain Horse on super cold, wet days, a wide calf over thick breeches, an insulated paddock for the barn. Here is what they say and the winter boots they choose, with what Ariat does well in fairness below.
The short version
If you wore Ariat winter boots: the warmer boots riders try
Mountain Horse Rimfrost III and Active Winter Rider are the winter tall boots riders name first after an Ariat insulated tall, and Arctica Lace is the insulated paddock to try for barn days.
If they wore
Insulated tall, super cold and wet days
Riders switch to
Rimfrost III Winter Tall BootThermolite lining and waterproof construction up to the start of the zipper. Also in wide calf.
Shop nowIf they wore
Insulated tall, everyday winter riding
Riders switch to
Active Winter Rider Tall BootA faux fur lining and a side-fitted zipper, with dirt-repellent tread zones on the sole for grip in the stirrup.
Shop nowIf they wore
Insulated tall that tight breeches won't zip into
Riders switch to
Active Winter Rider Wide CalfThe same boot with more calf room. Rimfrost III also comes in a wide calf.
Shop nowIf they wore
A leather winter tall for the barn and the ride
Riders switch to
Snowy River Winter Tall BootWaterproof full grain leather with a faux fur lining and a removable ShockX insole, in brown or black.
Shop nowIf they wore
Heritage Zip Insulated paddock
Riders switch to
Arctica Lace Winter PaddockA waterproof membrane foot, 3M Thinsulate lining and Ice Hook Technology for icy ground.
Shop nowIf they wore
A winter tall that looks like a dress boot
Riders switch to
TuffRider Gale Winter TallWaterproof leather foot and ankle, a Sherpa fleece lining and a full side zip, in a dress-boot look.
Shop nowRider voices
What riders say when Ariat winter boots aren't warm enough
Riders tell us Mountain Horse winter boots are warmer for truly cold days, roomier in the calf and toe, and comfortable enough to work in, and they say it better than we can.
Warmer on the coldest days
The boots they point to
Mountain Horse Rimfrost III and Snowy River for super cold, wet days.
See the cold-day bootsRoom in the calf and the toe
The boots they point to
Active Winter Rider Wide CalfRimfrost III Wide Calf
Wide-calf Mountain Horse winter tall boots.
See the wide-calf bootsComfortable to ride in and work in
The boots they point to
Winter tall boots that go from the barn to the saddle.
See the barn-day bootsWarmer on the coldest days
Riders who have worn both call Mountain Horse considerably warmer than Ariat, if bulkier, and say they never had cold toes in them.
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. The Ariats are a more refined presentation, but the MH boots have them beat in the warmth department, which is my primary consideration in a winter boot.
Mountain Horse Ice Riders
I can vouch for the Ice Rider. I have had mine for three years and they still look good. They are very warm; I just wear them with a wool sock and I have never had cold toes. I stop riding under 21 degrees. In fact I just took mine off after wearing them for three hours to ride and to do the barn. They are extremely comfortable and relatively inexpensive. My previous winter boots were Ariats and they never even came close to the warmth and comfort of the Mountain Horse ones. They do run big.
Room in the calf and the toe
Riders say a regular-calf boot was too tight for thicker breeches or too slim in the ankle, and name Mountain Horse boots with room for leg warmers and thick socks.
I live where it gets really cold and snowy, and I've tried a few boots over the years. For me, the best I've had are the Mountain Horse Rimfrost Riders. Only downside is they run shorter than I'd like (I could use another couple inches in height). The foot is wide enough to get a decent sock in there, and the calf has enough room that I can wear leg warmers over my breeches and under the boots. For teaching lessons and being in the barn all day, these are selling points for me. I tried the Ariat Brossards, and didn't like the fit. They were slimmer and didn't allow me as much flex in the ankle or space to wiggle my toes.
Active Winter Rider boots
The regular calf Bromont seems tight. I'd never get thicker breeches zipped in there. MH Active Rider wins :)
Comfortable to ride in and work in
Riders describe winter boots they wear from mucking stalls straight to riding, with grip on ice and snow.
I've been happy with the MH Snowy River boot the last two winters. I swapped the insoles for shearling ones and they're comfy and warm. I walk around in them/do errands after the barn/whatever and don't find them uncomfortable for that at all. Certainly not as close of a feel in the saddle as my summer half chaps, but very much fine.
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.
Mountain Horse winter riding boots
These Mountain Horse winter riding boots make riding in the winter so much better! They are seriously a game changer. I hadn't owned winter riding boots before these (years of numb toes,) and I was skeptical about whether they would actually be comfortable enough to ride in. They required zero break-in time, and are very high quality. They keep my feet so warm, and I am on my second winter with them. I normally wear a regular warm knee high sock under them, and that keeps my feet warm down to around 15-20F. When it's colder than that I wear some heavier duty wool socks, and it's just right. I love being able to go from mucking stalls/sloshing through slush and snow, right to riding! They also double as my go-to general winter boot for going out and about - the height is perfect for keeping snow off my legs during heavy snowstorms, and the tread on the bottom provides great grip on ice. Highly recommend!
Rimfrost tall boots
I bought a pair of rimfrost tall boots back in 2003 and used them to pieces, my feet stayed warm, my arches never ached and the zippers still worked great!
Side by side
Ariat winter boots vs the winter boots we carry: warmth and waterproofing as listed
Ariat lists its insulated tall, the Heritage Contour II Waterproof Insulated, with 200 g of 3M Thinsulate and DRYShield waterproofing, and its insulated paddock as the Heritage Zip Waterproof Insulated. These are the closest boots to set beside them.
| Boot to try | Closest Ariat | Warmth as listed | Waterproofing as listed | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rimfrost III | Heritage Contour II Insulated | Thermolite lining | Waterproof up to the start of the zipper | Also in wide calf. |
| Active Winter Rider | Heritage Contour II Insulated | Heat-insulating faux fur lining | Waterproof up to the start of the zipper | Wide calf and shorter height versions. |
| Snowy River | Heritage Contour II Insulated | Faux fur lining | Waterproof full grain leather | Removable ShockX insole. |
| Arctica Winter Tall | Heritage Contour II Insulated | 3M Thinsulate inner lining | Waterproof membrane foot | Ice Hook Technology for icy ground. |
| Arctica Lace Winter Paddock | Heritage Zip Insulated | 3M Thinsulate inner lining | Waterproof membrane foot | Lace front, to adjust the fit over thick socks. |
| Snowy River Winter Zip Paddock | Heritage Zip Insulated | 200G Thinsulate with faux fur lining | Waterproof full grain leather | Zip for quick on and off. |
| Ariat Heritage Contour II Waterproof Insulated | Reference | 200 g 3M Thinsulate | DRYShield waterproofing | Full-grain leather upper, as listed on Ariat's website. |
Ariat details as listed on Ariat's website on October 7, 2026. Carried boot details as listed in our catalog.
Swap guide
Which winter boot for which Ariat: a quick swap guide
Match the boot to your coldest regular ride first, then to your calf.
Price tiers among these picks: $ (lowest) to $$$$ (highest).
| If you wore | Riders switch to | Why riders choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated tall, super cold and wet rides |
| Riders who've worn both call Mountain Horse the warmer boot for truly cold days. |
| Insulated tall, everyday winter riding | Everyday warmth, with tread zones or Ice Hooks for grip. | |
| Wide calf or thick breeches | Riders say regular-calf boots run tight over thicker breeches. | |
| Insulated paddock for the barn | Insulated and waterproof, in lace or zip. | |
| Winter tall for milder cold | A lower-priced winter tall for rides on chilly days. |
Fit tip
Measure your calf at its widest point over the breeches you ride in, and your leg from the back of the knee to the floor, then compare both with the maker's size chart. Try the boot on with the socks you ride in.Truly cold days
Rimfrost III, Snowy River and Arctica for truly cold days
Mountain Horse Rimfrost III, Snowy River and Arctica Winter Tall are the winter tall boots riders reach for on the coldest days. Rimfrost III has a Thermolite lining and waterproof construction up to the start of the zipper, Snowy River is waterproof full grain leather with a faux fur lining, and Arctica has a 3M Thinsulate inner lining with Ice Hook Technology for icy ground.
Warmth comes with bulk: a rider who has worn Ariat Bromonts and Mountain Horse boots calls the Mountain Horse boots bulkier. Veganza Winter Tall has a slim outsole with no extra bulk in the stirrups.
In fairness
If your rides are mostly cool and a slim boot matters more than extra insulation, an Ariat insulated tall may be all you need.Shop Mountain Horse winter tall boots
Shop all ›Wide calf
Wide-calf winter tall boots: Rimfrost III and Active Winter Rider
Mountain Horse Rimfrost III Wide Calf and Active Winter Rider Wide Calf are the winter tall boots to try when a regular-calf boot is too tight over your breeches. Rimfrost III Wide Calf keeps the Thermolite lining and the waterproof construction up to the start of the zipper, and Active Winter Rider Wide Calf keeps the faux fur lining and side-fitted YKK Vislon zipper.
Size by your calf first and your foot second: measure your calf at its widest point over the breeches you ride in.
In fairness
If you need a slim calf, the regular-calf versions above fit closer.Barn and muck days
Insulated paddock boots for barn days: Arctica Lace and Snowy River
Mountain Horse Arctica Lace Winter Paddock and Snowy River Winter Zip Paddock are the insulated paddock boots to try beside an Ariat Heritage Zip Insulated for barn days and yard work. Arctica Lace has a waterproof membrane foot, 3M Thinsulate lining and Ice Hook Technology, and Snowy River Winter Zip has waterproof full grain leather with 200G Thinsulate and a faux fur lining.
Pick a lace paddock to adjust the fit over thick socks and a zip paddock for quick on and off at the barn door.
In fairness
If you ride in deep cold over breeches, the winter tall boots above cover that better than any paddock.Mountain Horse winter paddock boots
I had the original Mountain Horse winter paddock boots (Rimrock I think?) which were very warm and held up well. They were a bit clunky to ride in but once you got used to not being able to feel your stirrup very well, were pretty good. They have insulation in the soles too so the cold doesn't seep from the ground/stirrup into your foot.
Mountain Horse Rimfrost paddock boots
Mountain Horse Rimfrost paddock boots are wonderfully warm. Coupled with Irideon Windpro breeches. And last winter I bought a Mountain Horse jacket (forget the model name) that was incredibly warm, right down to the single digits and below. I'm in Maine, and we had some tough weather last winter, but I was warm and comfortable the whole time.
Shop Mountain Horse winter paddock boots
Shop all ›Lower-priced winter tall boots
Ovation and TuffRider winter tall boots: Blizzard, Telluride and Gale
Ovation Blizzard Original, Ovation Telluride and TuffRider Gale are winter tall boots at a lower price tier than the Mountain Horse boots above. Blizzard Original has fleece insulation, a waterproof foot and a wool and aluminum foil insole, Telluride has a waterproof foot and a faux fur lining, and Gale has a waterproof leather foot, a Sherpa fleece lining and a full side zip.
Compare the lining, the foot construction and the closure with how you ride before you choose.
In fairness
If you ride in truly cold weather, start with the Mountain Horse boots above.Shop Ovation winter tall boots
Shop all ›In fairness
What Ariat winter boots do well
We'd rather you buy the right boot than the wrong one from us. Ariat's insulated boots suit riders whose winters are cool rather than frozen.
If you want a leather tall boot with insulation built in, Ariat's Heritage Contour II Waterproof Insulated lists 200 g of 3M Thinsulate, DRYShield waterproofing and a full-grain leather upper.
If you ride in cool weather and want the slimmest line in the stirrup, try any winter boot on beside your Ariat first: warmer boots tend to be bulkier.
If you need an insulated paddock, Ariat lists a Heritage Zip Waterproof Insulated, so compare its traction and closure with the paddocks above.
If your Ariats keep you warm at the temperatures you ride in, you already have your answer.
Ariat winter riding boots: FAQ
Are Ariat winter boots warm enough?
Ariat lists its insulated tall with 200 g of 3M Thinsulate, and riders who own both an Ariat and a Mountain Horse winter boot describe Mountain Horse as warmer on super cold, wet days. Match the boot to your coldest regular ride, then try it on with your usual socks.
CloseWhich is warmer, Mountain Horse or Ariat?
Riders who have worn both call Mountain Horse winter boots considerably warmer, though bulkier. Rimfrost III has a Thermolite lining and Arctica Winter Tall a 3M Thinsulate lining.
CloseDo winter riding boots come in wide calf?
Yes. Mountain Horse makes Rimfrost III Wide Calf and Active Winter Rider Wide Calf. Measure your calf at its widest point over the breeches you ride in and compare it with the maker's size chart.
CloseWhat should I wear for barn chores in winter?
An insulated paddock boot such as Mountain Horse Arctica Lace Winter Paddock, with a waterproof membrane foot and Ice Hook Technology, or Snowy River Winter Zip Paddock. Choose lace for an adjustable fit or a zip for quick on and off.
CloseWhich winter tall boot is closest to an Ariat Heritage Contour?
Mountain Horse Snowy River is the closest in material, with waterproof full grain leather and a faux fur lining. Active Winter Rider and Rimfrost III are the boots riders compare most for warmth.
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 vs Tredstep boots: why riders switch to Tredstep
- Tailored Sportsman breeches: alternatives
Brands we carry
Winter boots riders chose after Ariat
Every boot on this page comes from Mountain Horse, Ovation or TuffRider, brands we carry.
How we built this guide: rider quotes are shown as posted, with spelling fixed and names withheld. Winter boots checked November 4, 2026. Ariat details as listed on Ariat's website on October 7, 2026.