Looking to stay under $500. What have you found that lasts a long time and is good quality? I’ve been riding in my Ariat V-Sports for about 5 years and they’re just now starting to disintegrate a bit. I use my boots for schooling as well as small shows. Thanks for any tips!
If you’re looking for dress boots, I have always gone with petrie and have a pair that are 9 years old and look brand new. for jumping and schooling, I’ve just allowed myself to mow through Ariat contours. I typically buy them on sale when they’re under 200 and wear (and repair) them until they truly disintegrate.
Thanks EVneo!
You want these for approx $180. Comfortable, durable and attractive enough to make Mike Plumb think I had expensive custom boots.
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Thanks, JER. I love the look of those, unfortunately they don’t appear to come in tall and I’m 5’10" 
That’s a problem with a lot of the cheaper boots, they don’t come in tall. Those are lovely, though…if only.
I would get Volant S boots if you are using them everyday. I have several pairs of “nice” boots but love the comfort of the Volants so much I rarely use anything else! They are very comfortable for everyday use and mine hold up to the washrack, longeing, lots of abuse. The Volant S boots are attractive enough to show in, IMO.
I think those have the same or similar footbed to my V-Sports, which I do love. So comfy. The only ones I’m seeing come with a weird, almost snakeskin topper, though. Is there another pair I’m not seeing with a plain black top?
Mine have the snakeskin looking top, so I don’t know. I think maybe the one step fancier (vortex?) are plain but they are more expensive. I think the SS top looks fine and it has been durable, I have been using mine as daily riders for 2 years and they look good still.
Thanks so much. Definitely will look into them, they seem so comfy.
I love everything Ariat. They seem to work for my freakishly long legs, skinny calves, and big foot (size 10) combo. I have the Westchester (which I think might be discontinued now), and these gorgeous cognac colored ones that I hunt in. I wear my tall boots every time I ride and they’ve held up well enough for the money.
Good to know, because I always hear so many complaints about Ariat zippers but I myself have never experienced an issue (knock on wood).
Ugh, I had my Ariat zipper break. Still haven’t fixed it because I can’t find anyone to do it economically.
Anyway, I’ve tried other boots but always come back to Mountain Horse. They last forever and are very comfortable. And they have some higher end ones if you wanted to get really nice ones. I don’t know if they come in tall though.
Yeah, I have heard excellent things about Mountain Horse but I don’t think they come in talls…darn my long legs! Thank you though.
I got my Volant S on clearance - you should still be able to find some. I think I got mine from horstmeyers in Florida.
I’ll definitely look, they’re still retailing around $500 everywhere I’m seeing online. Unfortunately I might just have to spend at the top of my budget to get them…if I like the V Sports I’m sure I’ll like these.
If you are willing to buy second hand . . . you can get top quality for the same price as low end made in China ($200 or under).
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I just got the Tredstep tall boots and I’ve been pleased so far. I know that their half chaps hold up well and come in a large variety of sizes. I have long legs with skinny calves and the tall boots fit me well.
I checked out a pair of Tredstop and looked at the soles: I don’t think they look like a pair of boots that’s going to last, and they’re really not that well made. I was surprised at how cheaply made they seem.
You can get the Cavallo Linus in multiple colors with a brogue top for like $350. I got a pair of full custom Petries for like $550 including shipping from https://www.reitstiefel.shop/en. The customer service was excellent and I got my boots in 8 weeks. If you fit in a standard size they are way cheaper.
I had a zipper break 3rd use of my winter boots from Ariats. I emailed Ariat since they were under warranty and they told me I needed to contact the seller to make my claim.
Anyways I had bought them from Dover and when I went to return them they told me they will accept returns at any time on all products. So if you’re near a Dover I highly recommend buying your boots there.
