Hello,
So I am in the market for new field boots for this summer season, and was wondering everyone’s opinion on these boots: either the Ariat Contour Challenge Field Boot or Parlanti Miami Essential Field Boot?
In the future I would love to purchase myself a pair of DerDau (but unfortunately they only come to near where I live once a year - so will have to wait for that).
Just wondering what you guys would consider?
Depends on your leg shape. All Ariat boots tend to be too big in the ankle/to of the foot for my skinny ankles. The Parlantis fit me much better. Whether they hold up with regular riding is to be determined.
Ariats don’t fit me and there’s a pretty clear quality difference in favor of the Parlanti, IMO.
The Parlantis are the nicer boot but the Heritages are probably more durable. TBH, I work in a tack shop and am rarely faced with this question because of the price difference. The Parlantis are about double the price of the Heritages. If you are saving for Der Dau’s you might try the lower price point and put the difference in the kitty for the customs you really want? OTOH, you might find you get a pretty custom fit in the Parlantis…
Look into the Parlanti Miami differences… They now have a newer version of the Miami in the $700 range in which the leather is not as nice and the lining is different. (Same styling… Still a lovely boot). I purchased the O.G. Miamis about 2 yrs ago and they have held up beautifully. I try to save them for showing and lessons only but it’s hard not to ride in them every day. There was almost no break-in time… They fit me like custom boots… And are very comfortable. Most importantly I feel like the thinner leather provides the best leg contact. I hear that they don’t last long for professionals or those who ride 5 horses per day or more, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised about how they have held up for me. Pricy, but a worthy investment.
I had Ariats back in the day. They were brutal to break in, but lasted forever. I looked at a few pairs recently for schooling boots. I just prefer a more fitted ankle and softer leather. (Hard to go back after my Parlantis!)
Are you going to use them for shows only? If so, you’d be OK with the Parlantis. If you plan on using them to school in, too, then I would go with the Ariats.
I have a pair of the Ariats, mostly because they are the only brand that comes in anything smaller than a 6. To get a pair that properly fits my size-5 foot, I will have to go custom, but the Ariat Challenge Contours are perfectly fine for shows.
They are nice enough. I am surprised that people are saying they are sturdy. The leather is thin, and they are quite comfortable. I use mine for shows only; I don’t think they’d hold up great for everyday use although compared to the Parlantis, they might; I don’t know. I have never owned Partantis.
The Parlantis are going to be quite a bit more expensive, and they have a more fitted look if that is what you like.
Parlantis
[QUOTE=see u at x;8529513]
Are you going to use them for shows only? If so, you’d be OK with the Parlantis. If you plan on using them to school in, too, then I would go with the Ariats.[/QUOTE]
Yes - they would mostly be for shows (and of course couple of schooling classes every now and then to break them in).
But what is your impression of the square toe? Most of my previous boots are the rounded toe? Is the square toe allowed in hunter rings?
Nobody is looking at the toe of your boot, but yes, square toes are legal (as if there would ever be a rule about toe shape??)
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