Replacing Ariat Terrains

[paintedtrails]

I have a pair of H2Os that have lasted about 4 years now, but noticing the toe rubber separating (and ending up with wet feet on occasion)
Looking to replace with Keen or Merrell hikers I think this time… I need ankle stability (either a Mid boot or a low one that allows a brace to be worn if needed), and while I have a narrow heel I have a slightly wide toe box area (find lace ups work best for me)

Found these various ones that show some type of heel to the boot (so I don’t have to get cages on my stirrups):
https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/W-TARGHEE-II-MID-WP.html?dwvar_W-TARGHEE-II-MID-WP_color=1010137&cgid=activity_hiking_womens

https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/W-TARGHEE-EXP-MID-WP.html?dwvar_W-TARGHEE-EXP-MID-WP_color=1018555&cgid=activity_hiking_womens

https://www.merrell.com/US/en/moab-2-mid-gore-tex/27874W.html?dwvar_27874W_color=J06060

Looking for feedback on these, and open to other suggestions too

[sophie]

I was able to take my Ariat Terrain H2O to a cobbler, who fixed the same problem you have for about $10. Shoes were in very good shape otherwise, so I figured I’d try fixing them first, and it worked. Still waterproof.

I can’t comment on Keen but I love Merrells, I have a pair of waterproof hiking boots (can’t remember the model) that are very comfy and light.

Also, I just bought a pair of Ariat Terrains Pro to ride in (I wear the other ones for barn chores and other messy environments), and I really like them so far. Hopefully they’ll last me at least 5 years!

[ChestnutArabianMare]

I ride in a pair of the first pair of Keens that you posted and they are awesome. I have wide feet and ankle issues. Just an FYI, they run a half a size small - I usually wear a 7.5 and get an 8 in Keens. I bought them originally for hiking but they’ve been migrating over to horseback riding too - especially nice for trail riding if you want to get off and walk for a bit.

[AshleyandAnnabel]

Just by looking at those they look really bulky; IMO. I think it’s awesome that your Terrains lasted as long as they did. I’ve ridden/hiked over 1000 miles in a single pair. Really, I should probably replace them every year. My personal opinion would be to just get another pair of Terrains.

[paintedtrails]

@AshleyandAnnabel

I think it’s awesome that your Terrains lasted as long as they did…

Sadly it is most likely because they haven’t seen a ton of riding the past few years… Lots of horse issues, but I do wear them a ton for around the barn anyway

My issue with just another pair of the terrains is that when I have to wear my ankle brace there is an Interference with the boot top… in my regular hiking boots (not enough heel for riding) I don’t have that interference.

[Southernboy]

I have H2Os and those Keens. I would not ride in the Keens. There is not enough heel but the worse problem is the aggressive tread. Hiking boots are usually made to walk in mud, dirt, etc. and the tread is designed that way. The aggressive tread will get caught in the side of the stirrup and your foot will jam in the stirrup. For a riding boot the tread needs to be smoother like the H2Os. There is a packer’s boot that has aggressive tread but there is a smooth ridge on the outside so your foot slides easily in and out of the stirrup.

[NoSuchPerson]

@Southernboy

I have H2Os and those Keens. I would not ride in the Keens. There is not enough heel but the worse problem is the aggressive tread. Hiking boots are usually made to walk in mud, dirt, etc. and the tread is designed that way. The aggressive tread will get caught in the side of the stirrup and your foot will jam in the stirrup. For a riding boot the tread needs to be smoother like the H2Os. There is a packer’s boot that has aggressive tread but there is a smooth ridge on the outside so your foot slides easily in and out of the stirrup.

This. And this is not just a rider’s version of an urban legend. I know a trainer who got hung up and injured wearing work boots with aggressive tread. He said he was just being lazy that day, only had one horse to ride, and thought, “Oh, it’ll be OK, I don’t need to change my boots for one ride.”

This packer’s boot doesn’t have much tread and has a taller shaft than terrains.

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/mens-chippewa-boots-packer-boots-briar?a=697766

There are also things like the Justin Conductor boot that have a taller shaft than terrains and come in widths up to EEE and as small as 6-6.5 (mens).

https://www.sheplers.com/justin-mens-conductor-8-lace-up-work-boots---soft-toe/050243.html?dwvar_050243_color=7045#q=lace+up+boots&start=24

[Busygalincal]

My Terrains last about a year, but I wear them pretty much everyday. I do only buy the waterproof ones. What I hate about the Terrains is they are terrible to hike in. Granted I’m usually off my horse going down hills, and I have to be very careful as they slip on loose rocks very easily. If I know I’ll be off my horse often, I ride in my Merrels. But my spurs don’t fit those boots and I do worry about the aggressive tread. A friend suggested to grind away some of the tread on the sides so the boot slips out of the stirrup easier. Also, I recently tried on shoes and loved the look of the keens but my foot was way more comfortable in the Merrels. I have a wide foot.

[Southernboy]

A couple years ago I wrote Keens and told them they were missing out on a very large market by not making a style of their boots that could be used for riding. Maybe if a few more people wrote them.

[paintedtrails]

Well the good news is I have found I’m doing well without the brace now riding and hiking around more.
I still haven’t figure out what to replace them with tho… I like some of the zip styles that are waterproof but always worry they won’t feel right in fit and not places to go try on various types!

[imaginique]

I love Terrains. I’ve tried Merrell and Keen and neither fit me well and neither had arch support. If the Terrains fit I’d stick with them.

[sophie]

@Busygalincal

My Terrains last about a year, but I wear them pretty much everyday. I do only buy the waterproof ones. What I hate about the Terrains is they are terrible to hike in. I have a wide foot.

Really? I’ve never had any problems hiking in them, even hiked a 4000 ft mountain in them - no prob. My new Terrain Pros are very comfy as well, on or off the horse.