Stinky Ariat Boots!

[FatCatFarm]

I treated myself to a pair of the Ariat Berwick GTX boots for Christmas and I kid you not, the chemical smell rolling off of them is enough to steal my breath. I’ve had them for almost a month and have worn them several times, and still it’s just awful. They are of course, made in China. They smell like leather up close, but I think it’s the thinsulate lining and the soles that reek so bad. I’ve had pleather boots reek like this, but not real leather. They were not cheap, and for the money, one would think you wouldn’t have to put up with such stench.

So does vinegar or vodka get rid of the smell? I wore them to work today as it’s quite rainy and the smell is getting on my last nerve.

[4LeafCloverFarm]

You might try getting some activated charcoal and putting it in some knee-highs or cut off pantyhose and then stuffing that into the boots. You can get activated charcoal at pet stores that sell fish/aquariums (or Amazon of course - but get the cheap kind for aquariums, not the kind that people actually eat, its way expensive!). Keep them stuffed with the charcoal whenever you aren’t wearing them.

[ParadoxFarm]

Maybe a quick spritz with Lysol spray? Is it inside or the outside that stinks?

[GreyDes]

Febreze Sport?

[Lusoluv]

Hmmm…I got a pair of the same boots on clearance. Except for the “nice” new smell of leather the first few days, they do not smell like anything now…well, maybe like the barn

[cnigh]

Another lady at our barn bought a new pair in the summer. Very comfy, but the smell was enough to knock you over.

I would take them back myself. The smell does not wear off.

[js]

Please let Ariat know. I miss the old Ariat boots made in Italy, China made ones have never been the same. No advice on the smell, it may well fade with time but the chemical is likely thru out the leather. I would store them with some kind of charcoal activated thing that you can place in the boots and let sit overnight.

[FatCatFarm]

I am returning these boots via Amazon. The smell did abate quite a bit but they’ve never smelled like leather should.

[xeroxchick]

Not a solution, but it might help to put dryer sheets in them. My step daughter taught me this.

[FatCatFarm]

@xeroxchick

Not a solution, but it might help to put dryer sheets in them. My step daughter taught me this.

Thanks. I’ll give that a try if the next pair isn’t any better. I really did like the boots other than the smell and that the left boot seemed to fit smaller than the right, no matter how much I adjusted the lacings. These were on sale at Smartpak for $150 cheaper than Amazon, so I went up a size and reordered. They are beautiful, sturdy and comfortable, if the sizing will come right.

[xeroxchick]

Hope it does. I’ve abandoned my custom boots for Ariats and love them, but don’t have insulated. My insulated boots, like Schnees don’t seem to have that problem, even after long days dog sledding. Maybe too filling a breathable bag, like a cotton one or little mesh delicates bag, with baking soda and putting those in the boots.

[BlueDrifter]

I ordered a new pair of Performer Pros and although I will keep them, they aren’t what they used to be. They reduced the hook lacing from 3 to 2, and as a result it doesn’t seem as snug across the arch, and the leather sort of folds like there is too much… Mine had a bit of plastic smell that quickly disappeared once at the barn.

Still, despite 10 years of wearing Ariats, I think I will try something new for my next pair. And, I am getting my old pair resoled.

[mellsmom]

I just got the Coniston’s when they were marked down and they do not have that smell.

[Foxtrot_s]

Did you know where Ariat got its name?

From SecretARIAT - true

[ecpolo]

I have learned that arm & hammer powder with a bunch of essential oil will pretty much get rid of any scent. I swear I am not one of the essential oil obsessed people. Haha. Just buy some cheap lavender oil at the grocery store and use it. For boots I would probably pour a bunch of the scented baking powder into an old sock, stuff it with newspaper, and stick it in the boot for a few days.

Maybe do not use lavender becuase I heard it is illegal for show horses? I am pretty sure any scent would work, I have just only used lavender.