I’ll start by saying these Ariat Ascent paddock boots are possibly the best short boots I’ve had. They are unusual in appearance; something between jodhpur boots, trainers and muckers, and not traditionally smart boots. But this may be why they work so well.
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They’re made of “mixed materials” rather than leather, which I’d hope will mean they’re not as prone to splitting as some traditional jodhpur boots, and means they can be hosed off when they get dirty. They have a close-fitting neoprene-like material at the ankle, which not only helps with how comfortable the boots are from the first wear; it feels like you’re wearing slippers when you’ve got them on, but also gives them the huge positive that you can muck out in them, including shaking up new bedding, without a single piece of straw ending up inside your boots. That would make them worth buying on their own, in my opinion.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
They’re true to size; Ariat helpfully makes half sizes and my feet are between a six and a seven, and the 6½ fitted perfectly. The material they’re made of also means they’re waterproof, and coped perfectly walking across waterlogged fields. These waterproof ones are £10 more than the non-waterproof version but I think the extra is worth it for general yard boots. Ariat also makes Ascent long boots, which I’d be very keen to try given how well these work.
The boots are pricey, and more than I’d usually pay for short boots, but they seem to be worth the money They were used all last summer for riding and yard work every day and the only sign of wear is a slight hole in the top layer of the top of one boot, but as it’s the fabric bit on the top, it doesn’t affect their waterproof-ness or performance. They’re so comfortable, it’s almost like wearing slippers all day. I tested them with the Ariat Ascent half chaps – I thought they fitted well together and would be smart enough for competing.
Verdict
Pricey boots but very comfortable, durable and practical.
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Who tested these boots?
Eleanor Jones is Horse & Hound’s news editor. She has two warmblood mares who she competes at British Showjumping events. She has made some exploratory forays into dressage but since her mark sheets have contained phrases such as “unexpected manoeuvre between C and M” and “well sat”, tends to stick to the jumping.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
