Ariat Monaco boots dilemma

[Equus_girl]

So, despite of bad economy I still needed a pair of field boots for showing this season. Having very skinny calves and being tall, I was sure I would have to go custom. Now, when I was in Argentina I went to Casa De La Botas and ordered a pair of what had to be as custom and as perfect as could be field boots. They arrived and were a size and a half too big :O No amount of socks could fix that and I had to give them away. So, that was a bad experience with custom made boots.

I went to local tack store yesterday to pick up some stuff for my trainer and out of curiosity tried Ariat Monacos. They fit like a glove :O Size 8.5, slim and extra tall made me feel like I was in heaven. They do not need any breaking in, as they are already soft as butter and look and feel amazing on me.

I got carried away (heck, I had to do the research prior to shelling out $900) and signed the sales slip.

Having slept on it I am now worried if I made a right decision. Now, my budget was around 800-900 hard earned dollars, but I was planning on going custom? Or if I found something that fits so well, I should be thankful to Ariat and forget about possible nightmares with custom made boots?

What do you guys think? Like them, hate them? Do they hold up well? I know the leather is very soft and thin and intend on schooling in them from time to time, but mostly saving them up for shows.

[Quinn]

I have been waiting for my customs from DerDau since November 2007. The last pair went back on Friday. I have very little faith in EVER being satisfied with those boots.

My 5 year old Ariat Crownes (the original version) on the other hand, fit me like a glove, the quality is excellent and they have been ridden in maybe 100 times. I love them.

If I happened to be in your shoes, well just read the above.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[In The Gate]

I had the same problem with Casa De La Botas though I was measured here; they're currently up for sale and will hopefully be sold this week. I bought a pair of Ariat Crowne's which fit great right off the shelf. I haven't ridden in them yet (still need to break them in).

[Two Black Cats]

If the proverbial (Ariat Monaco) boot fits? Wear it! If you were budgeting to go custom, then your price point is essentially the same, and just think: you'll save yourself the waiting for your boots to be made...without the possibility of the headache that the previous poster has had (so sorry about that BTW -- that's so frustrating).

If you're still knee-deep in buyer's remorse, the Crowne Pros are cut to the same dimensions as the Monacos and are really nice boots. Mine have shown in the rain, mud, you name it -- and they still look fantastic.

Good luck!

[BABYGREENTB]

I went through the same thing where I was planning to go custom and ended up with the Monacos. Honestly, I LOVE them, and I'm pretty sure that no custom boot would fit any better.

[twobays]

With customs, you're paying for a great fit and great quality. If you've found that off-the-rack, consider yourself lucky. :winkgrin:

I've had a pair of Ariats (no zips...they came out before Ariat did zippers) that still look beautiful when they're shined up.

[Queen Latisha]

You're lucky you found a pair of boots that fit well, be thankful you didn't have to go through the custom route.
I also have a pair of Ariats that fit like a glove and I couldn't be happier with them.:D

[Kenike]

Keep them and be happy! They're attractive, they fit you perfectly, and they'll undoubtedly last as long as custom. Congrats on being so lucky :yes:

[phoenix mom]

We went through every kind of semi custom boot we could find and tried the Monacos while we were in Ocala. They fit my DD perfectly and she could ride in them that afternoon comfortably. She wasn't sure about the squared toe but the comfort was so good she overlooked the toe.

[BAC]

If they fit like customs save yourself the time and possible aggravation and keep them. They are baby calf so won't be especially durable, you might want to try the Ariat Crowne's in the same size and see if they fit as well. The Crowne boot is also beautiful but the leather is somewhat more durable although not as soft as the Monaco boot.

[Equus_girl]

Thank you all for replying, you made my day!
Monacos are staying :)

I guess I was worried that it would be an impulse purchase vs doing research and spending weeks looking for right boots and stuff, but maybe it was just my lucky day :)

[TackShopGal]

These boots are LOVELY! Our customers love them & we literally cannot keep them in stock. Enjoy them!

[unclewiggly]

My exeriance has been, the leather is TO BUTTERY and they don't wear well @ all. They also stretch very easily.
Already have a replacement pair form Ariat and back to square one.

[Little Indian]

The Monacos are strictly a show boot, they are not made to be ridden in every day which is why the breaking down/stretching has more than likely occurred. Whenever we sell the Monacos we tell the customer purchasing them this. With leather that soft it is bound to happen. You can't really expect leather that thin to hold up to every day riding and use.