Ariat Heritage III Round Toe

[bunkerave]

I just received my new paddock boots, the Ariat Heritage III Round Toe. I thought I would try something new, I have a wide foot, and the rep at Dover said it had a bit more room in the toe box.

They are comfortable as ever, but they look wierd, or different than what I am used to for 40 years.

Anyone have them? What is the point of them? Why were they introduced in the first place. Are they as dorky as I feel in them? Should I return them and get the normal toe?

[jazzrider]

I think it's just preference/style thing. I hate the pointy toe. For some reason they seem old fashioned to me. I was a Dansko fan, so the round toed Ariats (Hanover and now Heritage) are what I wear -- though sadly they don't last nearly as long as the Danskos did. I just got a new pair of the Heritage boots lasts week, and they're as comfy as my old retired ones. I feel "dorky" in the pointed boots, so to each her own! :D

[oldenmare]

After breaking the outside of my right foot, I am no longer comfortable in anything but a round toe paddock boot. I've had my Ariat Hanovers for 3 years now and LOVE LOVE LOVE them.

No one has ever commented on how they look - and as long as they are comfortable enough to wear for many hours around the barn, that's all that matters to me.

[kdriding]

My daughter and I have been wearing the Ariat Hanovers (now the Heritage III RT) for years and love them. We both have wide feet and love the extra room they give. :D

[bunkerave]

Thanks to those who responded. I agree that comfort is key, so I will keep them and just get used ot the look.

[onelanerode]

I'm glad someone started a thread on the new Ariats. I have a pair of Hanovers that will need replacing soon, but I was hesitant to order the Heritage IIIs without knowing for sure that they were really similar to the Hanovers.

I love the wider boot/round toe. They are *so* much more comfortable than the regular ones, and I don't have really wide feet. I used to hate how my toes would go to sleep in the Devon Pros I had.

Now if only they'd last a little longer I'd be really happy.

[jazzrider]

I'm glad someone started a thread on the new Ariats. I have a pair of Hanovers that will need replacing soon, but I was hesitant to order the Heritage IIIs without knowing for sure that they were really similar to the Hanovers.

I just switched from my old Hanovers to the Heritages and they feel exactly the same to me. And I'm encouraged to see that the stitching across the foot seems like it might be double. I always blow that seam. The longest I can get them to last is about 18 months -- but I muck in them and I have my horses at home, so they get a lot of wear.

And by the way (for the folks from the last thread on these boots), I had NO LUCK finding closeout Hanovers on sale at shops or on the internet. And I tried and tried. Guess 8.5 is just too common a size. So I shelled out $129.99 for the Heritages at Dover.

[appychik]

I can't tell from the photo, but do these boots (the Heritage III Round Toes) have spur rests? My cheap Dublins don't and I HATE that I can't wear my spurs with them... or I can, but it's ungodly uncomfortable.

[bunkerave]

Yes, they have a slight spur "shelf". Enough to hold the spur in the right position.

[pintopiaffe]

for those looking for rounder & wider, try men's paddies. They generally are wider and not as narrow in the toe.

They also, for some reason, are made MUCH better. I have two pairs I got from VTO going on five years ago now. I've never had Ariats last that long!

For men's sizes, subtract 1.5 from what you take in a women's size.

Of course, it's better to try them on to be sure, but I can't fit in Women's regular Ariat paddies--the winter ones were fine, but not the normal ones. This was long before the Hannovers, of course.

Worth trying--and often WAY cheap on Ebay etc.

[Hunter Mom]

I love mine. Yes, you do get used ot the way they look. It is easy when your feet don't hurt.

[CarrieK]

for those looking for rounder & wider, try men's paddies. They generally are wider and not as narrow in the toe.

How is the heel? I have a narrow heel, or perhaps it's just not in proportion to my wide foot, but when I try men's shoes the heel is just too loose.

I'm wondering because I'm in the market for new paddocks.