Ariat Monacos

[Talk of the Town]

Has anyone had any experience with these? I just got a pair this winter and have ridden in them a handful of times. How are your holding up? Do you do anything to keep them in good condition, if so what do you use?

Thanks for any help. I want to keep them as nice as possible esp for the price haha

[DuffyAgain]

I got a pair last year, but was only able to show in the twice before my horse got hurt. So, not much help here!

[BAC]

I have no experience with them but any boot (and especially the Monaco ones with their super soft leather) are best stored with boot trees in them and lying down on their sides to minimize sagging/drooping and to maintain that tall elegant look. I have never used any product but Meltonian boot creme on my custom Dehners, they are 40 years old and still look great, although they were only used for about 10 years.

Also, don't use products meant for cleaning tack on expensive boots. The leather used for boots is different from that used for tack, and requires different products. I make sure to let the polish dry well before buffing with a soft brush and then doing a final polish with a pair of pantyhose, that really brings up a shine. Keep them in climate controlled conditions when not wearing them if possible.

[Summit Springs Farm]

I am on my second pair, my first pair the zipper broke and ariat gave me another new pair.
I love them but am wondering how long they will last too!!

[klmck63]

I second the boot tree suggestion (although I'm pretty sure that my boot trees actually came with my Monacos? So that probably isn't an issue).

I've had mine since last fall and have only ever cleaned them with shoe polish or, on the heel and sole, with water and a toothbrush. They still look great and yes, for the price, they had better!

Make sure you let the polish really dry before you buff it off, they get shinier that way!

[eclipse]

Girl I ride with bought some & it's the same old story, zippers broke! I still think the non-zipper type boots hold up the best.

She also couldn't get them replaced at no charge, as she was told there's no warranty on zippers! :eek:

[RumoursFollow]

I have seen a lot of people wearing them, including one of my customers. They seem fine, and they look nice. I prefer my Sergio Grassos though.. they are around the same price (a little more or less sometimes depending on what model you get and where you get them from.. mine were around $750). I had a fair amount of trouble with them before i got the right pair and you absolutely cannot beat the customer service at Charles Owen (who I guess is who imports them?) and now wouldnt even consider the Monacos over them. SG also has a lot more measurement options.

[BeastieSlave]

I'm interested too....
My kid's had hers for a little over a week now. They seem to be breaking in nicely. I'm not a fan of Ariat boots and I'm worried about how these will hold up - I don't think she'll be using them daily. We weren't very excited about the "made in China" stamp on the inside, but they sure are pretty!

[bhrunner06]

I have never had any luck with Ariat boots. They just never seem to hold up! My next pair will be Sergio Grassos! I love those boots have heard nothing but good things about them!

[BrightTime]

i LOVE my Ariat Monacos. I got them in January and ride in them everyday on more than one horse. They are holding up nicely for me, and all i do it wipe them down when im done.. although i have a friend who has a pair and his are already almost worn through.. but he has had them a bit longer and rides quite a bit more horses than me

[Denzel]

I got mine in November, and I LOVE them. They broke in instantly and they give you a really nice close contact with the horse. The leather is beautiful! I only rode in mine for a few months and then now only once in a while, as they are my showing only boots. Because they are made of the super soft calfskin, I don't think they would hold up as everyday schooling boots, but they are fab show boots!

[Talk of the Town]

Thanks for everybody's info. I'm just hoping that I can keep them as nice as possible for as long as possible haha

[Treasmare2]

Boo to all Ariet producs...they never stand behind them. They know they have a major zipper issue but do not seem to change their zipper supplier. On paddock boots hte still use that cheap sad excuse for a boot lace. I have bought alot from them over the years and my most recent purchace was the close contact 1/2 chap....they look beautiful. Two weeks into use one snap is broken and one zippers will not stay up. I am even hesitate to discuss this with the tackshop as nothing in th epast has ever made Ariet make things right. And the boots you are discussing.....friend had a pair and th ezipper let go almost immediately. Ariet told her to go blow. So these 1/2 chaps are my final Ariet purchase. Oh yes...their breeches only last a single show season or sometimes two. They stretch and pucker and look disgusting. I am not a happy Ariet shopper and really suggest you stay away from their boots.

[hijumpin1]

Thumbs down! These boots have a really poor zipper. I bought a pair, wore them around the house for about a week to break it in and the zipper popped apart. My tack shop exchanged them for another pair. That pair actually lasted for a few rides. The zipper then broke on that pair as well. My tack shop refunded me, thank god. I returned them and that's the last pair of Ariat tall boots I will ever own:mad:!

I tried to call the company, and no one would talk to me. I was told "tell your retailer." For the price, I would have expected ALOT better.

For now I'm just going to keep my 15 yo Vogel's. They're in perfect shape, just not as tall as they used to be. At least it's very well made.

Why can't Ariat get the boots manufactured here??? I bet many of us would pay more for a better quality, US made boot. Get it together, Ariat!

[klmck63]

Just a note- The zipper popped apart on my Ariat Monacos as well. Rather than take them to the tack shop (I knew they didn't have another pair in my size and they are notoriously slow on repairs) I took them to my good old local cobbler. He just sort of squeezed/pinched the zipper back into place and tightened the part that zips it up. No issues since and it's been 6 or 7 months.

Cobblers are definitely the way to go :)

Mind you, my zipper didn't break, but two of the teeth had sort of squished together while zipping the boot up and everything got out of alignment.

[Denzel]

I popped a zipper on mine too (just pulled the runner off the zipper) and I just took them to my cobbler who fixed them in a jiffy! To be honest, it really was my fault, I pulled a little too hard when they clearly weren't zipping.

And as a flip-side for the Ariat Boo-ers, I totally love all of my Ariat stuff! I have a few pairs of the All-Circuit breeches which I love and are lasting really well, and I love my Ariat coat too! It is the only coat I have found that actually fits me decently, and it's super comfy!

[fancyfooted]

Zippers just seem doomed to fail when they're on boots, don't you think? I mean, they rely on being able to slide easily on clean teeth. But when on your boots they get filled with sand and dirt and all sorts of stuff!

[asb_own_me]

Knock on wood I have had good luck with Ariat. I love their breeches with that calf fit panel, but the fabric on the seat of the breeches doesn't last very well with repeated wear in hot (sweaty) climates! They have replaced breeches for free. I still have my zip front paddocks that have to be at least 8 years old, I've beaten them around, never cleaned them, walked in all sorts of muck and water and they still look and feel great.

My Crowne pull-on field boots have been replaced as of World Cup week with new Monacos - the first zip tall boot I've dared try. Those Crownes fit me like a glove and I doubted anything would feel that nice upon first (or twentieth) wearing. The Monacos ROCK! They are an incredible fit. I wore them for the first time at a horse show the other weekend and was asked by several people if they were my "new custom boots" :) I love the calfskin panel on the inside, although I have my doubts about how well it will wear. However, I'll only be using these for showing, so they won't be too abused.

[Elementgrl2]

I saw a bunch of people wearing them at the horse show last week, 1/2 of them had holes already. I think anyone who horse show's alot would wear right through them.

[pony4me]

I've heard that they don't hold up well, so mine are for showing only. Darn, because they are so comfy I'd like to wear them every time I ride. My DH suggested I get another pair for everyday use, but then I told him how much they cost. He quickly withdrew his suggestion. My trainer says they seem to put my leg in a better position, but is that possible? I don't think so. They do have very grippy soles, so if your leg is in the correct place, it will stay there.

[rideoff]

I have a pair that I wore exclusively to show in and they fell apart after less than a year. The stitching came undone all down the inside and there were big holes in the inside panels.

I took them back to the store I bought them from, and they took pictures of the boots and sent them to Ariat. Ariat said they wouldn't do anything about it, and didn't return phone calls placed directly to their customer service department.

I ended up taking them to a leather repair person at a show to have the panels patched, and bought a different pair [and different brand] of boots to show in. The Monacos were comfy, nice looking boots and the only brand that were skinny/tall enough off the shelf, but I will not be buying another pair! They just don't hold up and Ariat has deplorable customer service.

[LovesHorses]

I've never tried on a pair, but the Monacos are beautiful. I just wish the top was finished with some sort of trim. You can see the light colored lining when they are on. The leather seems very nice, but almost too soft. It is softer than the baby calf leather that Der Dau sells. We tell people up front that baby calf is a show only boot.

[mbarrett]

Honestly, for the price of a pair of Ariat Monacos, you can just about get a pair of custom boots.

I sounds like these boots don't hold up too well. Think about it, would you get 10 years out of these boots? Doubtful.

I'd save a few hundred dollars more and just go the custom route. By the way, I did. I got custom Dehners that should last me forever.

[Talk of the Town]

How are everyone's zippers breaking? Are they splitting or is the actual zipper like breaking? I'm wondering if maybe putting wax on the zippers or Vaseline might help them not to break.

[kaazs]

I second the boot tree suggestion (although I'm pretty sure that my boot trees actually came with my Monacos? So that probably isn't an issue).

I've had mine since last fall and have only ever cleaned them with shoe polish or, on the heel and sole, with water and a toothbrush. They still look great and yes, for the price, they had better!

Make sure you let the polish really dry before you buff it off, they get shinier that way!

I do not have the Ariat Monacos (I have the Challenges), but that is exactly how I clean my boots as well. Works great!

[iridehorses]

i would rather get semi customs for the same price....but i do think they look pretty!

[eclipse]

How are everyone's zippers breaking? Are they splitting or is the actual zipper like breaking? I'm wondering if maybe putting wax on the zippers or Vaseline might help them not to break.

All the ones I've seen have split & they have to be replaced. I don't think vaseline, etc would help with the problems they seem to be having!

[mortebella]

Man, don't mean to hijack...I have had very good luck with the Ariats I have had (two pairs of talls and a pair of paddocks) but for the price, looking at all these zipper complaints, I be thinking next time I'll check out the new Mountain Horse talls.

[STNS]

Garbage. I hadn't been on a horse yet and had a zipper break, Ariat told me to pound sand. I had the zipper replaced (by Boutique Pepin in Montreal, fantastic service!) and have ridden in them twice and they do feel nice, however I wish I'd went with something else. When it's time for new boots I will be looking at Sergio Grasso, Der Dau or customs.

[equito]

Boo to all Ariet producs...they never stand behind them. They know they have a major zipper issue but do not seem to change their zipper supplier. On paddock boots hte still use that cheap sad excuse for a boot lace. I have bought alot from them over the years and my most recent purchace was the close contact 1/2 chap....they look beautiful. Two weeks into use one snap is broken and one zippers will not stay up. I am even hesitate to discuss this with the tackshop as nothing in th epast has ever made Ariet make things right. And the boots you are discussing.....friend had a pair and th ezipper let go almost immediately. Ariet told her to go blow. So these 1/2 chaps are my final Ariet purchase. Oh yes...their breeches only last a single show season or sometimes two. They stretch and pucker and look disgusting. I am not a happy Ariet shopper and really suggest you stay away from their boots.

Ditto the zipper point, I have a pair of Ariat half chaps (not cheap ones, either) that absolutely refuse to remain zipped unless I use a braiding band to attach the zipper to the piece of leather that snaps shut at the top! Tried to get a replacement pair, but Ariat's customer service sucks. :(

[neigh.neigh]

I have actually had a great experience with customer service from Ariat, not with monacos but with crowne pro tall boots. One of my zippers broke after about 2 years and I sent them to ariat to be fixed. It was only $85 to get them completely fixed, cleaned, whatever. They ended up completely replacing them with new boots for FREE saying it was a defect!!! Not that Ariat boots are my favorites but I was very surprised that they did that for me :)

[giddybiddy]

Not about Monacos, but about Ariat products holding up....the only pair of side-zip breeches--and I mean ONLY pair--that will fit me are the Ariat side zips. I'm not even sure what they're called, but I have 2 pairs of them, both for almost 4 years, and the only sign of wear is a little discoloration in the knee patches from my saddle. Everything's held up great, and I show a fair amount.

Just sayin'.

[chawley]

Not about Monacos, but about Ariat products holding up....the only pair of side-zip breeches--and I mean ONLY pair--that will fit me are the Ariat side zips. I'm not even sure what they're called, but I have 2 pairs of them, both for almost 4 years, and the only sign of wear is a little discoloration in the knee patches from my saddle. Everything's held up great, and I show a fair amount.

Just sayin'.

I've had several pairs of Ariat paddock boots over the last 15 years, along with breeches, half chaps, tall boots, etc., and have always had extremely good luck with them.

[~*GOJUMP*~]

I LOVE my Monacos! They are a gift sent straight from God! The ONLY problem I've had with mine (knock on wood...) is that my shoe lace parts are coming undone, and they are SO hard to get back through the little holes! I finally gave up and did some weird experiment with some clear tape- it's not that noticeable.:D

[STNS]

I should add that after 2 months of calling Ariat (it took 3 weeks to even get to talk to anyone) and talking to different people it was established that I could not even get my Monacos fixed - I wanted to pay to ship them to and from the USA and pay to get them fixed and they would not even do that - they said the zippers in the Monacos could not be fixed for any price. I have never gotten such terrible customer service from anyone as I got from them.

[Quinn]

STNS, I realize you are a fellow "polite" Canadian. However, this sort of bad publicity is precisely what Ariat does not want. I personally have only great things to say about Ariat products BUT if I happened to be in your shoes, I would be furious! Ariat should be read the riot act AND your notice of complaint should be posted. Did you buy these through a tack store? If so, that establishment is ALSO responsible for your satisfaction. I sure wouldn't let the ball drop on this one. They're way too expensive to just let that slide. I would be taking this complaint to the next level and to the level above that until you do get some satisfaction.

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

[STNS]

STNS, I realize you are a fellow "polite" Canadian. However, this sort of bad publicity is precisely what Ariat does not want. I personally have only great things to say about Ariat products BUT if I happened to be in your shoes, I would be furious! Ariat should be read the riot act AND your notice of complaint should be posted. Did you buy these through a tack store? If so, that establishment is ALSO responsible for your satisfaction. I sure wouldn't let the ball drop on this one. They're way too expensive to just let that slide. I would be taking this complaint to the next level and to the level above that until you do get some satisfaction.

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

I got them "used" (they showed no signs of having ever been worn) therefore I could not return them to a tack store. And of course Ariat did not want to deal with a consumer, they told me to go through the tack store I bought them from. I was absolutely horrified by the service from Ariat. When I called the first time I spoke to someone for 5 minutes until they found out I was from Canada, then was told I'd have to speak to the Canadian representative. Four voicemails later, I called back and asked someone to go physically track her down as I was sick of leaving messages. I was then stuck in limbo - I was in Canada, but the boots were originally bought in the USA, so no one could help me. I will never buy another Ariat product - I really like their hunt coats and breeches and was going to buy them when I replace my TS and GP, but now I'll have to look elsewhere. Ditto for paddock boots and half chaps. I will tell everyone I speak to about how well Ariat stands behind their products - you'd think for $1000 you'd get better quality.

[Quinn]

I think perhaps now is a good/great time to direct an Ariat rep to this thread. Appears to have done wonders for a fellow COTHer and her horrible saddle debacle. A good reputation takes a very long time to build. A bit of bad press takes a whole lot less time to ruin.

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

[Talk of the Town]

Now I wish I had asked on here for advise before I bought them, but never thought this many people would have problems with them because all of my other ariat stuff has been great and I've beat the crap out of it and it still holds up (paddock boots and half chaps). Oh well I'm just going to hope that they hold up because the are Beautiful....

[BeastieSlave]

Yeah, me too. They are so obviously different from everything else I've seen that Ariat's made (boots) that I figured they might be okay.... Hopefully they'll last a while if the kid takes care of them.

[Atreides]

I had my Monacos for half a day - first time I put them on at home, when I pulled the zipper up, it split open below the zipper. In the (gentle) process of wriggling my foot out of where the zipper was now stuck, the zipper itself let go of half the boot.

Tack Shop where I bought them was fabulous and refunded me immediately, said they were sending them back to Ariat. They also asked an Ariat rep to call me; she did, was very nice, said it must be a defective zipper and they'll send the tack shop a new pair for me.

However, reading these posts, I'm off to Other Tack Shop, to look at Sergio Grassos and Der Daus. Wish I could buy something from original Tack Shop since they were so nice and helpful, but they don't carry anything else at that level of quality.

Although "quality" takes on a rather different meaning in the case of Ariat, in my experience. I've had my Crowne Pros for almost a year; the zip has lasted but the stitching on the side tabs has been coming undone almost since day 1 - not great for an area of the boot that doesn't even come in contact with much of anything. I ride 2x a week in pure lesson situations on instructor's horses - no bathing/sand/gravel/heavy use - and the sides that go against the saddle/horse are worn through the black and into the "there will soon be a hole here" range. Come to think of it, I must have been rather stupid to even try the Monacos. But gosh they are beautiful ....

[otwist123]

I love my Monacos. I've had them for just over a year with no problems at all. And I'm pretty hard on my stuff, they have been through everything. I also have ariat close contact half chaps and love them!

Just a question, how do people clean their Monacos when there is heavy mud/sand on them? At a recent show I had to resort to using a tack cleaner, which I know isn't good for them. But a sponge and water wasn't doing the job.

[Ride2Dreams]

Ariat does have a 1 year warentee on their boots but are SUPER strict about the 1 year line. If they fall apart after that 1 year has passed you are SOL but if it is within the 1 year line they will full out replace them.

They will deal with the customer only if you get a "repair bag" from a local dealer and have a proof of purchase from one of their vendors. Unfortunately purchasing them from a private seller is not the same, however, if you can get the proof of purchase from the original purchaser you may be in luck.

On the Monaco's themselves they are EXCELLENT quality and hold up incredibly well if, and only if, they fit perfectly. They must zip up smoothly with your calf flexed, must not pull when you move, must not slide. The type of leather they come with the zipper will and does break before the leather stretches unlike their other boots.

[Atreides]

On the Monaco's themselves they are EXCELLENT quality and hold up incredibly well if, and only if, they fit perfectly. They must zip up smoothly with your calf flexed, must not pull when you move, must not slide. The type of leather they come with the zipper will and does break before the leather stretches unlike their other boots.

This is exactly the conclusion I have come to. These boots are not meant to initially fit the same way hunter riders are used to fitting their boots - no way-too-tight, numb-leg fit here. Monacos fit snugly - but they have to be snug by virtue of the fact that they fit you perfectly on day 1, not by virtue of the fact that you stuffed yourself into them knowing the leather would slowly give over the next couple of months.

I proposed this to the Ariat rep who called me; she said no. But I think she (and Ariat perhaps) do not really understand how hunter riders are fitting/wearing their non-Monaco boots ....

[LovesHorses]

I get that all the time. People want their boots t-i-g-h-t. I try to tell customers that if you have to squeeze into your boots then the pressure will eventually make the zippers pop.

[BeastieSlave]

Well, I'm somewhat relieved! We had a great & knowledgeable sales rep and my kid's boots seem to fit right :yes: They're snug, but they don't fight her when she goes to zip 'em. Maybe they'll last for a while.