I am in and out of the house 100 times a day (seems like anyway...) and taking my lace-up boots off every time is just not gonna happen. Needless to say, this tracks in mud, dirt and goose shit which justifiably ticks off the Mrs.
I'm thinking a pair of slip on boots - Wellingtons, not Cowboy - might alleviate that. I see Ariat has what appears to be just the ticket at a pretty reasonable price.
Any experience? Other recommendations? I'd be willing to spend a little more, but would prefer to keep it under $200 at least for the first pair. If I find them useful and comfortable, I can always up my game on the next pair.
EDIT TO ADD: Steel/Composite Safety Toes are an absolute non-starter. Can't stand them due to the shape of my feet or something.
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
Posts: 15861 | Location: Downeast Maine | Registered: March 10, 2010
They’re very popular here. And AFAIK, they’re made by our friends in china. I have no experience with them because they don’t fit my size 14 feet very well.
Posts: 27412 | Location: SW of Hovey, Texas | Registered: January 30, 2007
I've got 2 pairs of Ariat boots & love them. 1 needs to go in for some seam separation repair, but they're both great & all day comfortable. Mine are both Cowboy/Western boots, so not 100 % applicable, but I'm happy with the brand.
IIRC, both of mine are Hecho en Mexico. Also, I had to size down a full size from my tennis shoe size for a proper fit.
Seems to be popular locally, but I'm sure it is colder where you would be wearing them.
We use a lot of them in our displays.
Posts: 9761 | Location: Somewhere looking for ammo that nobody has at a place I haven't been to for a pistol I couldn't live without... | Registered: December 02, 2014
How long are you outside and what sort of things are you doing while out? I have a pair of 30 year old, cheap, beat to hell, suede closed toe slides from Kohls I can kick on to putter in the garage, move cars around, do grilling, walk down to the mailbox, fill the bird feeders, etc. Kick them off when back in the house. A lot easier than putting a boot on. If there's snow I pull on my canvas top Maine Hunting Shoes.
Harshest Dream, Reality
Posts: 3758 | Location: W. Central NH | Registered: October 05, 2008
Originally posted by Blackmore: How long are you outside and what sort of things are you doing while out?
In the warm months, pretty much all day every day, but in and out of the house for tools/lunch/mail call/potty breaks beaucoup times a day as mentioned. Yard work, tractor work, shop projects such as welding/fabrication, woodworking, mechanical work. I prefer over-the-ankle at a minimum both for support and protection.
In the Winter or mud season, I have a pair of Muck slip-ons that are perfect, but they're insulated and too warm for year-around use.
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
Posts: 15861 | Location: Downeast Maine | Registered: March 10, 2010
I have 5 pairs of their cowboy boots and have been very happy with them.
"You know, Scotland has its own martial arts. Yeah, it's called Fuck You. It's mostly just head butting and then kicking people when they're on the ground." - Charlie MacKenzie (Mike Myers in "So I Married an Axe Murderer")
Ariat boots are good boots for the money. Personally I went with a pair of Redwing Chelsea boots for much the same reasons. These have some pretty aggressive soles which may well be counter productive. Aggressive soles are exactly what I wanted so I didn’t look any further.
----------The weather is here I wish you were beautiful----------
Ariat's are a high-value boot that ticks a number of boxes. I have an ex-gf who used to work for them...most people would be very surprised as to the inner workings of the company as they're based in SF Bay Area, most of the employees are not oriented around outdoor-work/Western/ranching. They arguably have the largest variety of styles and price-points amongst Western/cowboy boot companies but, they are made overseas so something to consider.
Posts: 15465 | Location: Wine Country | Registered: September 20, 2000
I've had to reglue the soles on my Ariat western pull on work boots.That said they have seen a lot of mud and water. This new style Terrain Blaze posted looks interesting though, I may try those myself.
I practice Shinrin-yoku It's better to wear out than rust out Member NRA Member Georgia Carry
Posts: 3834 | Location: Union County, Georgia | Registered: September 20, 2006
I don't know about their slip on boots, but I have a pair of lace up hiking boots by Ariat. Worn them for years and still going good.
"But, as luck would have it, he stood up. He caught that chunk of lead." Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock "If there's one thing this last week has taught me, it's better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it." Clarence Worley
I had access to a program where I got 40% off their shoes and clothing. So between myself and my sons we got 6 pairs of really nice western boots over a two year time span. They're comfortable, and seems as durable as any other brand.
No one's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session.- Mark Twain
Posts: 3737 | Location: TX | Registered: October 08, 2005
I hit Tractor Supply (Only brick-and-mortar outlet for Ariat in the area) and they didn't have the style I was looking for. Either full-on cowboy boots or safety toe which is a non-starter.
I'll hit another TS a bit further away Tuesday and if that fails there's a full line boot shop just up the road from there.
Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
Posts: 15861 | Location: Downeast Maine | Registered: March 10, 2010
Originally posted by Palm: If you can swing the price tag, American made and better quality than Ariat for my money. They are a western style Wellington.
I have a pair of composite toe waterproof work boots from Ariat. The’ve been excellent and comfortable. Four years in and almost no wear. Of course I only wear them in the dirt and mud.
You’re a lying dog-faced pony soldier
Posts: 30343 | Location: Norris Lake, TN | Registered: May 07, 2008