There are a couple of well-established makers of equestrian western boots. Lucchese, Tony Lama and Frye come to mind, all established in the late 1800s and the first half of the 20th century. Then there’s Ariat. Founded in 1990, the company is a comparative latecomer, but has become one of the most beloved brands for western and riding boots since then.
Ariat is well-known for its offering of Western and English style riding boots, work boots, riding apparel and accessories. Their shoes are worn and endorsed by both male and female athletes, like World Champion Barrel Racer Lindsay Sears and three-time World Champion Bull Rider Adriano Moraes.
For the men, there are Ariat Buckaroo cowboy boots, which are touted as “western boots with work soles.” These stand at 16 inches tall, so that the shaft can protect the leg from brush or other dangers. Made with oiled leather and a contrast color shaft with decorative stitching, the Buckaroo boasts a rawhide heel counter (unusual for Ariat). This tough rawhide will protect the boots from spurs and make them last even longer. A couple of wearers noted that Ariat Buckaroos are particularly good for riding.
The Bucaroo boot comes in men’s and women’s versions, but ladies may find that they prefer boots from Ariat’s Fatbaby collection instead. The Rodeobaby Rocker carries the tattoo shirt trend down low, with a screen print tattoo stencil on the nubuck boot shaft, distressed for a worn look.
The bottom of the Rodeobaby Rocker has Ariat’s Evolution sole, a manmade sole that’s as durable as rubber but has look of leather. The outsole has an anteater print with a barb wire detail on the toe bed. For added variety, the boot comes in a round and a square toe.