https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:36:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1831838 Tue, 01 Aug 2017 01:51:03 +0000 cindysmith 1831838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I freaking love ariat and will now be figuring out how to convince santa I need some of these semi custom boots for Christmas </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1831709 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 18:49:25 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1831709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaby, I'm looking for pix of the outfits the author of this review described wearing the boots with, in a comment on Angie's post earlier today. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1831692 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 18:01:54 +0000 Gaby Meyers 1831692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Speaking From Experience</p> <p>I do ride and have several pair of Ariat's which I do love. It is a good brand. However, with that said, the tall riding boots (made for riding or show riding) are very narrow in the leg, made to hug the leg and also narrow at the ankle. &nbsp;When new the leg height usually hits the back of the knee and will drop with wear. &nbsp;Most riders (if honest) about it will tell you these boots are NOT comfortable until really broken in and will go to great lengths to get them broken in. I only wear these boots for shows. I tried breaking them in by wearing when I practice ride (called hacking) but they are just too uncomfortable. I wear them for shows as it's part of the dress code for adult riders. I'm so nervous when showing I'm totally distracted.</p> <p>Paddock boots are another story, can't say enough good about them. I wear them regularly to the barn and running around doing errands afterwards. Have been wearing the same boots for 5 years in all kinds of conditions. Comfortable and tough.</p> <p>For fashion I bought the Ariat Stanton boot last year on-line from Nordstrom. &nbsp;Extremely comfortable, they don't hit the back of my knees and you can wear them over jeans or leggings. If you look under the headings: English Country or H20-Climate on the Ariat site these boots are generally different from the traditional tall riding boot. They are not intended for horse shows so they are frankly more comfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Hope this helps!</p> <p>&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1831648 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 15:06:16 +0000 Thistle 1831648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Terrific review!</p> <p>I'm always so nervous about custom pieces. Usually go mass market and then get altered, but that doesn't work for shoes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1831634 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 14:19:16 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 1831634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, the outfits you described with these on Angie's blog sound amazing. Can we please, please, pretty please have pictures? </p> <p>My over the calf black boots are Redwings. They're a workboots maker, and these are so very comfortable! There are numerous types of activities for which shoes are specially designed. Running shoe tech has entered the mainstream, but why shouldn't we reach out for the specialty shoes if they work for what we need? I've been eyeing dance shoes a lot lately, and the one pair of platforms I have are 5" stilletos. They are more comfortable than the various 3" heels I tried on for a recent event, because I got them in the one shop in that town/area for strippers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612269 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 16:13:29 +0000 Angie 1612269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't, Gryffin. So I'll be making up for lost time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612217 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:34:03 +0000 gryffin 1612217@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>April - I looked at the Volant. &nbsp;They have amazing reviews. &nbsp;I love how they are both referencing the classic but so current and unusual in design. &nbsp;They will transcend any era and if they are comfy (fingers crossed for you) you will literally be walking on air. &nbsp;I really love Ariat. &nbsp;I think they are a quality brand, well thought out designs and value for the money. &nbsp;Good luck with them!! &nbsp;Gorgeous choice!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612124 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 03:46:50 +0000 April 1612124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gryffin, I just ordered a pair of Ariats this morning! &nbsp;And I thought the same thing, that they were really "semi-custom." &nbsp;</p> <p>Skinny calves and multiple foot problems going on here, so if these boots work for me it will be miraculous. &nbsp;Will post when they arrive.</p> <p>I believe it was a pair of Ariats that were involved in my second experience with having a cobbler take in the calf of a boot. &nbsp;The second experience was the disaster -- somehow he made one boot a full inch smaller around than the other, and I couldn't even zip that one. &nbsp;Tears may have been shed that day -- both because I loved the boots and because having a boot calf altered is not inexpensive. &nbsp;</p> <p>But I'm sure there will be no tears involved with the ones I ordered this morning. &nbsp;They are the "Volant" style. &nbsp;Can't wait! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612105 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 01:19:50 +0000 gryffin 1612105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Did you also ride in the Angie? I used to have to borrow my instructor's boots to show. I still think lace up field boots are the most elegant boots ever. I live ariats. Quality and fair price and they last forever. If the insole is comfortable the are marvelous. Also love these because of the Spanish style with the high low tops. Very elegant leg line. Plus I forgot to mention the challenge square toe comes in cognac ;-). Do you know anyone who likes that color? ;-)? Just thought I'd mention..... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612065 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 23:20:59 +0000 Angie 1612065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT review! Thank you. I have had my eye on Ariats for years and will purchase in the Fall.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/semi-custom-boots-review#post-1612051 Fri, 05 Feb 2016 22:27:46 +0000 gryffin 1612051@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There has been a lot of chat on the blog and forum at various times about finding tall boots for &nbsp;different size calf diameters and heights. &nbsp;Although I have amassed a fabulous boot collection since finding YLF, I currently can't wear any of them due to a new foot problem (=-( ). &nbsp;But I did notice that my Ariat Heritage Lacer II paddock boots were one of the two pairs of boots I could still wear happily pain free. &nbsp;Since tall boots are such an integral part of my style I started researching Ariat's offers and found they sell basically semi custom riding boots. &nbsp;Okay, these boots are real equestrian boots so they are made for comfort, fit and they have a fabulous foot bed, for those of us with fussy feet, with excellent arch and metatarsal support. &nbsp;I chose to try Ariat's Challenge contour square toe field boot (although I have the same boot in a round toe coming for comparison). &nbsp;Sizing is by foot size. &nbsp;Ariat boots are TTS. &nbsp;I run 7-75. and wear a size 7. &nbsp;The width comes medium only but a generous but not overly wide with plenty of toe wiggle room. &nbsp;The calf is contoured with a narrow ankle, elastic gusset at top and back for fit. &nbsp;Calf height sizes come regular, short and tall. &nbsp;With slim, extra slim in some sizes, regular and wide. &nbsp;Detailed fit chart and videos on how to measure. &nbsp;I am 5'3" with a long ankle to calf measure compared to most but with a 12 1/2 in calf and 16 1/2" floor to back of knee, I got the 7 regular short (do not buy width too small the regular width reads 13 3/8 and is perfect). &nbsp;They recommend buying 1" higher on calf height because like all riding boots they are built to drop about 1" but the ankle is narrow so we are not talking scrunch. &nbsp;The boots are beautiful, leather substantial but supple, leather lined, heavy duty zipper with a full elastic gusset for ease and a top gusset for give. &nbsp;There is a zipper tab closure at the top. &nbsp;The ATS insole is divine and the duratread sole is soft and sure. &nbsp;For anyone looking for a riding boot style (and there are several cool versions, even the monaco a sneaker boot style) with the ability to specify calf height and size I think these are a fabulous choice. &nbsp;There is also the Heritage model which is $100 less which also has very good reviews. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ariat.com/women-english-footwear">http://www.ariat.com/women-english-footwear</a>&nbsp; <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ariat.com/CHLLNGE_CONTOUR_W_FOO.html">http://www.ariat.com/CHLLNGE_CONTOUR_W_FOO.html</a>&nbsp; Also a shout out to Dover saddlery&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-chllng-zip-field-boot-md/p/X1-38540/?ids=g1a0dw4xjtx5uhteslarefwn">http://www.doversaddlery.com/a.....teslarefwn</a>&nbsp; I bought my boots from them and needed to exchange and they've been awesome. &nbsp;Faster shipping than ariat, more generous return period and no repeat shipping on the exchange. &nbsp;Hope that helps anyone with fussy feet and hard to fit calves!! </p>