Ariat Coniston Pro GTX:
Warm, Waterproof Boots that “Look Hot” and Feel Like Pillows

As a long-legged equestrian used to the “second skin” vibe of tall riding boots, it’s hard for me to love “equestrian lifestyle” boots or “country boots” as they’re sometimes referred to. These are the boots riders wear around the barn before or after time in the saddle. I think what has troubled me is these boots look so wide and slouchy, sloppy on my shins. I feel like a little girl playing dress up, walking around the house in mom’s too-big shoes. I’ve been on a quest for comfy barn boots that look nice enough to wear out in public in street clothes too. My search for the perfect equestrian lifestyle boot is now over thanks to my new Ariat Coniston Pro GTX Country Boots!

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I did some shopping around the holidays and while trying on the Ariat Conistons at a local tack shop, a family was helping their adolescent daughter pick out new paddock boots. As I walked back in forth in front of the mirror, asking my mom what she thought of them, the dad piped up, “Those boots look hot.” I realize typing this now that sounds incredibly creepy, but in the moment it did not come across that way–you’ve just got to trust me on that. 🙂

Still undecided, I told the sales lady I had to think about it more, and instead bought a Tipperary Eventer Pro protective vest. I laugh at the name because I’m not an eventer and I’m certainly no pro, but I am a safety conscious rider and the more people I talk to who’ve had broken ribs and the like from just random riding accidents, the more paranoid I’m becoming.

Next, I ordered these Dublin boots in chocolate hoping they’d do the trick because they were so cute (and cheaper than the Ariat Conistons), but the calf was too wide on me and it was not a pleasing aesthetic. Back to the warehouse I sent them.

After that, an Amazon gift card from a student came in handy! Along with the credit from my Dublin return, I took the plunge and ordered the Ariat Coniston boots. It was love at first try on! Which technically was a second try on, but you get my point.

Fabulous Features of the Ariat Coniston Boots

Ariat has really perfected the comfiest foot bed, and this is evident in the Conistons. Also, the laces, reminiscent of ice skates, can be tightened or loosened for a more precise fit on your calf. Slim-legged equestrians rejoice!

The Gore-tex component makes the Conistons waterproof yet breathable, and Thinsulate means you’re going to stay warm. I actually wasn’t aware of that feature and it’s probably overkill for California, but I travel enough to cold places and the mornings of the hunt can be in the 30s, so I welcome the warmth. (However, a long-time member of the hunt who looked at my boots and teased me, “Are you preparing to go to Alaska?”)

If you’re still looking for warm winter riding gloves, click here.

I wore the Ariat Conistons to the barn after a rainy couple of days here in SoCal and they were great. They got a little dirty. I haven’t cleaned them yet, but I read on one of the reviews you can hose these babies off and they clean up beautifully. I was worried about the crevices in-between the laces, but a hose blast to the area will supposedly do the trick.

Another perk to these Conistons and Ariats in general is they come in larger half sizes. I’m usually a 10 or 10.5. I was thinking to size up a little in these so I could layer socks in extreme cold. The tack shop I originally tried them on at didn’t have the 10.5.

Just a note on the color. When I bought them I thought they were black with brown trim. They are actually a really, really deep brown with a medium brown trim.  If you look at both photos you will see how they look in different light.

If you are looking for the perfect winter equestrian lifestyle boot, I strongly recommend the Ariat Conistons. In addition to the original awkward dad compliment, I got a compliment from a random person while in Home Depot the other day. Comfort and hotness (both metaphorically and in reality), what more could a quality-loving equestrian ask for?

I’m curious: what are your favorite country or equestrian lifestyle boots? Leave a comment in the comments section and share your favs. 

Thanks for reading and tally ho!

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