A staple in cowboy boots and the western wear industry, Ariat boots were founded by Beth Cross and Pam Parker in Union City, California in 1993. The brand has become popular from the very start, over time becoming the official footwear of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the Federation Equestrian International (FEI), and Professional Bull Riding (PBR).
While Ariats boots are deeply rooted in the American rodeo tradition, they don’t make much of their footwear in the US. So, if not in America, where are Ariat boots made? This article has the answer to this question and explores the Ariat brand overall to give you a clear picture of its quality.
Ariat: The Origin
Unsurprisingly, Ariat’s name stems from Secretariat, arguably the greatest racehorse of all time. To celebrate this legendary horse even more, Ariat’s logo consists of three horseshoes, representing one leg of the Triple Crown won by Secretariat in 1973.
Beth and Pam founded the brand with the goal to make western boots more comfortable because traditional boots were too heavy, stiff, and hard on the feet. Not long after, Ariat rose in popularity among riders worldwide, establishing itself as “the New Breed of Boot”.
Thanks to Cross and Parker’s breakthrough designs, Ariat took over the equestrian industry, partnering with organizations like USEF, FEI, and PBR. Founded in Union City, California, the brand’s headquarters are still based out of this place.
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So, Where Are Ariat Boots Made?
Although Ariat is an American brand, its boots are mostly outsourced. Most Ariat boots are manufactured in Mexico and China, with some models being produced in Italy and Vietnam. Note that outsourcing boot production is a common practice among big brand companies because it’s typically cheaper to outsource labor than to manufacture in the US.
But if you’re looking for a USA-made Ariats, there’s still something for you - its Two24 line of men’s boots is made in the US.
Again, Secretariat has been the source of inspiration for the name Two24 because he earned the title of Triple Crown champion by winning the Belmont Stakes with a record time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds. This iconic line includes expertly handcrafted boots and shoes made of premium leather with exceptional attention to detail inspired by the equestrian style.
Outsourced or not, each pair of Ariat boots goes through a rigorous quality check to make sure consumers get only high-end products that guarantee high performance, durability, and comfortable fit. Moreover, Ariat works with multiple global suppliers to get only the highest quality materials for their footwear.
While most of its manufacturing remains outsourced, Ariat designs all of its products in Union City, California.
Are Ariat Boots any Good?
The equestrian world swears by Ariat boots for a good reason. As we mentioned, their boots are crafted with high-quality materials and go through strict quality checks, even though most of their footwear is outsourced.
Besides that, Ariat is a leader in developing advanced technologies to make boots that are functional, durable, comfortable, light, and cool. So, it’s no surprise why Ariat boots are so popular among both professional and amateur riders.
Are USA-Made Western Boots Better than Imported Ones?
USA-made western boots are famous for their exceptional durability and style and are usually made from a higher-quality leather than imported boots and with more attentive craftsmanship.
Needless to say, quality goes hand in hand with price, so don’t be surprised if you end up paying double or triple the price compared to imported boots. Still, they typically last longer, feel more comfortable, and fit better.
While USA-made boots may be better than imported ones, Ariat’s imported footwear can match USA-made standards.
Is Ariat Eco-Friendly?
Ariat has high standards when it comes to how its footwear production impacts the environment. It’s an eco-friendly and ethically sourced brand committed to preventing unnecessary harm in its wool and down supply chains by ensuring all animals are treated respectfully.
Ariat works with various environmentally-conscious organizations and programs, including the Leather Working Group, which sets environmental standards within the leather manufacturing industry. They also work with Bloom, a program that uses reclaimed algae in the soles of some of their shoes, and BLUESIGN, which makes sure materials are made with sustainably responsible resources and processes.
How Much Do Ariat’s Cost?
Ariat makes high-quality boots that won’t eat your wallet, even though they use top-quality materials and advanced technologies. Still, Ariat boots range in price depending on the product, time, resources, and craftsmanship that goes into it. That said, Ariat western boots can cost anywhere from $100 to $400.
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Our Top Ariat Picks
Now that you have an answer to the question: “Where are Ariat boots made?” and have learned a few things about the brand overall, it’s time to find your perfect pair of Ariats. These are our top Ariat picks that will keep both you and your feet happy in the long run.
Ariat Men's WorkHog XT 11" Work Boot
The WorkHog boot will take you to the end of the world with its platform delivering superior cushioning, shock absorption, and stability. Both durable and comfortable, these boots are made to withstand challenging environments. They are particularly useful in oil and gas exploration.
These boots feature carbon safety toes, ensuring your feet stay protected against impact and compression. What’s more, they are both waterproof and breathable thanks to waterproof leather and mesh lining.
These oil- and slip-resistant work boots are easy to take on and off and provide a close fit. As for durability, they are made with Goodyear welt construction, so you can rest assured you won’t need a new pair for quite some time.
Ariat Men's Big Rig Pull-On Work Boot
Big Rig boot steps up to harsh working conditions and is designed for all-day comfort and safety. It’s extended in size and width to accommodate high insteps and wider calves, meaning it’s perfect for all the strong guys out there.
These boots have composite safety toe caps, guarding your feet against impact and compression. Meanwhile, their waterproof PRO construction with an impermeable barrier keeps your feet dry regardless of the weather.
Big Rig Ariats are super-comfortable due to their anti-fatigue insoles and FLX Foam midsoles, offering lightweight cushion and rebound. A pair of these will work as hard as you do thanks to their durable oil- and slip-resistant outsoles. Like their cousin above, they are made with Goodyear welt construction, adding to their overall durability.
Ariat Men's Groundwork 11" Western Work Boot
The last on our list, but far from the least, Groundwork boot is made for all-around wear and is ideal for factory, construction, farm, warehouse, and ranch work. They are super easy to wear thanks to their platform, which provides comfort and traction on various surfaces.
They don’t feature safety toes, making them perfect for lighter work that involves a lot of movement. Like other models on the list, Groundwork boots are waterproof and have oil- and slip-resistant outsoles for superior wear resistance.
This boot is designed primarily for comfort and mobility, and you can thank cushioning insoles and 4LR technology for that.
Your New Ariats Are Here
All in all, Ariat is a famous western boot brand for several good reasons. Their footwear is made of top-quality materials and crafted with great attention to detail, offering comfort, style, durability, and performance, whether you’re working or riding.
If you want to buy your next favorite boots, check out our Ariat collection and order your pair today!