Pictures Ariat VS Mountain Horse paddock boots

[Mirr]

I've been learning horse riding for more than a year now, and I first bought Saxon Syntovia zip paddock boots last time, but there is like zero cushioning on those.
I don't like the shock I'm getting when dismounting horses so I thought maybe I should get more expensive one!
From Ariat I think Heritage IV, or heritage breeze is gonna be my pick, and Wild River Zip paddock from Mountain Horse.

I know a lot of people love Ariat, but from the pictures footbed is similarly thin to Saxon so I'm quite worried about shock absorbtion.
4LR insole..is it really meaningful? Then I might get Ariat, so yeah please give me your opinions please!!

 

[phizz4]

I've worn Ariat Devon Pro's for over 15 years. I've also got, but hardly worn, the superficially similar Paddock boots, which are no where near as comfortable. The Devon Pro have a gel insert in the heel but the forefoot is relatively thin so that you have more 'feel'. You can change the whole footbed for a more cushioned one such as Superfeet or Sorbothane ones. The Heritage are not the same as the Devon Pro. However, Devon Pro are more expensive. (My current pair are coming to the end of their life after nearly 10 years of riding 2 or 3 times a week).

 

[jnb]

I always have Ariat Devon Pro /VX and various permutations, they have a more supportive and gel-laden insole (removeable and replaceable) than the Ariat Heritage which IMO are less suitable for shock absorbing.
I have a very dodgy back, knee and have suffered from plantar fasciitis and they're the only thing that support my feet and keep my back and knee as pain free as possible, I'd love to wear something else as £££ but sadly I have tried and wished I hadn't!
The RRP for them is about £200 but I get around that by buying them when they changed the range about once or twice a year so get them for £80-100.
Since I can't wear anything else they live on my feet and I get 8-12 months out of a pair which is £1.50-£2 a week, bargain for dry, comfy feet and back!
I found Mountain Horse boots aggravated my heel/plantar fasciitis although I do wear their riding boots, but just for riding & not walking about (saves the zips too)

 

[Squeak]

Tbh I find that however good the boots, I can always get a jarr when dismounting, particularly when my feet are cold.

Dismounting on to a soft surface or getting off more slowly I find can help.

 

[jnb]

I just get on and off, onto the biggest mounting block (i.e a 4ft one!) Works for me and my young cob took to it like a duck to water, even only 6 months after breaking in.

 

[eggs]

Another vote for the Ariat Devon Pro. Yes they are rather spendy but they are the most comfortable boots I have found and they last for ages. Try not to wear them in the stable though for mucking out as the urine is not good for the leather.

 

[teapot]

I had old olddd Devon Pros, but wasn’t a fan of the new weird soles/heels they have. Recently purchased the generic Heritages and bought the better footbeds to go in them. Best of both worlds.

 

[Cutgrass]

Tbh I don't think any boots will help if you're getting a shock discounting. My boots are as comfortable as you can get and I still get the odd shock on landing. Technique and practise are going to help more than boots.

If you can, take your feet out of the stirrups and make sure your ankles aren't stiff before you get off, and make sure you've got a good feel for how far down you need to go.

 

[sbloom]

Im a big barefoot shoes fan, they really do help with overall alignment and natural movement, so I'd go lowest heel possible, the width that actually doesn't squish the balls of your feet, and the widest toe box possible as cramped toes affect the whole foot and upwards too.

 

[Spot_On03]

I've got Ariat hertiage which must be about 15 years old, haven't found another which are as comfy yet, resorted to buying gel insole for my other long pair of Ariats.