Our sponsored Rider Christie has been putting the new limited edition Ariat Ascent Boots and Chaps to the test. Find out what Christie had to say…
I was pretty excited about testing these out as I’ve seen them advertised previously and was intrigued as they are far from traditional riding boots and I like different…
The Ariat Ascent boots are very trainer like in appearance and comfort. The boots certainly look unique, black in colour with silver detailing around the heal including Ariat lettering. A subtle silver line along the sides where the boot meets the knit ankle and ‘Ascent’ in smaller lettering to the front. The boot is made from a combination of leather and a water-resistant knitted collar which provides a snug fit whilst keeping the boot breathable. On the front of the knitted collar is a padded section which adds protection from spur straps. At the top of the collar is an Ariat logo in silver. I received the Ascent boots which have the red and grey collar which adds to the modern, sporty look, they come in plain black too, but once on with the Ascent chaps, they look the same. At the back is a clever and sturdy spur rest. These boots feature Ariat’s ATS technology which provides great support, comfort and cool dry feet.
These are the comfiest boots I’ve ever worn! I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these boots seemed to relive it. The footbed is cushioned and supportive and the shape seemed to suit my feet. They are very lightweight compared to my conventional short boots. My feet weren’t aching and sore after wearing the ascents which is usually how my feet feel at the end of each day. They are pretty snug to pull on and off but once they’re on they are a pleasure to wear. My only improvement would be to make the loop on the back a little bigger to make it easier to pull the boots on.
They are cool to wear and will be perfect for the hotter temperatures, I tested these out during February and my toes got a bit chilly with only one pair of socks on.
They do look very different and I suspect these boots will be like Marmite, I hate marmite but I love these boots!
The sole has great grip for general walking around and riding, I tested them with a couple of different types of stirrups and had good grip and stability in each type whilst riding in the ascent boots. The sole raises up the side of the boot slightly just before the heal with some raised detailing which adds to the sporty style.
Teamed with the Ariat Ascent chaps these look super sleek, sporty and modern.
The chap is also a combination of leather and knitted/woven material with a good strong zip running along the back of the calf. The inner panel is leather and the outer is the knitted material in black with silver detailing matching the boot at heal, a small thin silver contour line along the side of the calf leads to below the side of the knee where ‘Ariat’ lettering is situated. The outer side also has a decorative panel in a black smooth material contrasting the knit. The zip fastens from bottom to top with a Velcro tab which closes over the zip at the top.
The foot loop is elasticated, ‘Ascent’ in small silver lettering features on the side where this strap meets the chap.
The chaps are stretchy and really easy to put on and take off. I found them to be very supportive, comfortable and gave me good grip whilst riding. I imagine these will keep you cool whilst riding in warmer temperatures. I would wear these chaps with other boots but paired with the Ascent boots they are the perfect combo!
Overall I’m very impressed with the Ariat Ascent boots and chaps and just know I will be practically living in them this summer but for me they are for the warmer seasons and not sub-zero temperatures or maybe I’m just a bit soft?
I love the look and I cannot express to you just how comfortable they are!!!
Thank you to Ariat & Ride-away for sending me these to test,
Christie x
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