SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot

Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot

Ultimate performance technology meets innovative design in this brand new series of English riding footwear using premium leathers, advanced materials and construction. Not only does the Ariat Volant Vented Tall Boot have a sleek-looking exterior, but it also features Ariat's Cobalt Quantum technology plus stretch mesh, oiled leathers and vents for air circulation. Designed to create a great looking, fitting and feeling boot that will ensure peak performance for all equestrian athletes. Imported.
Average Customer Rating:
4.484 out of 5
4.5
 out of 
5
(31 Reviews) 31
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 31 reviews
5 Stars
22
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
3
1 Star
0
28 of 31(90%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Review 1 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Expect some pain!

March 24, 2013
Bykmdpugs
fromOC, California
I have used this product for:1-2 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
"I am really disappointed with these boots. I work for a trainer and am at the barn on my feet pretty much all day - every day. I thought these boots would be comfortable to walk and ride in as every day boots and I liked how they looked.
Well these boots gave me a ton of blisters and bruises on my ankles and worse behind my knee, not only while breaking in, but still to this day a year and a half later. I have gone to a couple local tack stores and talked to employees about these boots and they all tell me they hear lots of complaints about how bad these boots give blisters. I have even compared blisters with other people who ride in these boots more than once. Of course blisters are a given when breaking in, but a year in a half later I would expect these to be broken in by now?
The footbed runs a little narrow too; much more narrow than my other Ariat tall boots (Heritage and Quantum) I have had. They gave me calluses on the side of my feet and I really believe they even were the culprit to my right foot fracturing. Shortly after feeling like I broke them in (besides still blistering) I was walking around my barn when my right foot felt super tight and then I felt a pop with super intense pain following. After feeling like I wanted to cry for several minutes and hobbling around I took off my foot to find a faint bruise that continued to darken (pictured). I went to the doctor and x-rays shows I fractured my 3rd metatarsal bone, telling me to wear a foot brace and stay off it for 6 weeks - like that is possible when you work at a barn. I bought some Ariat paddock boots, which I should have bought from the start, after the fracture and wore those around trying to take it easy on my feet. Several weeks later my foot did heal but still after a long day of walking I will feel a slight pain where the fracture was as a reminder. I mostly wear paddock boots at the barn now days but every now and then I will wear these boots because I paid so much for them and feel like I should use them. I have been meaning to buy Equifit Gel Bands to try and reduce the blistering but for now these boots remain pretty much useless because I can't show in them for hunters and my paddock boots are 100 times more comfortable.
The left boot also split at the seams in the section right behind your toe. It was $30 to get it repaired from my local tack store. The person who repaired it commented that they were surprised at how well they held up for being as old as they were. Not a good thing to hear.
The plus: You will get tons of compliments on these boots or will spark conversation about them but the coolness factor is not worth the pain. I would never repurchase them!"
Review 2 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Love them!

February 28, 2013
ByLowKey
fromOH
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"Well, I haven't had them very long but so far I love these boots! They are so comfortable! I've been looking for forever (it feels like) for a tall boot that is comfortable enough to walk in as well as ride in and these seem to fit the bill. I do have to use boot lifts but that is pretty much par for the course for me, otherwise the fit seems pretty true to size to maybe just a little large."
Review 3 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Very Comfy

February 4, 2013
ByAllisonDinKy
fromLouisville, ky
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"This boots look great and are the most comfortable boots ever!"
Review 4 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great sturdy boots!

January 22, 2013
ByMendozadressage
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Trainer
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"We ride 10-12 horses a day and these boots are not only comfterable but hold up great!"
Review 5 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Cannot Find Fit

December 26, 2012
ByNaturally
fromRockwood, TN
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"Beautiful boot! Would have loved to keep if I could find a pair that would FIT me. Finally after 4 returns, I said, "I Give Up". The 8-1/2 was larger than the 9, and the 9.5 was way too big. For that amount of $$$, you want it to fit. I may try to reorder later, but got really frustrated with the fitting issue."
Review 6 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Good while it lasts

November 17, 2012
ByEventingPonies
fromNew Hampshire
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
3 of 5
3 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
1 of 5
1 of 5
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
"I purchased a pair last fall when my old ariats finally kicked the bucket. The volants we comfortable and seemed like the perfect boot for me. The design was cool looking while still being conservative enough to take in the dressage ring at events.
Five months ago I left for Argentina for a working student position, riding 4 to 6 horses a day, six days a week. The leather has held up great but within 2 months the stitching on the foot started to come undone. Completely disappointed! A fellow rider down there had the same problem as well. These boots are advertised as durable and for riding a lot but I can not recommend them if the stitching is just going to rip out. Very disappointed in ariat, especially after my last pair of boots which lasted 5 or 6 years of abuse and still cleaned up great."
My Photos
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User submitted photo
Review 7 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Boots

October 20, 2012
ByMDRanch
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"So, it was really difficult to shell out five hundred dollars for boots......but I am glad I did! The boots require very little break in, they are super comfortable, and they are grippy on the parts that touch the saddle. The zippers work very well too.
The boots are quite snug in the calf so it was easy to opt for the wide. Smart pak graciously agreed to send me to different sizes with free return shipping for the pair that did not fit...a win/win!
"
Review 8 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Beautiful and Comfortable

October 19, 2012
ByZenDogandPony
fromSeattle, WA
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
"I ordered these and the Volant front zip (in all black) at the same time based on hours of research trying to find a comfortable boot for my vertically challenged frame... I am 5'4" 123lbs, athletic build with 13" calves. I previously wore the Ariat Crowne Pro and was in agony ALL the time from my crinkled ankles to the bruises and abrasions behind my knees. I thought I would have to wear 1/2 chaps forever. I chose this boot over the front zip because it felt more substantial and more comfortable walking and with heels down. It feels more like an athletic shoe than a tall boot and the vents at the front of the ankle completely eliminate the painful scrunch. The high topline is also much nicer than the front zip. The panels stretch a bit, so you can wear a thicker breech and/or sock in winter. Also the spur holder is smoother than the front zip version which feels a bit sharp and unfinished. At first I was a little hesitant on both of them based on their progressive design, but I am totally in love with these boots after riding in them. Every day they get more comfortable and I get tons of compliments, from trainers to students, everyone says, "Wow, those are really cool boots!" I hope they will wear well."
Review 9 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Great durable boots!

October 7, 2012
ByMaraVetGirl
fromBlowing Rock, NC
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"These are awesome boots as usual for Ariat. They are durable and clean up very easily with some effax. I love the vents near the ankles because they make putting your heel down very easy from the beginning. The only think I don't like is that unlike normal tall boots, they do not drop down very much. If they are too tall for you when you first try them on, then try a different size. I have been wearing these for a few months and they are still leaving blisters and bruises on the back of my knees when I ride hard. Other than that, they are awesome boots!"
Review 10 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

I Didn't Want To Like Them

August 23, 2012
ByPacker
fromOcala, FL
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I have ridden horses my whole life. i have also given into what I thought was COOL as to not embarrass myself. But at the tender age of 56, I needed paddock boots/half chaps But really wanted to ride in in my custom boots so. . . .I was geting some bad vibes about the Ariat Volant but did it anyway. All I can say is go do it. You will not regret it."
Review 11 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

*FEELS JUST LIKE A TENNIS SHOE!!!!

August 3, 2012
ByBuddyBreeze
fromThe South
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Beginner
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"~I LOVE THESE TALL BOOTS~A#1 PURCHASE!!!!!
~I absolutely LOVE my Ariat Tall Vented Boots! They are no doubt worth each and every penny spent! I am new to riding English and had heard horror stories about breaking in new riding boots.I loved the look of the volants when I first saw them so I went ahead and purchased them.They literally are like wearing a tennis shoe! (I had read some of the designers at Ariat have backgrounds in
designing for Reebok.I don't know if that is in fact true but from my experience wearing the volants, I would guess yes! :) I didn't need any break in time! Just put them on and went and so happy that I did! I wear an 81/2 and they ran very true to size.(I have a 161/2 calf and I'm 5'5). I bought an 81/2B-medium full-regular height boot & they fit perfect!! The insoles are wonderful and so very comfortable! I never imagined tall boots could be this comfy.I often times stay in these boots when I leave the barn to do a day's shopping! They are truly that COMFY! My next purchase will be the waterproof H2O lace up pair! If I had the money I promise I'd buy each style they're that impressive!
"
Review 12 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Don't wait - buy them today!

July 25, 2012
ByCB54
fromAlbuquerque NM
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I have worn paddock boots and half chaps for more than 25 years. I always thought they provided the comfort, control and security in the saddle I needed. The purchase of these marvelous tall boots has completely changed my mind. My feet, ankles and legs are much more secure and more correct than I ever thought was possible. I waited almost a year to actually purchase these boots because I just wasn't sure about the cost, style and fit. Now that they are here, they are PERFECT. If you are considering paddock boots/ half chaps - the difference in cost is negligible and the benefits of tall boots are phenomenal. And they look and feel GREAT!"
Review 13 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Really loved them, but....

July 19, 2012
ByJumperjill
fromKalamazoo, MI
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
"I purchased these a few days ago and fell in love with them. They fit very nicely right from the box, but...after wearing them for a couple days the feet stretched way out. I would definitely order a half size smaller then what you are used to, they will be snug for a few days, but it is better than having too big shoes. I will hopefully be purchasing a smaller pair to keep from tripping around the barn like I have been."
Review 14 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Love Them

July 11, 2012
ByPacker
fromOcala, FL
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"This boot isn't for everyone as it is a very contemporary look. However, the foot (like all ariats) feels like a running shoe and the leg is awesome. I bought them to replace paddock boots and half chaps I wear every day. After 40+ years in the Hunters I am having the time of my life in the jumper ring and I just may wear them in the ring. I feels like a rebel! I love them and recommend them highly."
Review 15 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Everything I wanted!

July 8, 2012
ByNaturenut
fromAshtabla,OH
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Other - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"These boots are fantastic! I love them! I really wanted a pair of tall boots but needed to have ones that I could walk around in all day. I do Parelli so I spend alot of time on the ground and in the saddle. I wanted boots that I could go from saddle to playing on the ground and back to the saddle without missing a step. They needed to be super comfy and supportive but not tight like a vice grip on my leg. I love that these boots are not very traditional but are still subtle. They're like athletic shoes for equestrians! The best part is that they start to break in the minute you put them on!"
Review 16 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

I love these boots

June 21, 2012
ByWhopie
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I already have the front zip, red lining style and wanted to add the dressier ones. You kindly sent me 4 different sizes to try, and the 4th pair fits like a custom boot.
Congratulations, Ariat! Thank you, SmartPak"
Review 17 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
3 of 5
3 of 5

Couldn't handle the style

May 23, 2012
ByAlfaSprout
Expertise:Novice
"I really, REALLY wanted to like these, but I just could not deal with the "style" of them when they arrived. The little vents in the front of the boot put me off completely, as did the overall plastic look of the heel and sole. Some of the stitching was coming out on side panels, but I'm sure that wasn't normal, probably just my pair. The boot in general seemed study (good zipper) and a the footbed was comfy... but, I sent it back mainly because I just couldn't deal with such a non-traditional looking boot. Just not for me!"
Review 18 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great boots!

April 30, 2012
ByArabica
fromSammamish, WA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Dressage
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I've purchased many boots in the past and I've always ended up returning them for a refund because they didn't fit well (either the boots were too big or the height of the boots would annoy the back of my knees). I decided to try the Volant Vented tall boot as the reviews were all favorable, I wore mine for the first time yesterday and I was impressed. It fit well (it is definitely true to size), the 16-1/2" height did not bother me (even though it is an inch higher than what I would have wanted it to be), it kept my lower legs in correct position, and was very comfortable as it had the "broken in" feel. I have arthritis in my feet and ankles, and normally I will experience much pain and/or bruising from whatever I wear at the end of a ride. Wearing these boots------no pain! Even my instructor and another rider in the arena, were amazed that I did not go out limping. They also like the looks of the boots and had a lot of questions as to comfort and fit. At the end of the day, I told them.......save up and buy a pair. They won't be disappointed. I simply LOVE mine!!"
Review 19 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

Great boot

April 11, 2012
Bynogutsnoglory
fromTEXAS
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"Great boot but very warm. The ankle is snug. I have normal size ankles and I do get rubs. They break in immediately and they are like a great pair of tennis shoes. They are easy to get your ankle down in and walk and bath and do all your chores in after a day of riding. They stay damp longer than most boots so air them out. I take a 7.5 in an Ariat and these are 7's. I could have gone comfortably into a 7.5. But they break in and stretch to fit your foot just like tennis shoes. I would say they are not narrow but not wide. THEY WILL STRETCH in the foot. They will be like a glove everywhere else. My biggest complaint is they are warm. But, they look custom."
Review 20 for Ariat® Volant Vented Tall Boot
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Excellent product

April 11, 2012
ByEIrwin
fromMassachusetts
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
"I really like these boots. I have been an Ariat boot buyer before. The Volants are much nicer for riding as the soles have better traction on the stirrups for your foot. Also the quality of the leather is excellent and they don't require the normal break in. These are good boots for warmer weather because they are vented. I have the water proof Volants for the frigid winter which are also a good boot. The boots fit true to size for Ariat."
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