We all love Ariat boots at RB Equestrian, and we know that so many of our customers do too. One of the many great things about Ariat footwear is the technology that is built into each boot, but it can be challenging to work out what that really means, and what differences you might feel when you wear the boots.
Here’s a quick jargon buster for you, addressing some of the most popular features you’ll see on Ariat boots in store or online…
Key Terms:
4LR™- 4LR™ stands for Four Layer Rebound and provides the foot with cushioning and comfort. It incorporates a lightweight shank to help provide stability. This is Ariat’s entry level technology.
ATS® – ATS® stands for Advanced Torque Stability and provides the wearer with a gel cushioned footbed, forked shank for greater stability, heel stabilisers and also has moisture wicking properties too. This is Ariat’s mid level technology.
Axis Pro™ technology: provides dynamic full-foot support and responsive pressure relief. This is found in Ariat’s top of the range styles.
Breathable – breathable membranes and materials feature in many boots and shoes to help promote comfort by preventing the wearer’s feet from becoming excessively hot and, therefore, sweaty.
CASLITE® Rubber Sole – a special rubber sole by Caster S.A that is made using 35% recycled material to help provide comfort whilst also providing the classic leather look that you’d expect on some types of footwear.
DRYMax™ – a waterproof, breathable component that helps to keep the wearer dry in all weathers due to its high quality barrier.
DRYShield ™ – found on some of the full grain leather boots, DRYShield ™ helps to keep the wearer’s feet dry and also promotes durability of the leather
Duratread – this type of sole is made using a rubber compound that has been designed to be durable so it outlasts rubber. At the same time, the composition means it’s highly flexible and also resistant to acids and oils that you might find around the stables or beyond.
ECO – to help support sustainability, products sporting ECO branding are made using at least 50% material by weight that has come from sustainable sources.
Full grain leather – this is the highest quality of leather, selected for its strength and durability due to its positioning on the animal.
Heel kick feature – a subtle addition at the back of the boot to make it easier to remove.
Insole – the top part of the sole that sits directly underneath the wearer’s foot.
Midsole – the midsole can be made from a range of different materials like EVA that can be used to help absorb shock and provide cushioning. You don’t usually see this layer as it sits between the insole and outsole.
Multi surface traction design – specially designed sole to help promote good traction across a range of surfaces.
Outsole – the last layer of the sole in a shoe or boot. The outsole touches the ground.
Precision Response insole – a high quality, removable insole that has cushioning along with support for the metatarsals.
Pro Performance Insole – some Ariat boots have these insoles as part of the design, but you can also buy them separately too! They’re made from advanced materials for comfort and support that also wick moisture away, help to reduce odour, regulate temperature and reduce pressure at the heel.
Sherpa lining – a soft, fleece lining that helps to provide additional warmth and comfort.
Shock absorbing – designed with elements that help to absorb and dissipate shock, to help reduce it being felt through the rider’s body.
Shock Shield – diffuses heel strike impact as well as generally reducing shock. This technology can be a great way to help reduce fatigue too.
Stirrup friendly – not all boots are designed for riding, but Ariat boots with stirrup friendly outer soles have been designed to sit safely and comfortably in the correctly sized stirrups.
Thinsulate™ insulation – an extra layer of insulation incorporated into some winter boot styles to help keep the wearer warm in the coldest conditions.
Waterproof – designed to keep the wearer dry. Waterproof products are designed to keep all the water out, but be aware that the care of the boot will have a bearing on how long a product remains waterproof for.
Waterproof PRO™ construction – created using waterproof leather, boots with this feature have a durable, waterproof, breathable barrier and should protect the wearer from wet conditions including snow.
There are lots of different Ariat boots to choose from at RB Equestrian, both in store and online. If you need any help or support, please email ([email protected]) or call (01908 365335) and we’ll do our best to help you.
