All photos by Colleen Peachey
To say that I’m not a fan of the cold is an understatement.
One of the worst feelings is having freezing cold toes when I’m riding out. I dial back on my ring time, and really enjoy hacking out this time of the year. And since I’m out for riding for an hour or more most times, I need to make sure that my feet stay warm enough.
In the past I’ve tried to wear really heavy socks under my boots. Or even multiple pairs of socks, if that is what it took. But this season, instead of depending on layers upon layers of socks to keep my feet warm, I’ve turned to a pair of insulated boots.
This season, I’ve been wearing the Coniston Pro GTX Insulated boots, both in the saddle and out & about. The Coniston boots first caught my eye with their stylish silhouette. I absolutely love the look of the lace up front, combined with the fitted riding boot profile.
The sleek silhouette is reminiscent of a pair of half chaps being worn over a paddock boots. The contrast of the leather colors is visually appealing. And the Ariat logo badge on the side, along with the buckle at the top edge of the boots add lovely additional style details.
But I’m going to stop before I go on about how much I love the appearance of the Coniston boots. Because the Coniston boots are more than just a pretty face, so I want to talk about the features that make them as functional as they are fashionable.
The Coniston boots are crafted out of premium waterproof full grain leather. They also feature a breathable GORETEX lining, which boasts a stylishly fun plaid pattern. And what’s even better is the boots also include 200g of Thinsulate Insulation to keep toes toasty!
As if those features aren’t enough, the ATS Max technology helps to provide stability and support, while helping to prevent foot fatigue. They also have a stirrup friendly outsole, which makes riding comfortable. I also like the traction that Duratread outsole provides.
Another terrific feature of the Coniston boots is the full length back zip. The full zip helps the Coniston boots have such a lovely fitted silhouette of the boots. And the lace up front allows for additional adjustability, to ensure that I can get the perfect fit.
It is definitely noteworthy that the Coniston boots come with two pairs of laces. They arrived already outfitted with a pair of elastic laces. A second pair of cotton laces is included, which offers a slightly different look and fit. The Coniston boots do also have spur rests.
Taking the Coniston boots on/off is made easier with the help of the full length back zipper. I personally like the pull tab that makes for an easy pull on, and the easy off heel kick feature. Both may not seem like a big deal, but little innovative features make a difference.
I’m very happy to report that the Coniston boots have been terrific to ride in. Wearing the boots to hack out in during the cold winter months has kept my feet and toes toasty, thanks to the Thinsulate insulation that was thoughtfully included in the design.
What I absolutely love about the Coniston boots, is their versatility. The fact is, a pair of boots is a big investment. In my life, the Coniston boots get a lot of wear time. Wearing them at the barn and in the saddle is terrific, because they were made for performance.
But they also look fashionable and fabulous, which is why I wear them into the office, while running errands, and even out on date nights! They are as comfortable to walk in as they are to ride in. I guess that’s how the Coniston boots became my go to this season!
The Ariat Coniston Pro GTX Insulated Boots are available in sizes 5.5 to 11. They have a retail price of $399.95, and you can find them here.