Product Review: Ariat Vortex Tall Boots

Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.

Suffice to say, I've always been a little stuck on my Volant boots. So when I heard about the Vortex (Ariat's new boot that sounded like an update to my beloved Volant) I absolutely positivly, no questions asked absolutely HAD to try them out! Photo by Lorraine Peachey. Suffice to say, I've always been a little stuck on my Volant boots. So when I heard about the Vortex (Ariat's new boot that sounded like an update to my beloved Volant) I absolutely positivly, no questions asked absolutely HAD to try them out! Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Have you ever experienced the feeling of having an instant favorite? It’s been a pretty rare kind of experience for me. I’ll admit to being the kind of person who knows what I like, and likes what I know. Which means anything new must prove itself worthy to me!

Looking back over three years ago, I remember reviewing my very first pair of tall boots. I very intentionally try not to play favorites, but I will admit that the Ariat Volant boots have been a near constant companion of mine ever since, whenever I’m in the saddle.

Above all, the Volant boot have two distinct features that stick out to me to this day. First and foremost, I simply love, love, LOVE the grippy leather of the inner calf. I feel like it aids me in having a more secure seat, and better grip with my legs.

Secondary to the super grip (but also very important to me) are the ventilation panels on the outside of the leg. On extra warm days, the ventilation panels help aid airflow to my legs. In this way, they stay a little bit cooler than they would normally.

The zipper is heavy duty, and has an inside panel to protect my leg. I also like the single snap guard at the top. Photo by Lorraine Peachey.

Suffice to say, I’ve always been a little stuck on my Volant boots. So when I heard about the Vortex (Ariat’s new boot that sounded like an update to my beloved Volant) I absolutely positively, no questions asked absolutely HAD to try them out!

After several months of riding in the Vortex boots, I’ve got quite a lot to report. First and foremost, let me begin by saying that I’ve got that feeling all over again! After spending time in the saddle with the Vortex boots, it’s not hard to pick a favorite feature.

Of course, my favorite feature of the Vortex boots would HAVE to be the oiled inner calf leather. It’s perfectly grippy, and gives me that same secure feeling in the saddle that I know and love. If it had that alone, I would already love these boots.

But the Vortex offers so much more. Let’s start with the premium full length coiled zipper that runs from the side of the heel and zips in around the back. The zipper is heavy duty and has an inside panel to protect my leg. I also like the single snap guard at the top.

The premium calf leather upper feels of excellent quality (and smells wonder too!). I also very much appreciate the behind the knee mobility curve of the Vortex boots — they made a huge difference for me and eliminated an uncomfortable break in period.

The Duratread outsole has been a long time favorite of mine. It offers rider tested traction zones for the grip you need, where you need it. Shock Shield technology in the heel provides shock absorption and comfort … I’ve had no problem spending lots of time on my feet!

In addition, premium Nitro technology helps to cushion and support the foot by way of a combination of flexibility and engineered support. And, I can’t seem to keep my eyes off of the lovely metallic blue color on the soles of the boots.

Along with the comfort and performance, the overall appearance of the Vortex boots are aesthetically pleasing. The lines of the boots are crisp and clean, and I love the subtle Ariat name that is on the side of the boots. I can’t think of a thing that I would change.

I’ve been on so very pleased to ride in the Vortex boots. They offer me comfortable support while on my feet, and a superior grip while I’m in the saddle. While I’m not at all ready to trade in my Volant boots, I find myself swapping back and forth between the two.

The Vortex boots are available through Ariat and have a retail price of $599.95. You can learn more about them here.

Go New and Improved Grippy Boots. Go Ariat. Go Eventing.