As this season is looking less and less like summer, and my calves are finally a bit smaller, I'm thinking of getting some boots for my birthday next month instead of waiting for Autumn.

I've been trying a few different options and I like the Dubarry Galway boots, good grip sole but a bit big around the ankles; and the Ariat Grasmere, lovely rich brown colour, more fitted shape, but sole possibly not as slip proof.

I know some of you have already mentioned your views on the Dubarry (my previous question here) but has anyone got the Ariat ones - any good?

Still deciding myself on which ones to get. A colleague who is a horsey person said she used to have Dubarrys before she switched to the Dublin ones, which she's raved about. She now has Ariat which are good but went on to say that for price and comfort Dublins are very good.. Ariats she didn't say anything negative about but then I wonder why she's not stuck with Dublins if they were good enough and clearly cheaper?! Hmmm

I've been looking to buy some leather boots for a couple of years now, but the price has been putting me off to be honest. Where I walk my dogs, I'm so often splattered in mud that wellies only really seem the sensible option.

They are very lovely boots indeed tho, hope you can decide which ones to go for.

I got the Tuffa Suffolk boots earlier this year as a birthday present to myself (I only get one birthday every 4 years being a leap year baby!) and have been really pleased with them. I got the wide calf version and they are a dream. I don't use them in deep water but they cope well with mud and smaller puddles. Just remember to get a size down from your usual size as they come up big. (http://www.tuffaboots.com/acatalog/tuffa_suffolk_leather_riding_long_boot.html)

I have Tuffa's, and although the ones I have aren't that waterproof, they do look great, dressed up or in the middle of a muddy field, there is a proper waterproof one out now, they are also incredibly comfy.
If I was just considering the Dubarry's and Ariat's I'd get the Ariat's, everyone has Dubarry's, it's the boot of choice at agri shows now a days, and I have a " thing" about not following the crowd.
I was also told by my friend who's a saddler and sells equi boots that Dubarry's are not worth the money and that they're not that hard wearing.

Thanks Pedlee, Tuffa Suffolks were first on my list but I want to see a pair in real life, and try them on, and can't find a stockist (despite giving myself a huge search radius).  I did toy with the idea of ordering them online but I'm not sure if I'll be a 6 or 7 and just can't really afford to buy two pairs, then return postage.

I had thought about going to Badminton this year just to try some boots but it got rained off!

Celli you're right about Dubarry's - lovely - but everywhere...

>  I did toy with the idea of ordering them online but I'm not sure if I'll be a 6 or 7 and just can't really afford to buy two pairs, then return postage.

If it helps my "normal" shoe size is a 5 and I have a 4 in the Suffolks, which are plenty big enough. When I first put them on they were quite tight, due to the wool inners, but once that had flattened they are now quite roomy. I ordered online and was very unsure which size to go for. They are sooooo comfy and the grip is good.

I have had my Ariat boots for about 3 years now, they are so comfortable and so warm in the winter months, mine are the lace up ones, the zip up the back ones are not that good, my sister has a pair of those and she has had no end of problems with the zips breaking.

Zip boots generally are naff - zips break all the time or are clumpy and horrible.  When I was working as a riding instructor a lot of people had Dubarrys, one good thing is I believe they come with a lifetime guarantee.  However the soles on them are pretty thin and do not have such good grips as ariats generally.  Personally I would have ariats every time.  I used to do 11 hour days on my feet in mine and they never rubbed even when new.  They are fairly average sizewise I would say.  I was definitely a 4 in them, sometimes I am a 3 and occasionally I need a 5 but the 4 was always fine.  I do like the look of the lace up ariat boots.  If I could ever have afforded anything like that (and if I would not have worn them to death) I would have gone for them. 

Thanks so much for all the feedback and advice.  I'm pretty sure I won't get Dubarry's - the Galway are too much like wellies my OH says (!) and I agree that they're not quite what I'm looking for right now.

I'm still interested in trying some Tuffa Suffolk's if I can find them anywhere but won't risk an online buy as I'm really not sure about foot size OR calf size

I've tried the Ariats and I really really like them.  The Grasmere have no zips, just laces up the side which means it's easier to tuck trousers in and still achieve a more fitted look.  The 2011 version are a very dark brown which I also like

So I'm now selling all sorts of random things on eBay to raise funds (dog coats anyone?) and hoping my family are feeling able to help me out for my birthday!!

Thanks again :)

> (dog coats anyone?)

Could I ask, what sizes?

Seeing as we're having terrible weather again I thought I'd update this thread

I did indeed get the boots for my birthday in July but only wore them for the first time this week - in torrential rain - the day before the floods!  Very comfortable and did exactly what I needed them to do, which is to look reasonably stylish whilst offering a practical solution for keeping dry and being very comfortable to walk in.  I'm planning on making them my footwear of choice for upcoming dog shows as some of our gundog venues always leave me with cold feet.

I got the Ariat Grasmere long boots in chocolate brown

Oh and whilst we were having coffee in Clifton village I heard one lady telling her husband she wants a pair "Just like those" and another person in the street told me she loved my boots :)

My daughter has the Dublin Pinnacle boots which are very similar in design to the Ariat Grasmere for alot less money. I'm on to my second pair of Dublin River Stripe boots and I have no complaints. The first pair are still going strong, but a bit mucky from walking the dogs, so I got the second pair for a smarter look at outdoor shows. Great for less than £100.

Dawn R.

The Ariat's are gorgeous aren't they, I nearly got a pair of those ones but decided I had so many pairs that look similar I really couldn't justify another pair, so I got a pair of high heeled boots instead...4 inch ones too !, I'll probably end up in A & E lol.

Great choice Had mine for years now and love them

They do look very smart, but what do you do with your trousers ? Can they only be worn with jodphurs or breeches ? I have not worn jodphurs for years I think I am a little too rotund for them now.
I have to say I do find it a little odd on scorching days at summer shows to see people wearing great big boots.

> what do you do with your trousers?

Tuck them in - I have some skinny jeans which don't need too much folding to make them fit inside the boots.  I've also seen people with trousers rolled up instead

> I have to say I do find it a little odd on scorching days at summer shows to see people wearing great big boots.

Yes, mine are cool weather wear only - they're lined too so would be much too hot on warm sunny days :)  Mind you that still leaves plenty of summer shows where it's cold and wet enough to need boots!!

I have Dubarry Galways which are good, but I have to say that the best [and cheapest] boots I have ever had are my WoofWear ones. Really warm and comfortable in all weathers. Highly recommend if you don't necessarily want ones for showing off in country pursuits ;)

I had Woofwear boots which initially I liked but the stitching and the seams on the top of the foot tore after not much wear. So I wouldn't buy them again.

> but the stitching and the seams on the top of the foot tore after not much wear

Same here :(