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In this day and age, sorting out holiday gifts often proves a headache, especially for those already hard-to-shop-for folks. Surfing the mass of TikTok influencer gift reels and stumbling across the same dozen recommendations via online aggregators offers little inspiration for the immensely difficult process of sourcing the perfect present. The qualifications for a good gift — something heartfelt, something useful and, perhaps, something expensive enough to show you care — are clear, but identifying that object can be less straightforward.
Often, we find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. An old magazine, a previously unexplored shoppy shop. A hay bale, maybe? You can see where I’m going here. Among the many unexpected gifts you can bestow upon the wild cowboys and girls in your life, or anyone looking to incorporate a genuine western flair into their everyday look, one stands out from the herd: a pair of rugged western boots.
We can hear the cowbells blaring. But consider, for a moment, the conditions previously laid out — thoughtful, well-made and splashy enough to mean something. A pair of bench made (read; handcrafted) high-quality leather boots ticks all those boxes and more, and, considering the general decrement of ranch hands, offers a unique option they’ve probably never received.
Seeing as how Western heritage brand Ariat makes a particularly excellent crop of Western boots worn by cowboys and cowgirls, we’ve highlighted some of the best, including options from their Bench Made collection. Handcrafted by old-world bootmakers in Léon, Mexico, these boots fuse traditional styles, exceptional leathers, and Ariat’s legendary performance and comfort. The Bench Made collection is Ariat’s most premium western boot, with a perfect fit right out of the box that will last a lifetime. With styles ranging from classic cowboy boots to fashion-forward zip silhouettes, there’s something for every aspiring cowherd. Shop our top picks from Ariat below.
The Best Gifts From Ariat
For the Cowboy
Ariat’s standout Clanton boot is as old-school cowboy as it gets — handcrafted from primo American Bison leather, these puppies feature Goodyear welt construction for an endless shelf life and all the western flair you could ask for.
Perhaps a proper cowpoke-style boot is too much for your giftee — if this is the case, try these handsome Italian calf leather Reed Boots, instead.
More concrete than bluegrass, the Ariat Brewer introduces signature old-western western style to a modern, comfortable silhouette.
From the toe box down, these could be the tastiest cowboy boots you’ve ever laid your eyes on. From the ankle up, the Younger Western Boot is surely the most comfortable pair of handcrafted Chesleas we ever did see.
If you really want to lasso yourself an impression, there aren’t many gifts that can top Ariat’s James Western Boot. Designed in León, Mexico with some of the best materials around, they’re an absolute yee-haw of a cowboy boot.
For the Cowgirl
The higher the knee, the better the gift. At least, that’s the implication with Ariat’s knee-high Casanova style. They’re made with Ariat’s unbeatable stitching and durable leather for maximum everything.
Cowgirl boots? Whoops, sorry — Ariat thought you said cowgirl booties. Crafted from a beautiful Vegetable-tanned leather sole, decorated with a beautiful four-row stitch pattern and breathable as all get out, they’re the perfect unique gift for the modern cowgirl.
Like the Clanton, Ariat’s Heritage R Toe western boot is a testament to classic cowgirl style, but don’t get your lasso in a twist — thanks to a cushioned insole and ergonomic support, these puppies are more than capable on the dance floor, too (a fact that she will surely appreciate.)
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