The new Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots have arrived at A Farley for both men and women. They have the classic appearance of a leather Chelsea boot, but underneath the traditional styling there is plenty of the comfort technology Ariat is known for.
Designed for everyday wear, the Cooper is the sort of boot you can pull on for a dog walk, a day in town, a country show or a casual weekend away. Here is everything you need to know before choosing a pair.
What Are Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots?
The Ariat Cooper is a pull-on leather Chelsea boot designed to combine country styling with lightweight everyday comfort.
The boots are made from durable full-grain leather with elasticated panels on both sides. These twin-gore panels make them easier to pull on and help create the close, comfortable fit expected from a Chelsea boot.
Both the women’s Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots and the men’s Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots feature a rounded toe, cushioned footbed and lightweight sole.
They also have subtle equestrian-inspired hardware, giving them a country feel without making them look like riding boots.
Are Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots Waterproof?
Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots are water-resistant, but they are not fully waterproof.
The full-grain leather can cope with light rain, damp pavements, wet grass and the occasional splash. However, the boots do not have a waterproof membrane, so they are not designed for prolonged heavy rain, deep mud or standing water.
If you need boots for everyday dog walks, errands and changeable autumn weather, the Cooper should provide enough protection for most occasions. For particularly wet walks or long periods outdoors, a fully waterproof Chelsea boot or Wellington would be more suitable.
It is important not to describe the Cooper as waterproof, as there is a genuine difference between waterproof and water-resistant footwear.
Are Ariat Cooper Boots Comfortable?
Comfort is one of the main reasons to choose the Ariat Cooper over a more traditional fashion Chelsea boot.
Ariat’s ATS® technology provides lightweight support and stability, helping the foot remain comfortable when walking over uneven surfaces. This makes the boots useful for country life, where paths, fields and gravel are often part of an ordinary day.
Inside the boot is a removable All Day Cushioning insole. It provides underfoot comfort and can be removed for cleaning or replaced when needed.
The cushioning midsole also helps absorb impact, while the lightweight outsole provides flexibility, grip and cushioned rebound. Together, these features make the Cooper suitable for longer periods on your feet.
What Do Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots Fit Like?
The Cooper has a rounded toe, giving your toes more natural space than a pointed or narrow Chelsea boot.
The elasticated side panels should feel secure around the ankle without being uncomfortably tight. As with most pull-on leather boots, you want a close fit across the instep so the foot does not slide around when walking.
The men’s Cooper has a standard D-medium fitting. Separate men’s and women’s sizing means each version is shaped for its intended fit rather than being a single unisex boot.
When trying them on, wear the type of socks you plan to use with the boots. Your heel should remain reasonably secure, but a small amount of movement in a new pull-on boot is normal. The leather and elastic panels should become more flexible with wear.
If you are between sizes or plan to wear particularly thick socks, it may be worth trying both sizes to compare the fit.
What Is the Difference Between the Men’s and Women’s Ariat Cooper Boots?
The men’s and women’s Cooper boots share the same main features:
- Water-resistant full-grain leather
- ATS® support technology
- Removable All Day Cushioning insole
- Impact-absorbing midsole
- Lightweight and flexible outsole
- Elasticated twin-gore panels
- Rounded-toe shape
- Equestrian-inspired detailing
The main differences are the sizing, proportions and available colours.
The women’s Cooper is available in versatile shades including Distressed Copper and Brunette. The men’s version offers the same practical design in a slightly more substantial shape.
What Can You Wear with Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots?
The simple shape makes the Cooper particularly easy to style.
For women, wear them with jeans, leggings or country trousers and add a quilted jacket, gilet or oversized knit. They can also be worn with a casual dress and tights when you want an outfit that feels slightly smarter.
For men, the Cooper works well with straight-leg jeans, chinos, cords or moleskin trousers. Add a checked shirt and fleece gilet for an everyday country outfit, or pair them with a smart knit and tailored coat for town.
The brown leather shades are especially easy to combine with navy, olive green, tan, cream and denim.
Are Ariat Cooper Boots Suitable for Dog Walking?
Yes, the Ariat Cooper is a good choice for everyday dog walks on pavements, tracks and reasonably firm countryside paths.
The supportive footbed, cushioned midsole and grippy sole make them more practical than a standard fashion Chelsea boot. Their water-resistant leather also helps with damp grass and light showers.
However, they are not intended to replace wellingtons or fully waterproof walking boots on very muddy or waterlogged routes.
Can You Ride in Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots?
No. Ariat states that the Cooper Chelsea Boot is not approved for riding.
Although it has equestrian-inspired styling, it is designed as an everyday country and casual boot. Anyone looking for footwear to ride in should choose a proper riding or paddock boot with a riding-appropriate heel and sole.
Ariat Cooper vs Ariat Wexford: Which Should You Choose?
The Cooper and Wexford are both Ariat Chelsea boots, but they suit slightly different needs.
Choose the Ariat Cooper if you want:
- A lightweight everyday leather Chelsea boot
- Water resistance for light rain and damp conditions
- A flexible sole and cushioned feel
- A versatile boot for town and casual country wear
- A more affordable introduction to Ariat Chelsea boots
Choose the Ariat Wexford if you want:
- Fully waterproof protection
- A waterproof and breathable membrane
- A boot for more regular use in wet conditions
- A more substantial country Chelsea boot
The Cooper is the better option for general everyday wear, while the Wexford is more suitable if waterproofing is your main priority.
How Should You Care for Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots?
Brush away loose dirt after wear and wipe the leather with a slightly damp cloth. Allow the boots to dry naturally and keep them away from radiators or direct heat, as this can dry out and damage the leather.
A suitable leather conditioner can be applied occasionally to help keep the leather supple. Always test any product on a small, less visible area first, particularly on lighter leather colours.
Are Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots Worth Buying?
The Ariat Cooper is a good choice if you want the appearance of a classic leather Chelsea boot with more cushioning and support than a basic fashion style.
They are comfortable, easy to pull on and versatile enough to wear across town and country. Just remember that they are water-resistant rather than waterproof and are not designed for riding.
Shop the new women’s Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots, women’s Cooper Boots in Brunette and men’s Ariat Cooper Chelsea Boots at A Farley Country Attire.