Ariat boot opinions

[montysma1]

Found a good price for Ariat Conistons and Ariat Grasmere.
Could anybody suggest pros or cons?
Quite drawn to the Conistons as they have a zip......

I've had Grasmere and now have the Coniston, I think the Grasmere are more adaptable for changing the fit depending on what you're wearing, ie tighten up for jodhs and thin socks, loosen off for jeans and winter socks as the laces have a sliding toggle.
The Grasmere is more waterproof as it doesn't have a zip or tongue to let water in if you're going to be wading through puddles.
I prefer the Coniston for riding in.
Other than that I found them far too warm for a lot of the year and don't be an idiot like me and ruin them by mucking out in them!

I would like to be able to ride in them.
Have Mountain horse jodphur boots to slosh about in mud but they have a steel toe and feel really heavy to ride in.

Is Grasmere a pain to get on and off with no zip? I have read you need to use a shoe horn or the lining comes away?

I never had that problem, I've got chunky thighs and they opened up more than wide enough.

I've had various ariats over the years. The Grasmeres were good but clunky and cut in a bit behind my knees. Conistons were closer fitting so I couldn't get thick trousers in them comfortably. I always end up back with Windermere boots for hacking. They are super comfy and easy to put on.

I've got Grasmeres & love them. I think I used a shoe horn for the first month until the leather softened. I try to use a puller to get them off mainly to protect them.
I have been trying to look after them & wax them but they have had hard wear over 3 years & still in good condition.
I've never had a pair of zip up boots do more than 2 years as the zips always go.