Examine the packaging
Authentic Ariat boots come in a box with a black and white label on the bottom and the Ariat logo featured prominently. Inside, the box will be neatly wrapped in a plastic covering and accompanied by a care instructions slip.
Fake Ariat boots may not have a box at all, or the box may be of a different colour than the one associated with authentic Ariat boots.
Let’s look at some more ways to distinguish between real and fake Ariat boots:
Check the quality of the box
A genuine Ariat boot package is usually made of durable cardboard that protects the boots from damage during shipping. This quality construction will also ensure your new boots reach you in better condition. The box should also be printed with the original Ariat logo and branding marks, as well as being backed up with helpful information about the boots and their specific product numbers. If any of this information is missing or appears to be deliberately hidden or amended, then the boots could be counterfeit.
Check for the following when evaluating an Ariat package:
- Creases along the side of the box, as they may indicate a wide open seam, which can make it easier to access counterfeited goods.
- The way that the package is taped closed and labeled.
- Any signs of tampering.
Any of these factors can render that particular package suspicious and thus should be avoided altogether if possible.
Look for any misspellings or incorrect information
When you try to determine whether or not the Ariat boots you are buying are legitimate, one of the first steps is to pay close attention to the packaging. Any misspellings on the packaging or incorrect information is a red flag that the boots may be counterfeit.
Look for the Ariat logo printed on the tag and remember that it should be sharp and clearly visible. Examine any information listed on the tag as well, such as size, style number, material type and country of origin. If any information listed appears to be incorrect or missing entirely, it may suggest that these could be fake.
The accompanying paperwork should also have no spelling errors and all images should be clear and easily identified if you compare them with official versions from Ariat’s website or other reputable retailers. You should also check for UPC codes which could point to an alternative product. Additionally, inspect any leathers for imprinting errors as this can indicate a fake boot has been made with lower quality materials. Finally, carefully inspect any stitching in blocked lettering as improperly done lettering can show poor craftsmanship indicative of counterfeiting.
Check the materials
Authentic Ariat boots are highly valued for their quality and craftsmanship. To make sure you’re buying the real deal, it’s important to inspect the material of the boot. Genuine Ariat shoes typically use premium leather, stitched sturdy reinforcement, and strong soles. Fake boots, on the other hand, often make use of lower-grade materials that lack durability.
Here are some tips on how to spot the difference:
Feel the leather to determine if it’s real
Real Ariat boots are made with high-quality leather, and there are a few telltale signs that you should look out for to determine if it’s the real deal.
- Touch the material and feel for smoothness and softness; genuine leather will be very soft to the touch, whereas fake leather is usually stiffer.
- Also check for color consistency; real Ariat material should have an even color throughout (other than variations caused by natural grain patterns), whereas fakes might have a noticeable two-tone effect.
- Lastly, inspect for any flaws in the leather; fakes will often display obvious imperfections that you would not find on genuine products.
Inspect the stitching to make sure it’s even
When inspecting a potential pair of Ariat boots, look carefully at the stitching to ensure it is done in an even pattern. Ariat boots should have smooth, consistent stitching that is not pulling away from the leather. Pay close attention around the seams and check for frayed or loose cloth threads.
Look for any signs of inconsistency in the visibility of the stitching that may indicate a fake or low quality boot. They may have other bad qualities such as rough edges, unsightly stitching and no embossed branding on the heal or sides; in addition to this, Ariat boots are always lined with either leather (cowhide or kangaroo) or shearling for insulation and comfort. The lining should be textured but smooth when rubbed against your hand. If it is bumpy or raggedy then it is likely a phony product.
Look for the Ariat logo
Authentic Ariat boots will have the Ariat logo on the foot or the back of the heel. This logo is different for each boot style, so make sure to look up the logo for the specific boot style you plan to buy. Knowing how to recognize the Ariat logo is the easiest way to identify genuine Ariat boots and avoid buying fake ones.
Let’s go through the other signs you can look for to identify authentic Ariat boots:
Make sure the logo is in the correct place
When shopping for Ariat boots, it’s important to look for the official Ariat logo. The most reliable way to identify an authentic pair is to make sure the logo is in the correct position. It should be placed at the center of one construction tread. On boots that use a separate strap, or on soles where the treads are staggered, it’s important to look for a triple-digits “ARIAT/WESTERNFOOTWEAR” embedded on the sole itself. The size and placement of this identifier could differ from boot model to boot model; however, it will always be stamped on one of the construction treads or on a side stabilizer.
Another tip when buying Ariat boots is to look for two thicknesses of material around each eyelet post – this design feature is unique and easily identifiable in genuine Ariat footwear. Finally, check the small “Ariat” icon embossed on both sidewalls above every successive eyelet post – this will also help you recognize an authentic set of cowgirl kicks!
Ensure the logo is not blurry or distorted
When trying on Ariat boots at authorized retailers, there are certain features you should look for. One of the most important features is the Ariat logo. These logos can tell you a lot about the boots you are purchasing. It is important to look out for any inconsistencies or discrepancies in the logo itself as this can be a sure sign of knockoffs or inferior quality.
The Ariat logo should have clear lines and details, no matter which type of Ariat footwear you are examining. If anything looks blurry or distorted in the logo itself, it may not be an original piece of footwear from the brand. Even if the price is attractive, it is best to walk away and shop elsewhere if this issue appears in any way with regard to branding and labels.
It is also important that all other labels show good quality and craftsmanship when purchasing genuine Ariat boots and shoes. Here are some things to look out for:
- Zippers should pull easily without sticking.
- Stitching should, generally speaking, be even without strange lumps.
- Certified symbols such as RealTree or The Logo Company should appear on genuine boot designs.
- Oils and chemical scents should never be present when shopping for new footwear.
- Treading should be strong and resilient throughout.
- Insoles will typically feel comfortable yet tight when touched with fingers.
- Rubber soles will flex around foot but remain firm afterwards.
- Heel heights need to touch conventional standards.
- Leather needs to feel natural yet nearly indestructible.
Research the seller
One of the most important steps in identifying whether a pair of Ariat boots is genuine or not is to research the seller. Knowing the seller’s reputation, product listings, and reviews can help you determine whether or not you should buy the boots.
Additionally, it’s important to research the website and look for signs of authenticity. Looking into the background of the seller can also help in determining if they are trustworthy or not:
- Reputation
- Product listings
- Reviews
- Website background
Check the reviews of the seller
When researching a seller, it is important to do your due diligence. Reading online reviews and customer testimonies can help you determine the quality of the product they are selling. Make sure that all reviews are of the same product, and check for discrepancies in prices or complaints about the product. Additionally, look out for suspicious or over-the-top positive reviews that could signal a potential scam.
If you are unsure if a seller is legitimate, it is always best to reach out to them with questions prior to placing an order. Reputable businesses should respond quickly with detailed answers about their history and policies. Furthermore, if you feel uncomfortable or concerned during any part of your interaction with the seller before or after placing an order, trust your intuition and look elsewhere.
Finally, consider contacting Ariat itself for advice on how to spot counterfeit products if buying from an independent retailer: real Ariat products will always feature corporate logos (such as “AT”) stamped onto their surface. After confirming the authenticity of a product, be sure to keep your receipt in case you need to return it later on!
Compare prices
One of the easiest ways to tell if you have a genuine Ariat boot is to compare prices. Authentic Ariat boots will typically have a higher price tag than the counterfeit ones. You can easily compare prices online to get a clear idea of what is a reasonable price for the boots you are looking for.
It is also important to consider other factors when evaluating the authenticity of Ariat boots:
Compare the price of the boots to other retailers
When you shop for Ariat boots, it’s important to take the time to compare prices to make sure you’re getting a great deal. Prices tend to vary from store to store, but you can also compare prices online. Many retailers stock Ariat boots, so a quick search should help you find exactly what you want for the best price.
However, the price alone isn’t enough to tell if the item is authentic. Although original Ariat boots are more expensive than fake ones, some counterfeiters try to mimic genuine models by setting prices close enough that it can be difficult to differentiate between real and fake products. To further check if a pair of Ariat boots is genuine or fake, look at additional factors such as labels, tags and packaging in addition to the price comparison.
For instance, an original Ariat shoe will have an emblem label showing an orange bull’s head and the signature “A” logo stitched on the edge of the tongue and heel tab of certain models might not be present on a fake one. Additionally, check out any care instructions stickers; genuine items may include elements such as pictures or symbols while fake ones usually have one-liner warnings such as “Do not soak this item in water” without any graphics.
Finally, look into how much detail is included in any logos or patterns featured on your would-be purchase; intricacies which may be difficult for counterfeiters try and replicate accurately due to slower production capabilities compared with those found at verified factories producing actual designer brands like Ariat Boots. Careful inspection will help ensure that when comparing prices you get your money’s true worth with legitimate merchandise rather than a product with zero value that was never meant for retail consumption in the first place.
Check the return policy
Authentic Ariat boots are highly prized and will often come with a return policy when purchased from an authorised retailer. Checking the return policy is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to confirm whether or not boots are genuine Ariat. It is important to be wary of any return policy that is too good to be true, as this may indicate that the boots are not genuine.
Make sure the return policy is clear and fair
When you buy something online it can be difficult to really know what the quality of the item will be before receiving it. Obtaining a fair and clear return policy is one of the best ways to ensure you will receive a genuine high-quality Ariat boots.
When examining the seller’s return policy, consider:
- how long they allow for returns
- whether they cover all shipping costs
- what type of condition is acceptable for returning an item
In addition, make sure there are no possible loopholes in their return policy that could restrict your ability to get your money back should you need to do so.
One way to identify a fraudulent site is if they don’t include any details or an unreasonable amount of information in their return policy. In most cases, good sellers will clearly list at least 30 days of free returns and free shipping back if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Having a clear understanding of the refund policies in place allows buyers to feel more confident that the site has legitimate products on sale and values customer satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can you tell if a pair of Ariat boots is real or fake?
A: You can tell if a pair of Ariat boots is real or fake by looking for certain markers. Authentic Ariat boots will have a brand logo on the tongue, an “A” logo on the heel, and the stitching should be consistent and even. Additionally, Ariat boots will have a square toe and the leather should be of high quality.
Q: What type of warranty does Ariat offer?
A: Ariat offers a one-year limited warranty on their boots. This warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, and it also covers any repairs that may be needed during the warranty period.
Q: Where can I buy authentic Ariat boots?
A: You can buy authentic Ariat boots from authorized retailers. These include sporting goods stores, outdoor stores, and online retailers such as Amazon and Zappos.