Don’t need to ride to recognize excellent shoes.
I went through a journey getting the size right, but I’m glad I did. These are beautiful shoes, and so far I’m impressed with the quality. Ariat has a size chart on their website that you can print out, which I actually found very accurate. The only reason I got my size wrong the first time is because I tried on their Heritage IV Paddock in-store and found the toe box to be way too tight and stiff in my normal size, so I went way up. But that’s a completely different shoe! I think these are true-to-size, except for width.For reference, I’m normally a 9.5/10 with a *big* big toe, slightly narrow feet and high arches. I ordered 11 first, which just looked and felt clownishly big. I then went down to 10, which fit okay, but I still felt a little slippage. So I bit the bullet and bought a 9.5. Those felt a little tight, especially for my big toe. I think they technically would have fit with some extra breaking in, but ultimately I decided to just throw some arch support inserts into my 10s and those fit perfectly fine now. The best part is that the toe box is roomy, and the leather seems soft enough to break in if needed.I’m the type of person who wears the same boot year-round in all weather until they completely fall apart. I was tired of replacing my shoes every year, so I decided to splurge on these for the style and quality. (I’ll update my review when they fall apart, but I’m hoping to get at least a couple years out of these with care.) I literally had no other shoes left to wear the first time I wore these, which was at an amusement park for several hours. By the end of the day I was a little uncomfortable, but nothing unbearable. They keep getting more comfortable with use. I’ve worn them a couple times in rain and they did let water in. Since I will continue wearing these in snow and rain, I will use mink oil and update on how they hold up to road salt and water.In short, if you have wide, or even average width feet, consider getting wide if you can. And use Ariat’s online size guide for these. I used it and it put me between 9.5 and 10, which was true. If you’re using inserts or thick socks, consider going up a half size. And give the glove-like feel a chance. At first they all felt hard to pull on, but then I remembered I’m used to wearing old, worn-out shoes! As long as they’re not causing serious pain, they should break in and become more pliable.As for style, I’ve had them a month and I can’t stop admiring them. I might not ride horseback, but I need a good shoe that can take a beating, while still looking good in all situations. These fit the bill. I plan to be a returning customer!
✔ Verified Purchase
D
Danielle Geisert
April 26, 2017
These appear to be fairly sturdy boots, but I have only worn them for ...
Update: I bought my current pair in April of 2017. It's now October of 2018 and I'm about to buy another pair. The fact that these boots lasted nearly 2 full busy seasons (April - November) for me is pretty impressive. I am VERY hard on boots. I NEVER clean/oil them (I know, I know, I should. I don't) and I wear them 5-6 days a week for 7-8 hours a day. I don't wear them for about 3 months in the winter since they're not a winter boot, but otherwise I wear them all the time. They have been very comfortable for me to work, teach lessons and ride in. I do have special insoles in them, but I have plantar fasciitis and with the special insole I can wear these boots no problem, all day. Even after this much use, the outer sole of these boots look excellent! The stitching is coming apart at the heel and the toe is cracking, but these would probably not be as much of a problem if I actually oiled and cared for my boots. I do usually ride 2-3 horses a day too, so the strain on the back of the heel and toe are to be expected. But, I am very happy with them and I'm buying my next pair.These appear to be fairly sturdy boots, but I have only worn them for about 2 weeks. They are a little snug around the ball of my foot and across the top and I do not measure as a wide and have never had to buy a wide before. They are pretty comfy out of the box though and provide enough support. I'm hopeful that they will hold up, but I have not been impressed with Ariat's lifespan in the past.
✔ Verified Purchase
Very happy feet
Happiness for me is boots that feel so comfortable that you don't give your feet another thought all day. It's a bonus that they look nice, too. I had a pair of these same boots during the 1990s and missed them so much that this is my second pair. I worked them with leather treatment to get them good and soft. They not only feel great, but they look good with pretty much everything. With a dress, preferably a long one, they look like Victorian boots, minus the high heels (I refuse to wear heels). They also go well with slim pants and any kind of jeans. I can walk for miles and dance in them. They are suitable in most weather and at almost any time of year. Definitely worth the splurge.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great quality
Great boot. Haven’t worn them a lot yet. I did remove the kiltie as it was too western for me. They are true to size so order your normal size. I followed the Amazon recommendation for a 9.5 and they were way too big. Ordered my normal size 9 and they fit super.
✔ Verified Purchase
B
Barbara K.
January 02, 2026
Love my new boots!
These boots fit very well and are comfortable and look good. I am very pleased.
✔ Verified Purchase
A
Amazon Customer
May 26, 2025
Comfortable, high quality boot
Very comfortable boots! I wore them for 12+ hours first day walking and at work and didn’t get any of the “new shoe pain” you get before breaking in. I love the style and they fit perfectly.
✔ Verified Purchase
S
SHERRY SINGLETON
February 06, 2024
Beautiful Ariat boots, but ran large.
I love Ariat boots. In lacers, I take a size 7C, but these fit more like a 71/2 C. So, contacted seller and they issued a return label so I could return them. I asked to have a 6 1/2 C, and they sent them right out. They fit wonderfully and are sooo comfortable. Wore them all day and evening in total comfort and I am still recovering from broken ankle! The replacement boots arrived the day before I could even go to UPS! Great seller!
✔ Verified Purchase
