Ohhh man
These boots are a breath of fresh air. I came into these from a pair of Georgia loggers and let me just say, there is no comparison. This is a top notch boot, from A to Z.First, the break in. I walk 3mi each and every weekday; that is 15mi a week. These boots were never very hard on my heels or feet, but they did rub while the broke in. This pair took 1 week, or 15mi, to break in about 90%. I did get a couple blisters, but nothing bad or painful. After the first week, the second was just a little more stretching to perfectly fit my foot. Overall I give the break-in 4of5 stars.Next is the comfort. This boot has it! A very soft insole is included. I usually buy an aftermarket insole because the included ones are usually pretty full of suck; that is not the case for this Ariat. I gotta say though, I don't think it is the soft insole that makes this boot so comfy. I literally feel like my step is corrected to near perfection when I walk. Not really sure how else to explain it, but everything just feels right. This effect is so desirable that I am probably a life-time customer now as a result of just that factor. My guess is that this feeling is the result of that carbon-fiber forked shank and a new design on the outsole, combined with the EVA mid.Toughness is so far so good. the full grain leather will scuff easy, but that should be expected. It does work into a fantastic looking piece of leather over time. All the stitching is rock solid so far with no signs of wear. The sole is dirty, but not worn down. Just a hunch, but I think this sole is going to have to be replaced in 6mo or so; it doesn't seem to me to be tough enough, but I could be wrong.Overall, I would instantly, without question, buy this boot again and will do so if I ever need to. I'm very glad my friend wasn't able to successfully talk me into a pair of Justins; these are exactly what I want in a boot.
✔ Verified Purchase
Long break in.
Like the head line says, these are more expensive then they should be. I’m still breaking them in but they are uncomfortable and tight around the knuckles of your toes and no real cushion for your heal. I am going to add a Dr.Schols foot pad but then I think the boot is going to be to tight. I will probably return these boots and go to E’s. They are very stylish and seem to made of top notch materials however poor engineering for comfort. They are definitely cooler for the warmer months.**Revised** It’s been 5-6 months of me wearing these boots daily. They don’t bother me a bit anymore. They just take longer to break in then my other pairs of boots. They are well made and durable m, as far as I can tell. They look good with a pair of work jeans or your dress pants/ classy wranglers. Ladies at work love them and compliment me once or twice a week.They are to stiff to work in but they are good to wear around town or to the office. Not practical for ranch / construction/ truck driver.
✔ Verified Purchase
L
lewy901
February 13, 2013
Outstanding Boot!
I have only been wearing these for 3 days but wow. I bought these boots to replace a pair of Dr. Marteens which actually may have a better slip resistant sole but not nearly as comfortable after over 1 year of wear as these were right out of the box. Very comfortable boots and it does feel like they may be correcting a slight outside over-rotation in my ankles. I order a 1/2 size larger than normal because I was concerned with the tapered toe which has worked out well as I have enough room without feeling they are too big or dangling on my feet. The composite toe is nice and light as well. I did not get the waterproof model but I have been wearing these in the rain and so far my feet have been dry. The leather does scuff easily but that will be resolved after I go over them with saddle soap a time or two. Overall, the best pair of boots I have owned in the past 16 years.
✔ Verified Purchase
