A
AmazonCustomer
August 04, 2024
Damn nice boots
Alright, so, I haven't had a pair of boots since I was like, OK, well, let's just say it was pretty much 30 years ago. Remember when America loved country in the mid-nineties? Y'know, before Shania and Carrie, and Reba was the hottest woman in Country Music? Yeah, that era. So, it's been a minute.Why did I come back to this? Hell if I know, honestly, but, here I am, lifting weights, wearing camo and talking to God - just seemed like this was where things were headed and I embraced it.So I got the boots.Which, again, I have no real frame of reference, so, if you've had boots in the last 30 years, we probably have different expectations. Was I prepared for how soft the leather was? Nope, but, it's damn nice. Flares out my boot cut jeans a bit more than I was imagining, but I assume that'll change as we age together.Putting 'em on . . Again, I'm used to sneakers that I keep loose-laced and can slip on. Taking whole minutes to literally shove my foot in was not what I was expecting, but, understandable.Once I got into 'em, I understood why it was suggested to go half size down and one step wider. They're a little tighter than I'm used to across the top, but I think that'll loosen up with some more time in 'em, too. The half step down in size and going wider was clutch - they fit very well. The insole is also pretty comfy, looks like a memory foam kinda deal.Color is pretty accurate from the pictures, I've attached my own real-world example.They're definitely a square toe, which, I personally believe is more appropriate for men, and bottom line, they look right under jeans, where they should be. Your toes obviously aren't gonna fit all the way to the end, but I don't feel like I'm wearing clown shoes, either.Outsole felt pretty tacky at first blush, which was unexpected, but a welcome detail. I'm not worried about slipping in these, despite having a boot heel I'm not used to. Doing a few laps in the driveway, looking like I'm learning to walk, again, help mold 'em to my feet.So, in conclusion, I'm finna pop the tags and give these a fresh coat to make 'em mine - I'm keeping 'em and looking forward to many years in these boots.TLDR: color is pretty accurate, go half size down and one step wider, and you should be fine. Everything else is preference.
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MUST READ FOR PROPER FIT ARIAT DESIGNS ARE DIFFERENT
PLEASE READ (kinda long but important)Cowboy boots are a very new thing to me and I wanted to ensure the proper fit. I have flat feet and it's a challenge to find comfortable footwear.My first pair of boots are the Ariat Sport Stratten which I purchased at Boot Barn in Texas. The staff was able to help me find the correct size (10 D) where my toes had ample room in the toe box, the width was snug (but not tight), arch was supported, and the heel had a little bit of play.HEELCowboy boots have some play in the heel which felt weird at first though I figured out that with regular shoes the laces are tied so you feel snug. If you get a little play in the heel it's normal and pinch the shaft of the boot so you can get the sensation of a good fit. In essence, it should feel like your laces aren't tied (in the heel area) but the width will keep your boot on.My second pair are Ariat Rambler's (antiqued grey) which are basically and brown/black finish. I was able to use try before you buy and went with a 9.5 EE and 10 EE. The 9.5 EE fit like a glove so I kept those. I suggest using this feature when buying boots.(SIDE NOTE: Don't be a dirtbag and just throw the return boot back in the box. Try to repack as nicely as you received them. Try them on inside and don't walk outside messing up the bottom of the boot)They were stiff the first week and they are slowly breaking in to the point where they are getting more comfortable by the day. They are a great boot and have enjoyed them. I used a little and I mean a LITTLE black polish on the toe area and buffed them to give them a more worn out look.TIPSWait until later in the day when your feet have swelled up a bit before you try on the boot as that's how your foot will be by the end of the dayWhen you slip it on you should hear the whoosh of air and a small pop to know you foot is seated properlyIF the toes/width/heel are tight like it's compressing your foot go a size up. The fit should be snug and a little uncomfortable so they can stretch/break in over time.Best JeansI use Levi Signature boot cut jeans and stack them (meaning I go 1" longer in the length)Levi's relaxed jeans to hide some of the bucket effect (looks like you have buckets around your ankles)Wrangler boot cut or relaxed(ONLY TUCK YOUR JEANS INSIDE OF YOUR BOOTS IF YOU'RE TRYING TO KEEP THE JEAN LEGS FROM GETTING MUDDY OR WET)Overall I'm happy with this boot and have been wearing them daily.Hope this helps.
✔ Verified Purchase
