****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Typically a size 8(38 Euro), slightly wide feet(C) and extremely high arches, compounded by older age and a certain abuse of my feet and knees in youth, can make shoe/boot purchases "challenging". These are the perfect boots to trudge forward in these "sunset" years as an outdoorsy person, (forced to slow down a bit sadly) but getting the fit right has provided the usual sorts of challenges of buying any boot: Will my feet swell and how much? Thin or thick socks? Will the trusty Green Superfeet insoles remedy any problems? The size 8's arrived and were too long in the toe area; width fine; heels were slipping however. So, ordered the 7 1/2 and eagerly awaited their arrival. Length is good, with a bit of extra toe room; however, the arch support in the smaller boots' insoles weren't properly aligned with my feet. Removed Ariat insoles carefully, and inserted the trusty Green Superfeet insoles. Heel still slipped; arch support was a bit "off". Fiddled and fussed for an hour(all inside, both shoes look brand new btw) and almost was going to start over and go through the entire process again with Keen Targhees (a brief reality check reminded me that those long haul hikes are probably just a memory...and I really, really wanted leather...)Decided to return the 7 1/2s and work with thick socks and the size 8's. (PS: Before a multi week LONG walk, I went through the same process with the Targhee I, and chose the smaller size. Big mistake. Think big! Much pain in the smaller Targhees after a year of break-in and a 15 mile haul on Day 1 of a three week trail) Will report back in a year and let you know how the Ariat choice worked out. (I have an irrational trust in Ariats at times, and can only hope I chose wisely this time) I chose the larger size, 8 over 7 1/2. When you critique, I think most people want size details. Hope this helped.At first I bought a 7 1/2 but it was too big so I exchanged it for a seven and whenever I got it and looked at the box you can see the European size is 37.5. I’m usually a 37 or 37.5 in European size so I these shoes just run a half size large in America! Great shoes!These are amazing! Especially the wide Option. They fit perfectly! So comfortable and surprisingly very breathableI have difficult feet to shoe but these have been the bestI really like these Ariat all terrain boots. There are 2 issues to bear in mind. 1) they run a full size large. I had read this in other reviews and ordered a 1/2 size down, but they were still way too big.2.). It is difficult to close (new) 1/2 chaps over the thicker ankle of the boots, and while riding, the chaps slip up over the top of the back of the boot, which doesn’t affect the ride, but is quite uncomfortable once you are back on the ground. I’m hopeful that the chaps will stretch and be less of an issue.I love these boots- especially for barn work, camping and trail rides- just be aware of the size issue and if you wear 1/2 chaps, a taller thinner ankle boot might be a better choice.At the age of 50, I am preparing for my 1st hiking trip. So I got these in plenty of time to break them in. My only regret was not getting the waterproof…..but I applied my waterproof on these beautiful boots ?. I work 13 hour days…..on my feet for most of the day and walk an average of 6 miles a day while at work. Wore them to work (took extra shoes in case) but I HAD no issues! They are absolutely comfortable. I have plenty of toe space. I had ordered some ankle hiking socks from Amazon as well…..I can’t give these boots enough praise. I wear them to work at least 4 of the 6 days I work and can’t wait to go hiking. Happy feet Happy hike??♀️ I wear a women's size 11 and ordered the size 11- absolutely love that I didn’t have to get a mens size.Super comfortable shoe/ boot. I am on my feet all day and these help so much. No break-in time. One negative- they are starting to show some signs of wear on the toe stitching after about 3 weeks of use.Great shoe and comfortable. Didn’t take long to break in. Just wish they had more traction on the bottomI'd never heard of this make before but as a keen everyday walker I did a bit of research into what other walkers recommended and this one got some very good feedback. I was concerned about buying online without trying on as I need a lot of support for fallen arches and a dodgy knee. But these are perfect - and as other reviewers say - they were so comfortable from the first time of putting on. They have a kind of spongey inside with no hard edges to rub and cause blistering. I really love them and wear them every single day. I took out the detachable inner sole (which itself contains some arch support) and wear them with my orthotics and they are brilliant for my joints.I would have definitely given 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact that the laces frayed quite quickly and will need replacing pretty soon. But all in all I definitely recommend and would buy again.Size down !! I’m usually a size 7/ 7.5(slim fit) I ordered these in a 6.5 after reading reviews to go down half a size but actually got sent a 6 but I’m so glad because they fit perfectly! Definitely go down at least half a shoe size.They’ve lasted super well so far- I needed some to do general yard jobs in when it comes to spring time and something I could ride in on the odd occasion. I also work outside on my feet all day and they’ve not rubbed at all.They’re completely waterproof too which is great for this time of year?They’re super comfy!! Didn’t need breaking in at all and look nice.This is the 4th pair of these boots I have had, they are extremely comfortable. Unfortunately this pair arrived with a defective. The company I brought them of did not reply when I contacted them. The defective does not affect me wearing them but I am sure they will fall apart quicker that the other pairs I have owned.Used these boots for long winter walks in all weathers. Lovely and comfortable. Waterproof. Worth the money.Arrived quickly. Super comfy and fit perfectly with thick socks or my orthotics in. They look fabulous. Very pleased
