Ariat Work & Western Boots Sizing Guide

Ariat is among the most popular and trusted brands offering top-quality Western boots.

The Western or cowboy boot style stands out as a fashionable choice, but Ariat also offers it in work boot versions that perform even better on the job.

The premium look and overall quality make Ariat work & Western boots worthy investments, which can be maximized even more when the products have the right size from the beginning. In this article, we’ll discuss the details and steps to help you get the correct size for your Ariat work & Western boots in the most convenient yet effective way.

Ariat: A Brief History

The brand’s name was derived from “Secretariat” – the name of the thoroughbred that won the Triple Crown during the 1973 Kentucky Derby. The company’s co-founder remembered being awed by the renowned racehorse’s prowess and passionate spirit.

This experience was the inspiration for the name “Ariat” being used as the company started producing equestrian boots that were much more comfortable than the traditional styles.

Ariat work boots and Western boots use fine-quality leather primarily from cattle ranchers in the US. The leather is responsibly obtained from sources certified by the Leather Working Group to follow environmentally sound practices.

Ariat boots are sturdy enough to withstand demanding outdoor and work settings while having comfortable structures for ease of movement throughout the day.

Ariat Boot Size Charts

Ariat provides its size charts for clients to use when choosing work boots, Western boots, and other footwear options.

These charts include conversions to European and UK sizing, making it more convenient to compare sizing for international users.

Men

Women

Trying On Ariat Western Boots

Ariat’s premium Western boots have pull-on styles with Western accents, including intricate stitching details and multi-colored shafts. The classic cowboy boot typically reaches the middle of the calf, while the roper style is shorter.

These boots don’t have lacing systems to help with fit adjustments, so selecting the correct size upon purchase is important.

When trying on these tall boots, we recommend following the steps below to get the best results when choosing the right size.

• Make sure to wear the socks you plan on using with the boots (later on) when choosing the right size.
• Slide your foot into a boot by pulling on the tabs or straps on top while sitting.
• You can also slide your foot in while standing up. In this case, you can use your body weight to lock your foot into the boot after it slides in.
• The heel should fit securely but still have enough room to lift slightly when you walk. This allows the foot to flex and move naturally.
• However, ensure the heel doesn’t feel too loose because this can result in unstable steps.
• The upper should fit snugly over the instep but not too tight so that the foot can flex comfortably.
• You can also determine if you have the right size using the footbed, which must be removed first from the boot. Step on the footbed to check if there’s enough clearance from the tip of your longest toe until the end of the footbed. If you can fit your thumb into this small space, you have the correct boot size, giving just enough room for heel slippage.

Alternatively, if trying on the boots isn’t possible (for example, when you’re buying online), you need to measure your feet and consult the size charts to get the best fit for Western boots.

Trying On Ariat Work Boots

Ariat work boots come in different styles, including lace-up and pull-on designs.

The ones with Western styles look just like those for lifestyle use but are reinforced with features, making them suitable for more demanding environments at work.

The steps for trying on Western boots apply to pull-on work boots, with more attention to how the work boot feels inside.

• For pull-on Ariat work boots with safety toe caps, check to ensure that the toe caps don’t push onto the toes or cause painful pinching.
• For boots with thickly cushioned insoles – wear the boots and walk around to check that the interior doesn’t feel too tight because of the thick padding.

Meanwhile, we suggest following the steps below for Ariat work boots with laces to ensure that you’ll get the right fit.

• Slide your foot in and leave the laces untied first.
• Push your foot forward to check if there is a bit of room behind in the heel section. If no space is created when you push your foot forward, the boot is too small. Try the next half-size up to see if it fits better.
• Place your foot in the center of the boot and tie the laces snugly but still with enough space to allow the foot to flex naturally.
• The toes should not rub against the toe box, which should have ample wiggle room for comfort.
• The back of the boot needs a small space to allow the heel to lift slightly with every step, promoting comfortable walking and ease of motion. This slippage will disappear as the leather eventually follows the foot’s shape.

Are Ariat Work Boots & Western Boots True to Size?

Ariat boots typically run slightly larger compared to boots from other brands.

It should be noted that the fit and sizing details can vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to measure your feet and use the size charts to get the correct size.

Some people may find the perfect fit for Ariat work boots or Western boots by going down half a size, while others achieve a comfortable fit by using their regular shoe size.

Sizing variances will also be affected by other factors, including boot style (lace-up or pull-on), the thickness of internal cushioning, and the presence of safety toe caps.

Personal Testing Experience

It’s time to share our experiences while using premium Ariat work boots and Western boots. The Groundbreaker 6-Inch II Work Boot uses waterproof leather and the complete DRYShield waterproof construction to effectively seal out liquids and keep the foot dry in wet conditions. The steel toe caps guarded the toes and kept them safe from crushing injuries from heavy falling objects. The Duratread outsole offered strong traction for better walking stability and came with a 90-degree heel that helped maintain stability while going up and down ladders. The reflective piping helped make the boot easier to see in dark settings. However, we discovered the boot was challenging to put on and take off, even with the lacing system.

On the other hand, the VenTEK Ultra Western Boot showcased classic Western stitching details on the shaft in vivid colors for an eye-catching aesthetic. Its shaft was fitted with VentTEK mesh panels that welcomed generous airflow and kept the foot feeling cool all day. The Mesh X-Static pure silver lining delivered reliable odor control for lasting foot freshness. The Bantamweight outsole is considerably lighter than conventional rubber soles but only offers a limited grip on most surfaces.

Conclusion

Ariat work and Western boots deliver high-quality performance and aesthetic value that can be enjoyed at work and for style purposes. To get the most out of your boots, it’s crucial to get the right size from the beginning – and this can be achieved either by personally trying on the boots or by using the manufacturer’s sizing charts as guides. Pull-on style across the work boot and Western boot offerings may be trickier to get the correct size, especially since their fit can’t be adjusted with laces. However, following our recommendations and the manufacturer’s size guides will make it easier for you to enjoy premium quality Ariat boots in the perfect size for superior comfort and function.