****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is a nice little boot. I have trouble finding footwear - partly because I am very particular about what I want in a shoe, and partly because I have some pretty serious orthopedic issues that make it hard to find shoes that really work for me. These popped up in a "suggested" sidebar post in my social media one day, and I thought "why not? I like my Ariat cowboy boots, so I'll give them a try." That they were on a good sale was a bonus. Anyway, regardless of how I came to own them, let me tell you about the boots.1) They are Ariat quality (and that's a good thing). Everything seems to be very well-made so far (I've only had them a few months). The sole is well-attached, the lace grommets are solid with no rough edges, and the overall construction is pleasing.2) They look good. Let's face it, that's a factor. Some boots look like floppy clown shoes. Some look like they really wanted to be sneakers. These boots do neither. They are hiking boots with understated style.3) They are lightweight and don't have any extra bulk. It seems like a lot of hikers are getting the "padded" treatment, leaving you with an odd, indescribable feeling... something between being wrapped in balloons and wearing a shoe box instead of an actual shoe. Not so with these Ariats. They are streamlined without being pointy, and close without being tight.4) Along the same line, these Ariats seem to breathe much better than the last pair of "other" boots I purchased, even though those were labelled "breathable fabric" and these are honest leather.5) If I had to make a complaint, it would be about the insole, which doesn't seem to offer much support. That said, they do offer much more support than most hikers I have tried lately, and a good deal of that problem is probably due to my freak-feet and their issues. It was a problem easily fixed by swapping out the insole for a custom orthotic with the arch support I need.There you have it. I would recommend these boots to anyone who needs a solid, dependable hiker. Yes, they are a little more expensive (so keep an eye out for sales), but they seem to be built to last.
