ARIAT Men's Heritage Lacer Boot

First of all, I am writing an honest review. I bought the boots for looks and these look fantastic. They aren't as slick bottomed as my regular cowboy boots as I had broken my wrist from a fall several years ago one time and one time only. I bought the cheap knock off pair of these that were about 50 dollars less first. The left boot was smaller than the right boot, the leather looked cheap and plasticy, and they weren't comfortable, nor did they fit right. The sides of the boot didn't cover the tongue on the left one.This boot on the other hand reeks of American quality. I read someone wears these things for two years which is good for them. Mine look like they will last 20 years. The fit is spot on and both boots appear equal in size, which is the least one should expect in a boot.The boot looks about 150 dollars nicer than the china made boot being this one should sell for 250 dollars if the other one sells for 100. I wear an 11.5 size shoe with E or EE width for perfect fit. Really wanted these and only D width were available. I ordered 12 D and is not cramped at all. Width at toe is tiny bit snug (not cramped) and width at ball of foot is tiny bit loose but would describe it as roomy not loose.I love everything about these and they were everything I was looking for. I would have put up with quite a bit of stuff just because I love the looks of these, but didn't have to. The other boots began with the same letter as these and were packers.lastly, my opinion and just an opinion, if you only have 100 to spend on boots save up till you have the 150 for these. My wife hated the other boots and love these. She is a tight wad and says the extra 50 was totally worth it.

This is my 4th or 5th pair of these boots. I wear them exclusively, and I usually wear them out after about 2 years (if I took better care of the leather, they would last much longer). I wear them out in the mud and muck while I'm with my horses, then I rinse them off and wear them to work. They are incredibly comfortable and I can put my orthotics in them without a problem. I used to buy them in town, but the store I bought them from no longer carries them in town (and they were much more expensive online). Here I bought them from South Texas Tack and I was very pleased. I will be coming back to get another pair when I wear my current ones out!There are several features that I insist on when I purchase boots, and these are currently the only ones I can find that have all of them:1 - thin rubber soles. I like leather soles, but I am clumsy and they are slick, so I end up falling more when I wear those. I also see many boots with thick rubber soles. I ride horses, so I need to have flexibility with my feet and not have my feet get stuck in my stirrups.2 - over the ankle. I end up twisting my ankle anytime I wear shoes that don't go over my ankle. I like the support these provide.3 - plastic lace hooks. When I wear boots that have metal lace hooks, I always break the hooks within a couple of months. I have done this with $200 boots (I was not happy when that happened...) I have to tighten the top of my boots quite a bit (I wear wide, but my ankles are not wide), and the metal hooks always get strained and bend and break. I have not had any of these plastic hooks break in all the years (over a decade) I've been wearing these boots.4 - removable insert. I use orthotics, so it is very helpful to be able to remove the insert and make more room for those. This one is not a requirement, but it is nice.

Best fitting boots I’ve ever owned. They were great right out of the box. All boots have a break in; but these are a great platform.

My family alway wore Justin lacers but these Ariat are great! Got them for my son’s Bday and they were comfy strait out of box. Great price! His regular size fit perfectly.

I've had Ariat boots before and they are very comfortable. Their quality is better than most brands. Unfortunately the size is a bit narrow and have to return it.

Shipping was fast. Boots have good toe room and the sizing, 11D was very good.

I waited to write this review because I normally go through shoes faster than the average person. I can completely destroy the cushioning of the soles before ever wearing out a shoe. No insoles can help that. I had a pair of these over 20yrs ago that I loved. Don't know where they ever dissappeared to. Reminiscing, I bought these in Jan 2023. Here we are 6 months later and I've tossed several pairs of other shoes in the trash. These have been my go to for 6 months now. I'm now debating on adding the slip on version of these for just the quick jaunts outside. Might even just replace my Justin's roper that I've had forever. They looked great for dressed up but they were never comfortable for long. I can wear these all day long and with the thickest Darn Tough wool socks made and my feet never hurt or get cold.

I love these boots, so comfortable!