Ariat Mens WorkHog Wide Square Toe Steel Toe Work Boot Dark Earth/Brick 9.5 Review

Sizing:Short version: I'd recommend trying a half size below your running shoe size(e.g. size 11 running, get size 10.5 in these). Then if your feet are wide in some of your shoes, get wide (EE). The leather will break in on tight shoes, but not the steel toe.Long version: Sizing with Ariat boots I've found to be very tricky, and that's probably my only complaint with these boots or the company. In short, I've found all Ariat boot styles to fit slightly differently. On a trip to Nashville I tried on numerous pairs of Ariat boots and from everything from a 9-EE (wde) to a 11.5-R (regular) to fit me well. In my other steel toe boots, Belleville 550 ST (combat style opposed to western) I wear a 10.5-R. Typically in shoes that run narrow, I need wide shoes. My feet are wide, but not so wide that I always need wide footwear. Based on my experience with the sizing and what I'd put on, I tried an 11-EE in these first (same as my running shoe size), which was slightly too big. Ariat's description of how to fit them reads:"When you slide your foot into a boot, use either boot pulls to pull it on while sitting, or stand up in to the boots. A well-fitting boot should fit your heel snugly. Expect a small amount of movement (lift) in the heel as you walk, because a boot that fits properly should flex as you walk, and your heel should lift a little, but not too much. New boots will have a stiffer sole. As you break in the boot, the sole will flex to a comfortable level and most slippage should stop."I found this to be a bit misleading. There was about 5mm extra room with my thumb on the toe of the sole in front of my foot, and my heel lifted from the boot slightly as I walked. I felt like that matched their description, but it didn't feel right. It seemed loose. So I ordered a pair a size down (10.5-EE) and it was a perfect fit. So in summation, I found that the best fit was to match the same size as my other steel toe boots and go with wide. Leather will break in so you want them to be pretty snug when you first wear them The steel toe won't however, so if it's hurting your toes or pinching them on the sides at the steel toe, you need to try a larger size.Quality -Initial:I will update this review when I've had more time to wear the boots and get a feel for how they hold up. That said, my initial impression is high. The boots are very comfortable, once you're in the right size, and feel great. The sole is much nicer than most boots I've owned. They go into detail on the purpose of each layer (see the Ariat ATS Max photo in the product description). At this point I'm confident that the slight aeration to the soles will help pull away moisture so that it doesn't feel like your standing in a puddle after slight to moderate sweating. The arch support is also good, a problem I usually have with other shoes and need to buy my own inserts. It's not so extreme that I think people with flatter feet than mine will have issue but enough that it's comfortable even with my higher arches. With work socks on the material had the right amount of friction that it doesn't slide nor stick so much that it irritates my feet or is hard to remove, perfect amount of grip. The steel toe is great, and I barely notice it. I've had other western style boots where the steel toe was sort of wedged and it was very uncomfortable on my big toe. No such issue here. These are honestly some of the most comfortable boots I've owned out of the box. I won't need to break these in as much as other's I've owned.The material on the outside is as nice and as of high a level of workmanship as the photos and what you would expect from Ariat. Stitching and leather are superb. Honestly the quality of these boots is high enough that they're great for work in rough environments or even as nice boots for wearing out if kept clean.Cons: Price is high, although it is worth it. Sizing is tricky, but once you have that down it's a great fit.These boots met and exceeded my expectations. I typically am not one to give 5 stars unless I'm truly impressed with the product and have no critique. I would dock it 0.5 stars for difficulty with sizing and price, but not worth docking a whole star.

I have had 2 pairs of these things. They are well made and comfortable. Wore them in the oilfield and out on the ranch. They are good boots.

Only have worn them once, but initially I really like these boots. Construction appears to be very good quality. Very comfortable. Look good. Wore them to work the first day and was really impressed with the support and comfiness. Only reason for 4 vs 5 stars is fact they are a little large. Size is always a concern when ordering online. I read reviews and concluded I should order my shoe size. Probably should have ordered 1/2 size smaller - they're boots, right? , But, they slip on & off easily and I can always wear thicker socks. Better than too tight. So far, so good.After 6 months, I remain very pleased and impressed with these boots. I wear thicker socks to deal with the larger sizing and find them to be comfortable all day long. Increased rating to 5 stars.Now nearly 3 years after the initial purchase, I stand by my earlier comments and 5 star rating. Only wear them about one day a week and applied mink oil a couple times, but these boots still look & feel great.

These are good looking, solid work boots. A very substantial tread of the sole and chunky heal area are really nice.They are a bit tight getting in, just where the upper meets the lower part. But once you’re seated in then, they feel nice.I’ve only had them a couple weeks so far, and I’ve never had this brand before, so I can’t yet comment on durability. But a board with nails slammed on my foot already and there wasn’t any penetration or much scuffing really.They fit perfectly between when I wear bogs and when I wear Merrill Mocs. They won’t be as warm as the bogs when it hits double digit negative temperatures later this week, but I won’t use them for that.I’ll come back and add the 5 star after a few months when I’ve gotten them worn in some and I can see how they perform come mud season.

I've been wearing a pair of these boots for the last 2 1/2 years and I found them durable and comfortable. That is why I bought another pair, the product is superior to others I've tried in the price range.I didn't get the exact replacement this time because the version I bought originally is not available so I went for a small upgrade and I'm not disappointed.The only complaint I have is that boots have gone up in price considerably since I last purchased Ariat work boots due to Stagflation.Overall I'd say Fit - ✔, Quality - ✔, Priced for the market 🤬, but a good value in comparison to others. I'm just happy they were available in my size!

These Steel toed boots were a gift for my grandson. He said he has never ordered a pair of boots from anywhere and got the right size and fit. He was totally amazed at the fit and how nice they looked on his foot. I cannot take a picture of them because he does not live with me, and they are on his feet. I do not know much about steel toed boots, but I did look them over and they are of a fine quality, and he said he will be ordering his boots from here from now on and telling his friends.

Boots arrived looking almost perfect. On boot had a small scratch by heel. Didn't really bother me because they look great and feel like good quality. I wear 10.5 and that's what I ordered. Was surprised they fit nice. Had them 3 days and feel good walking in them. These my first Ariats so hope they don't disappoint after about a year.

I work in a shop making I beams and on my feet 10+hrs a day. My advice is order some inserts as the ones that come with the boots are useless. Other than that great purchase