Ariat boots run true to common US men’s shoe sizing. Some heritage brands like Wolverine, Red Wing, and Timberland, run half a size large, but not Ariat. The best way to know what size Ariat boots you should get is by finding the most common shoe size in your closet. Ariat also carries wide sizes, so if you have wide feet, look for a wide or EE model.
When I got my first pair of Ariat boots, I was all excited to open them up. And when I slipped ‘em on?
Way too tight.
Yep, I figured boots were all sized the same, so I picked up a size 10D like I normally do with other boot brands.
But that’s not how Ariat sizes their boots. It was a frustrating moment for me, but it was also my own fault.
You, on the other hand? You’re doing your research. And that’s why you’re not going to have the same problem.
This Ariat boots sizing guide will give you all the info you need to get the right fit the first time around.
Table of Contents
Do Ariat Boots Run Big or Small?
Ariat boots are true to size. The easiest way to know what size Ariat boots to get is to look in your closet and find whatever the most common shoe size you own is.
Your Ariats should most likely be that size.
Now, I’ll caveat that by saying this: if you mainly own boots, that may be a different story. Most of my “shoes” are actually boots. You don’t have to compliment me on my manliness now—we can save it for the end of the article.
The Groundbreaker has a lot of cushion in the insole, so it's comfortable for long work days. But the leather is tough and the steel toe can take a beating when it needs to.
Ariat sizing is closer to Nike, Adidas, Vans, and pretty much most shoes you can find in a mall.
That’s different from a lot of American boot brands. For instance, Red Wing, Timberland, and Wolverine all tend to run big, so I have to go a half-size down to get the best fit.
I’m a size 10.5D on the Brannock (that metal device you see in shoe stores). For my Ariat boots, I get a size 10.5 in the standard width (also known as “D”).
For my Red Wing, Timbs, and Wolverines, I get a size 10D.
When I get a new pair of sneakers, I always get a 10.5. So all my Ariat boots and my sneakers are the same size.
Want another example? If you’re a size 12 in all your sneakers and dress shoes, I recommend getting a size 12 in Ariat. If you were to ask me about your size in Red Wing, my first guess would be for you to get a size 11.5.
It’s really pretty simple, but because every brand sizes their shoes and boots differently, it can be confusing.
One thing I love about Ariat is that they don’t size their shoes and boots differently. So if you want a work boot from Ariat and maybe a casual sneaker as well, you should just order the same size. Makes it easy.
The Groundbreaker is an easy-to-wear platform that provides comfort and traction on a variety of surfaces. This boot is best suited for work on construction sites, factories, warehouses, or on farms and ranches.
How to Make Putting On and Taking Off Your Ariat Boots Easier
Of all the cowboy and western style work boots I’ve worn over the years, Ariat has made it the easiest to put on and take off.
But even still, western boots can be a pain to take off. Especially because I usually have a pretty stiff lower back in the morning and evening—prime times for putting on and taking off my boots.
My wife has heard her fair share of my griping about my boots.
When putting on your boots, remember this: you only use your hands to guide your foot into the boot. Use your heel to drive your foot into place. It’s much easier.
And when taking off your boots, just invest in a boot jack. Seriously, I thought these things were stupid, but they’ve saved me so much bending and pain, and they also preserve the back of the heel (because I normally would step on one heel while I slipped my foot out).
Some guys like to get fancy carved boot jacks, but honestly, the inexpensive plastic ones do a fine job. Though with a fancy wooden jack, your wife is more likely to let you leave it by the door (that’s a pro tip right there, boys).
I used to think these things were stupid, but they’ve saved me so much bending and pain when I put my work boots on. They also preserve the back of the heel (because I normally would step on one heel while I slipped my foot out).
Ariat Boots Size Chart
Ariat has a huge range of styles because they’re a work brand, casual brand, and they also have a ton of equestrian boots as well. Not to mention, they also make women’s boots and shoes.
So I have to give you several different size charts, but I’ll break them into their own categories.
Ariat Sizing for Men
I’ve put the measurement of your feet in inches to the left almost as a last resort. There’s a lot more that goes into getting the right size boot for your foot (including the height and width of your foot).
Loaded with comfort and durability, the Ariat WorkHog Waterproof Work Boot for men is designed to withstand harsh outdoor work environments and oil and gas exploration.
Again, I recommend just getting whatever size is most common in your closet. But if you’re really stuck, use a measuring tape and compare your foot length to the corresponding boot size.
Ariat Sizing for Women
Ariat’s women’s line also runs true to size, whether you’re buying shoes or boots. So ladies, you can also pick up whatever size is most common in your closet.
Ariat carries some wide widths for their boots, which not a lot of ladies brands do.
I actually picked up a pair of wider boots for my wife when she was pregnant and her feet flattened out. She went from being a standard width to wide practically overnight, and finding a wide-width was a big relief for her.
How to Measure the Calf for Ariat Boots
You don’t need to measure your calf height if you’re getting a pair of western boots. But if you’re looking at Ariat’s equestrian boot line, then getting the correct sized calf is a must.
Here’s how you should measure your calf.
Now match your calf height and width to the chart below.
The Groundbreaker has a lot of cushion in the insole, so it's comfortable for long work days. But the leather is tough and the steel toe can take a beating when it needs to.
How to Break In Ariat Boots
I’ve owned three pairs of Ariats and haven’t had any trouble breaking them in. Most Ariat boots are made with chrome tanned pull up leather, which is quite soft and supple.
They’re also mostly made with high density foam footbeds and insoles. So there’s not a lot of leather you really need to work in.
If you’re experiencing blisters or really sore feet, chances are you have the wrong size.
You can easily find a ton of “hacks” to break in your Ariat’s faster, but you really don’t need them because Ariat’s are very comfortable when brand new.
The most I would do is wear a thick pair of wool socks—my favorite are the Camel City Mill Heavyweights. I break in all my new boots with these socks.
And just because they’re thick wool doesn’t mean your feet are going to sweat all day. In fact, wool wicks sweat much better than cotton and polyester. I was surprised to find they’re the only socks that kept my feet dry all day.
The Camel City Mill Heavyweight gives me the most comfort because of the added padding through the toe, arch, and heel. These are also made with a high percentage of Merino wool, so they insulate well without making your feet sweaty.
Find the Right Size?
It’s really that simple: find the most common size you have in your closet and get your new Ariat boots in that size.
If you really want to make sure, you can get your foot measured in a Brannock device (that metal thing at the shoe stores). That’s the size you want for your new boots.
It’s a little more complicated if you’re getting an Ariat boot that has a tall calf. And no, I don’t consider their western work boots to have a “tall calf.” I’m referring mostly to their equestrian line where the boot shaft is 14” or greater.
Loaded with comfort and durability, the Ariat WorkHog Waterproof Work Boot for men is designed to withstand harsh outdoor work environments and oil and gas exploration.
But even then, you can see how I measure my calf for boots and match that to the calf sizing chart and get the right fit.
You’re ready to buy, and I’m willing to bet now that you’re going to get the perfect fit on your first try.
FAQs
Do Ariat boots come up big or small?
Ariat boots run true to size. The brand’s sizing is consistent with most US shoe brands. So if you’re normally a size 11 in your sneakers, you should get a size 11 in your Ariat boots.
Should you buy cowboy boots a half size bigger?
Each cowboy boot brand sizes their boots differently, so if you’re getting a new boot, check how the brand recommends sizing their boots first. Reviews can also be a huge help in finding out which size to get.
Why is Ariat so popular?
Ariat is popular because they make solid western and work boots with a focus on comfort. Unlike a lot of brands that stick with traditional boot making, Ariat uses new materials (much of it synthetic) to create a sort of “hybrid” boot built for comfort and performance.
Join the Discussion