ARIAT Darlin Western Boots

If you read nothing else in this review, read this: as with most cowboy/western boots, please size up 1 full size if you want an out-of-the-box perfect fit (with socks). Yes, these are real leather, so they will eventually stretch and form to your foot a bit. I only went up a half size and have to wear thin dress socks with them until they stretch out.

Now on to the lengthier review:

My grandmother always told me “it’s better to spend more money and buy a quality product once, than to spend less and buy a cheaper product many times over.” Her wisdom directly applies to shoes, and especially these boots. I’ve purchased many a pair of cheap knockoff, man-made, faux leather boots. It’s never done me any favors. They’re uncomfortable, they never form to your foot, and they fall apart way too quickly.

I finally bit the bullet and paid the ~$100 for these name brand, real leather, high quality boots. And let me tell you, the second I put them on, I actually teared up! They’re quite literally the most comfortable things I’ve ever worn. I have problematic feet, but I feel like I could walk the world in these boots. I have extremely large calves, but they actually fit them perfectly! They hug my feet and support my arches perfectly, they’re unbelievably flattering, and they will last me for years and years to come.

If you’re considering buying these boots, please, do yourself a favor, don’t hesitate!!! Even though the price has gone up, they are still worth every penny. Your feet will thank you!

Absolutely lovely boots. So comfy and well made. Sized up by half based on former reviews however they were a bit big. Ordered UK 6.5 instead of 6. Decided to keep anyway but 6 would have been perfect.
I love them

I normally buy size 7W but I went 1/2 size bigger. Love these boots! So comfortable to walk in, a nice versatile color, and goes with everything. I like the short style for hot days and because most boots don’t fit my big calves. These boots are perfect for me!

Read all the reviews. Was recommended for a high percentage to size up. I am a Consistent size 7. I have very narrow feet and a high arch. Recommendation was to size up by Amazon reviews I reluctantly did so. They fit perfectly and they’re beautiful. clarification I went up half a size

These shoes are super cute, first of all. I got the red pair. As for the discrepancy in shades, they are the darker red colored picture, not the bright red, which is still gorgeous.

Comfort: these shoes run quite narrow. I had to order up in size to get a comfortable fit. I’m almost always a 7.5 and I had to order another pair in an 8 and that was much better. Even so, these shoes took a lot of breaking in. I ride 2-4 times a week, sometimes more AND I ware these shoes in between to try to break them in faster – the leather is STILL pretty stiff after a few weeks. However, the arch support is great. I have flat feet and my arches feel really supported and because of that my feet feel comfortable all day in these. But the tightness of the leather makes my feet sore. I believe once these are broken in they will be very comfortable shoes.

Also, I feel like it’s worth noting that my foot got stepped on by a horse in these already and it barely left a mark (also my foot was fine but I don’t think that was the boots offering a ton of protection – they aren’t steel-toed).

All-in-all these are great boots, the only reason I gave them 4 stars is because they are taking longer than any shoe I’ve ever had to break in. But they are a pretty tough leather so maybe that’s to be expected? I’ll update once they soften up.

Fab boots that felt comfy after just wearing for half an hour