Ariat boots don’t run big. You can order the same size boots as you would with sneakers. So if you wear a size 10 in Nike, Adidas, or any other major shoe brand, you should order that same size for your Ariat boots.
Let’s get you the right size for your new Ariat boots, ok?
In this Ariat boot sizing guide you’ll find size charts for men’s boots, women’s boots, plus the calf widths of their tall boots and anything else you need to know before picking up a pair of Ariat boots for yourself.
Ariat Boot Size Chart
I own three pairs of Ariat boots myself and I’ve also tested dozens of other mens boot brands, so I’m very familiar with ordering boots online.
I know how difficult it can be to get the right size for your boots, so I’ll compare Ariat’s sizing to other popular brands, plus give you a size chart so you can also measure your foot if you’re more comfortable with that method.
Ariat Boot Sizing for Men
Ariat boots run true to size, and they actually run a bit smaller than other boot brands. I’ve found that ordering my sneaker or dress shoe size in Ariat’s men’s boots is perfect.
I’m a size 10.5 in Nike, Adidas, Converse, and all my dress shoes. I’m a 10.5 in Ariat boots, too.
The most effective way to measure your feet is to have yourself measured on a Brannock device. Since Ariat boots are “true to size,” that actually means they’re true to this Brannock device.
As you can see, I’m a 10.5D. That’s why I get 10.5 size Ariat boots.
However, when I order from other boot brands like Red Wing, Wolverine, and Thursday I order a half-size smaller than my usual sneaker size.
Ariat gave these an apt name. These waterproof work boots are tough. Combine that with Ariat's ATS comfort system, and suddenly working on your feet for 10-12 hours straight is much easier.
Ariat boot sizing is similar to Justin boot sizing and many other western boot brands, so if you already have a pair of boots from Justin, you can get the same size for your Ariats.
Ariat often carries B narrow, D standard, and EE wide sizes as well. Most folks are a standard D width. However, if you have wide feet, an E, EE, or EEE width is ideal for you.
It’s quite infrequent that you’ll need a B narrow width, but it’s good to know that Ariat has some stock if you happen to have a more narrow foot.
Ariat Boot Sizing for Women
The sizing for Ariat womens boots is quite similar to the mens: whatever you wear for your sneakers is the same for your boots.
If you normally buy a size 7 for the majority of your shoes, get a size 7 in your boots.
One important note: if your feet are a little bit longer than the suggested “inches” on the size chart, you will likely still fit in your regular size.
For instance, if you’re a women’s size 7, but your feet are more like 9 1/2″ long, you should still get the size 7. The only time this wouldn’t be true is if the boot is exceptionally slim and pointed at the end of the boot.
But almost no Ariat boots are that narrow toward the toe, so it’s really not an issue.
Again, the best way to know your Ariat size is to get your foot measured on a Brannock. The size chart above will just give you another point of reference. You can “give or take” about 3/4 of an inch and still get a comfortable fit on the length of the boot.
Ariat also carries a variety of widths for women, so you can pick up an extra wide boot in most leather options. There are a few leather options available in slimmer widths as well.
You can also use a tape measure and get the length of your foot and compare that against the sizing chart we have above.
Ariat Tall Boot Sizing
If you’re buying a tall pair of Ariat’s you’ll also need to take some calf measurements.
Keep in mind that this measurement doesn’t apply if you’re just buying a regular pair of cowboy boots. This is more important for Ariat’s riding boots where the calf of the boot comes just below your knee.
If you’re looking at a 12″ pair of cowboy boots, you don’t need any other measurement than your standard boot size. And whether they have boot pulls or not shouldn’t make a difference.
But if you’re measuring your calf for a riding boot, the graphic above shows you the three key dimensions you need to know.
Make sure you’re sitting down when you take the measurements (in inches), and if you can get someone else to help you, that’ll ensure you get an accurate reading.
The width of your calf is the primary measurement, so you can decide whether you need a standard width calf or a full width calf. To match the boot size and calf width, check out the detailed chart below.
Ariat Boots Calf Width Sizing
Ariat has a solid range of riding boots that come up over the calf for both men and women. For their western boots and work boots, the calf size doesn’t make a difference (unless you have absolutely massive calves).
But knowing your calf size is very important if you’re getting a pair of riding boots, which Ariat carries a selection of.
Using the method of measuring your calf as shown in the diagram above, find the circumference of your calf. You may need a standard width calf, or you might need the slightly larger “full” width.
Note that Ariat doesn’t carry their riding boots in half-sizes above 10, and they don’t carry any sizes larger than 11.
Again, the calf size chart above only applies if you’re looking at riding boots specifically. The calf size isn’t important if you’re buying one of Ariat’s western or work boots.
Ariat Half Chaps Sizing
Ariat has a huge variety of sizes available for their half chaps, and some models differ from one another. To get the most up to date sizing information on their half chaps, visit this page on the Ariat site.
It’s much easier to find the right size half chaps than it is to find a full riding boot. When you combine a paddock boot with a half chap, you get the same coverage as you would a riding boot, but you’re able to mix and match to get something that fits your foot and your calves.
Plus, with half chaps, you can choose how high you want the leather to come up your calf.
How to Get the Right Size for Ariat’s Riding Boots
You’ll need to know 3 things when picking your riding boots from Ariat. Since Ariat mostly sells horse riding boots for women, my examples will all use women’s sizing standards.
1. Size Length
Ariat is true to size, so you should get your most common shoe size. No need to size up or down.
However, there’s an important note here: Ariat only sells their riding boots in B standard width. If you need a wider boot, you may want to size up a half step.
2. Calf Circumference
With sizes ranging from X-Slim to X-Large (6 calf sizes in total), this is an important piece to consider if you want a snug, comfortable fit.
Use the graphic below to get your calf measurement in inches:
3. Calf Height
Ariat offers two heights for their riding boots: medium and tall.
Medium and tall heights range depending on your size, but medium is always 2.5″ inches shorter than tall.
The shaft will soften and slouch a bit over time, resulting in around 1/2″ shorter boots, so if they’re just on the cusp for you, then going higher is often better.
How to Break in Ariat Boots
Breaking in a pair of Ariat boots is easy compared to many other boot brands. For a full list of tips and tricks, you can read our guide on how to break in cowboy boots.
When you first get your Ariat boots, wear them inside on a carpeted surface for at least an hour. If you start to feel any tingling in your feet, that means they’re too small.
Your boots should feel snug, but not overly tight. Your heel and ankle also should have too much room to knock around. The leather on your boots will stretch a little as they fully break in, so take that into consideration when you first try your boots on.
Once you’ve worn them for an hour or so on a carpeted surface, you can be confident you have the right size. The second you wear your new boots outside, you’re rarely able to return them.
Really, one or two days of wearing is all it takes for a pair of Ariat boots to be decently broken in. I’ve never had an issue with blisters or sore feet in my new Ariats, and they feel basically just like sneakers out of the box.
But because they’re leather, they’ll stretch, crease, and break in a bit more in the first 10 miles of walking.
The Ariat Groundbreaker is our top budget pull-on work boot and it offers solid value for money. While it’s incredibly comfortable, easy to put on, and offers decent protection while doing light-duty work, the cemented sole won’t last as long as the Goodyear welted Ariat WorkHog, nor does the Groundbreaker offer as much water resistance.
Get to Work
Think you have the right size?
Ariat boots are easy to get right, so you shouldn’t have any trouble.
Plus, they have a simple return policy, so even if you still accidentally get the wrong size, it’s easy to rectify.
So do you know what size you’re getting?
Ariat gave these an apt name. These waterproof work boots are tough. Combine that with Ariat's ATS comfort system, and suddenly working on your feet for 10-12 hours straight is much easier.
FAQs
Should you size up in Ariat boots?
No, you should order the same size in Ariat boots as you would with sneakers or dress shoes. So if you’re a size 10 in sneakers, you should order a size 10 in Ariat boots.
Should cowboy boots be tight or loose?
Cowboy boots shouldn’t be tight or loose. They should be snug, but never make your feet tingle or cramped. It’s important to note that cowboy boots can be difficult to put on, but still fit perfectly. Stand up and push your heel down in a pair of cowboy boots to get your heel locked into place.
Will cowboy boots loosen up?
Over time, the leather on your boots will stretch a bit to get a more relaxed feel. This makes it easier to put your boots on. When you’re buying your cowboy boots, note that the leather will stretch. It’s OK to have a bit of snugness in the fit because the leather will relax.
