I'm reviewing Ariat boots, specifically the Hybrid VentTEK breathable work boots, as well as Ariat as a whole.
I've been wearing Ariat boots for the past several years now, and without a doubt, I can say they are one of the most comfortable pairs of boots for working or just wearing around. The Ariat Hybrid western boot is also a great boot for year-round wear. With the vents in the summertime, it provides breathability and allows more air to flow throughout the boot, yet it is still high enough that you do not have to worry about water coming in from the rain, among other reasons.
They are also a very durable boot, and with a near five-star rating, they have earned it. I wear mine out to the barn every day, and for the past year and a half they have held up tremendously, with just scuffs and scrapes but nothing puncturing the leather.
An issue I usually have with other boots is the heels collapsing and my foot eventually rolling inward. With these boots, I have not had that issue because they have a solid wood heel, therefore not allowing the cushioning to collapse and end up rolling over.
Along with having a high-quality heel, the tread on the boots is fastened in two different ways: with glue, and they are also sewn on. This helps the tread stay on the boot longer. With it being sewn on, it causes less stress on the glue, resulting in a longer lifespan before worrying about the tread falling off or separating.
For reference, I had a pair of Durangos for about two years, and by the end of the first year the heel had already collapsed. By the time I had decided to get new boots, the sole was falling off because there was no stitching holding it together, just glue. Whereas I've had my Ariats for about a year and a half, and the only thing that has really happened is that I wore out the insoles, and I'm just now starting to have some of the stitching come undone.
As for Ariat as a brand, they are a high-quality brand known for their western style and durability. For a company that makes everything from boots to pants to ball caps, the quality throughout all of it is above exceptional. Granted, it may be a little more expensive, but having a pair of jeans that you wear to the barn almost every day last 2 to 3 years or more, while other brands start to fall apart and get holes from wear in only a year, makes it well worth the cost.
Who is the recommended consumer for the brand, and specifically for this boot?
In general, I think anybody should be able to wear whatever brand they want. Ariat makes clothes for everybody, and it is not my place to say whether people should wear it or not. However, I think it is more tailored to the working class who want a good-quality piece of clothing or footwear. If you are looking for a pair of boots that can endure a beating and still look just as good as they did the day before, this would be the boot for you
