ARIATMen's Mesteno Western Cowboy Boot

First, I'd like to say that I LOVE Ariat Boots. In the past, they have always come with quality and precision. What happened here? I don't know. A fluke, maybe...hopefully.These are beautiful boots, BUT I feel like I paid $250 for a pair of factory seconds. You know...the ones that don't pass the QC check, and you see at an outlet store, or even worse, at a ROSS or Marshall's, that has been given a discount due to defects. Now, if one of these defects had been the issue, I might have sucked it up as stuff happens, but when there are 5 defects (1 on the left boot and 4 on the right) it seems like either the Ariat QC process is missing things, or ARIAT isn't what it use to be. I'd prefer to think it's the former and not the latter, but I didn't want to blow this off when I returned them, as I'd have wished to have been forwarned prior to making the purchase. So, for the record, and if necessary, for Amazon to see the issues I had with the boots. I will attach photos and ID the problem to the photo. I also show the other boot for comparison.1) Tip of the outsole of the (R)right boot has a stitch that seems to have been ground down too far. (Photo A and B)(L) Left How it should look. (Photo C)2) Sole of (L) boot has deterioration of the stitching area, which could lead to early failure of the sole. (Photo D)(R) How it should look. (Photo E)3) Top of the inner outsole (R) stitching, again, ground down too far and seems to have a repair to it. (Photo F)(L) How it should look. (Photo G)4) (R) Leather has a small gouge in it. (Photo H)5) (R) Inner vamp of the boot, leather has a pronounced crease compared to the (L). (Photo I)Now, this hasn't turned me against Ariat boots, only THIS pair. But I have to be honest, I'll be much more aware of what to look for when I make my future purchases of their boots, IN PERSON.

I bought these for my son and he was not disappointed.

Tight fit as expect. Once broken in these will be perfect. 2nd pair I've ordered in past 6 yrs.

I love everything about these boots. They are taking a while to break in but that's a good sign the leather is of quality and will last. The soles didn't take long but the rest of the boot is. These are from Ariats performance line, I have another pair from this line that I always wear and are going strong after 4 years of abuse. They just need reheeled is all. I expect these boots to last me a very long time and I love the colors but be careful walking on linoleum as they will scuff the floor and I'm personally not a big fan of scrubbing the floors with a mr clean power eraser.

Very comfortable and feel like they will last a long time time. Thanks

happy with boots

Just seemed a little longer than my normal 9.5 ee. Other than that they are perfect

Look and fit great first pair of Western boots I've owned didn't know what to expect but very happy with how they fit not to mention they look great took a bit to get used to how to walk in but broke in well and love them