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Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots Review

Last updated: December 4, 2022

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

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Sure, you can always go out and buy the cheapest work boots and maybe even two pairs for the cost you pay for one pair from quality bootmakers. But if you have to work on your feet all day, comfort and safety should be your priority, and the Ariat Groundbreaker work boots may fit the bill.

Work boots are also perfect for wearing around the barn, hunting, farming, camping, and working on home improvement projects. The Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots is one of men and women’s most relied-on work boots.

If you’re in the market for a new pair of boots, you’ll want to know more about this one before you make a purchasing decision because spending all day on your feet working makes wearing the proper boots essential.

Here’s a rundown of what I’ll cover in this Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Boot review:

  • First, I’ll share the features and benefits that I think you’ll find helpful.
  • Next, I’ll take a look at the drawbacks you might need to know about
  • Then, I’ll tell you a bit about the Ariat Boot company.
  • And finally, I’ll provide a sampling of some actual customers and Independent reviews to give you better insight into the product.

Sound good? Let’s get started.

Features and Benefits of Ariat Square Toe Work Boots

  • Made with the strongest and most durable leather and resists moisture very well. Full-grain leather boots are what you want.
  • Soft, cushioned insoles provide extra comfort to your feet.
  • A wide square-toe box provides plenty of room.
  • Mesh lining for extra air-flow
  • A 90-degree heel that provides extra stability
  • Duratread rubber compound outsoles that are oil and slip-resistant
  • Ariat’s Four Layer Rebound system (4LR) technology provides generous comfort and support and is capable of withstanding heavy-duty work environments, 
  • Soft toe is ASTM safety rated.
  • Available in 2-row stitch or 4-row stitch patterns,
  • Western detailing continues the Ariat tradition.
  • Comfortable enough to wear all day.
picture of ariat groundbreaker work boots,

Special Features (Pros) of Ariat Groundbreaker Work Boots

Full-grain leather. Full-grain leather is made from the layer of an animal hide directly below the hair. It is the strongest and most durable part of the hide, and the grain pattern is exceptionally tight.

Because the grain is so tight, it is the best leather for resisting moisture. Another fact about full-grain leather is that the grain has not been altered and looks exactly as it appeared when tanned. The more you wear full-grain leather boots, the better they look and the more they soften.

Extra Comfort insoles. There are many parts in boots that are essential to making them comfortable to wear, and the insoles are one of them. Wearing boots with proper insoles has both short and long-term benefits.

When wearing boots all day, the cushion and support of a good set of insoles help relieve and prevent joint or muscle pain in your feet. Ariat’s contoured insole is cushioned for superior comfort using 4LR (4-layer rebound) technology.

This technology is used not only to provide a superior cushion but also to stabilize the foot. Also, it features a moisture-wicking liner with odor defense, so your feet stay dry all day.

Square Toe Box: Square toe cowboy boots are typically more comfortable than their pointy-toe counterparts. This is because the wide toe box doesn’t pinch your toes.

Slip-resistant outer soles– The soles of your work boots are an essential component of your work boots at many workplaces, especially if you work at sites with chemical or slip hazards.

The Duratread outsole is exceptionally flexible so you can move around comfortably, and it’s slip-resistant and resistant to acids. They’re the perfect sole for most work environments.

Ariat’s Duratread outsole is more durable and longer-lasting than traditional rubber.

Drawbacks (Cons) for Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots.

Imported: Although Ariat is an American company with headquarters in Union City, Ca. the majority of goods are now manufactured in China, except for one line made in the United States called Two24 and some others that are made in Mexico. Some people feel the quality of the company’s products has decreased since this change happened.

Fit: Some people find they fit tight across the vamp and remain loose in the heel. I haven’t had this problem, but it’s something you need to be aware of.

Size: The boots are not true to size when compared to standard walking shoes. They typically run small, so you need to order a 1/2 size larger than you would for your everyday walking shoe.

Weight: These work boots with their Duratread outsoles and safety toe give you superior protection and add weight to the boots. I don’t find them heavier than comparable work boot brands, but they are heavier than standard boots.

Video: Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots.

About the Ariat Company

The Ariat name is synonymous with comfortable cowboy boots. Trustworthy and reputable, Ariat was founded by Beth Cross and Pam Parker, both graduates of Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Ms. Cross’s worked with athletic shoe companies such as Reebok and Avia before launching Ariat with Pam Parker. They wanted to start a new innovated boot company and combined materials and technology found in athletic shoes.

Their vision and hard work paid off and made Ariat boot company a leader in the boot industry. Today Ariat boot company has expanded to other markets such as outdoor apparel and accessories for equestrian sports and other outdoor activities.

Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots Reviews

Looking at the features and benefits is great, but learning what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers better insight. Here we’ve curated reviews that reflect the Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots, providing feedback from product users and reviewers on independent review sites as well as on Amazon.

What Amazon Customers Have to Say About the Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots

Rated year after year consistently with good reviews on Amazon, these boots come highly recommended.

One verified purchaser says these boots are the “most comfortable” and the lightest he’s ever owned. This reviewer notes that he wears the boots every day to work and wears them when he rides his motorcycle.

A different Amazon verified purchaser mentions that he wears these boots to his job as a welder and works 10 hours a day. He found the ARIAT groundbreaker work boots fit great and were very comfortable. He especially appreciated the price and the feel of 100% full-grain leather. One final thing he mentioned, which is a good idea for others, he applied mink oil soon after he got his boots to increase their water resistance and preserve and condition the leather.

Another reviewer described these boots, “comfortable, supportive, and no break-in period required. What they liked the most was the support the boots provide for their weak ankles. Like others, they found the boots run big but are nice-looking boots and recommend applying mink oil soon after buying them.

Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for a high-quality, solidly made, and affordable pair of square-toe work boots, you’ve come to the right place. The Ariat Groundbreaker Square Toe Work Boots offer excellent comfort and safety in almost all work environments.

Ariat has been a leader in providing innovative and comfortable work boots for many years, and they don’t disappoint now. A variety of reviewers from different walks of life recommend these boots—and we can’t blame them!

FAQ

Are cowboy boots comfortable?

Yes, cowboy boots are comfortable, plus they support your feet and ankles, but they need to fit correctly. Ill-fitting boots can cause blisters and be very uncomfortable. Are Cowboy Boots Comfortable to Wear? Let’s Find Out.

How do you break in cowboy boots?

The best way to break in a pair of leather cowboy boots is to hold them over a pot of boiling water and let the steam rise into the shaft. After you give them a chance to cool a little, put the boots on and walk around. You can learn some more ideas here:
How to Break In Cowboy Boots to Ride and Walk-in Comfort?

Do Cowboy Boots Stretch and Mold to Your Feet?

Cowboy boots are designed to stretch and mold to your feet. Leather is pliable, and after you wear a pair of boots for one or two weeks, they should expand and fit your feet comfortably.
Tip: Wearing new boots with thick socks helps quicken the stretching process. You can learn more about buying cowboy boots and how they should fit in this article: Do Cowboy Boots Stretch and Mold to Your Feet?