Ariat Men’s Catalyst VX Brown MetGuard Round Composite Toe Zip and Velcro Work Boot

Apologies for the wordy review, but if you're one that wants the full picture here it goes:

Bought a pair of these to replace my old pair of WorkHog Ariats. While they of course provide more ankle support than a slip on boot the micro Velcro straps began to fail within the first 2 months of work. A more reliable closure system is definitely necessary for a rework of this boot. The waterproofing was shot by month 4. And to add to the waterproofing issues, the liner only goes to the base of the ankle so you're really only protected from getting wet to a depth of approximately 4" in comparison to an 11" slip on. The soles wear about the same as the WorkHogs... currently going on 7 months with this pair and I would say by 6 months my pair was ready for replacement (Working 6 days a week with 15k to 25k steps/day on various industrial demolition sites). The met guard could also use some additional stiffening... maybe the use of multiple components to maintain flexibility but the use of a much harder material and stiffer material is needed. Carbon Fiber or whatever Ariat uses for its composite toe protection.

Positives of this boot:

* The rubber cover over the toe cap is great for warding off cuts from sharp steel while demolishing power plants or protecting from the razor edge of a piece of ductwork from a gut out job in a commercial building. Also protects with abrasion resistance against concrete rubble while doing below grade removals and surveying. This feature alone was the reason I tried a pair over the met guard WorkHog slip ons as I have had debris slice through the leather at the front of the toe box and there goes your waterproofing. This feature was great and performed above my expectations. I would add this to the met guard WorkHog slip on immmediately.

* Break in time was very quick as I have come to expect with Ariat and their footwear. On my work schedule, within a week they were 100% broken in and were comfortable out of the box with minor hot spots from wearing in at the beginning.

Does this pair of boots live up to its $300... short answer no. However, as boots go, the Ariat brand and this set of boots still outperforms many top competitors and to this date I have not found a more dependable brand than Ariat; however, a major redesign of this product is needed in order to warrant spending $300.

I work for a city water and sewer department. I have had these boots since early September and they haven't been waterproof for a couple months. The bottom velcro straps won't stay secure and the liner in the right boot has been pulling out with my foot. If you like to replace boots every 4-6 months then these are great but if you want them to last a year then dont buy these.

I bought these as a deviation from red wing because I find their boots heavy and I wanted to branch out before I got too set in my ways. I cannot express how great these boots are. I’m a welder and having the 8” on them helps a lot. The soles are very nice. I will be VERY upset if they ever discontinue these boots.

Not a bad boot so far. Works well for welding and torching. Water proof is only good to the middle strap. I thought is was all the way up like my old boots but it's not. All in all I would order again. I hope maybe in the future they make them water proof all the way up the boot for the money you spend.

I bought these a couple months ago. Turns out they were about half a size or maybe even a full size to big. I’m only giving them four stars because I couldn’t just send them back and swap them out for the right size. Customer service told me I would have to completely refund and reorder them to get the right size. But I used my one time 10% discount to cover the cost of the express shipping. So Instead of sending them back I bought some dickies work socks to help fill them out and I love them. Even with the inconvenience I will probably buy a second pair just to keep in storage for when these finally give out.

I first bought these in Nevada, on a vacation, mind you.
I am a ready mix driver, I am in acid, mud, water, uneven ground. These are the best things since peanut butter. My feet stay dry, warm, and breathe in the summer, I work anywhere from 6-16 hous a day, comfortable all day. I just bought my second pair and am waiting for them to come in. 2+ yrs. Best money ever spent. Thank you ARIAT.

My pair just arrived. I usually get Matterhorn miner boots( the tiger toe outlasts the boot but last pair I got really bothered my right foot after the steel toe shifted. No matter what boot I’ve tried my right foot hurts. Put these on today and after a couple hours no pain in the right foot. They look cool too and easy off and on for climbing in and out of my sleeper in truck.

I bought these boots 4 months ago and they are superior to other boots. I work in stone machining,which means these boots are put to the test. Other waterproof boots fail after 2 months in constantly we t conditions. These boots are still holding up great and i work 60- 100+ hrs a week. Do yourself a favor and by a pair.

I have had these a few months; I go thru a lot of boots; these are really well made and comfortable with the zipper on the side they are easier to to get in and out of; one of the best pair I have owned