Ariat Life
Western, How-Tos
The perfect pair of boots do more than look great — they have to be comfortable to wear all day. Browse our guide to learn how to find the most comfortable boots for women and men.
4/26/21
Without comfortable boots, your day probably feels as long as your shot at winning the lottery. Thankfully, there are a few ways to create the comfy boots that you’re longing for. Check out our six tips to get your boots so comfortable you’ll never want to take them off.
1. Break in Your Boots
The most comfortable boots are thoroughly broken in. A good pair of broken-in boots will conform to your feet, making walking, running and standing throughout the day much more comfortable. As your boots age and continue to break in, the materials become more pliable, giving them less resistance and allowing them to move with you. Try the steps below for comfortable boots with that broken-in feel.
- Wear them regularly. The easiest way to break in boots is through frequent wear. The breaking-in process can take a few days or weeks, depending on the boots and what you do while wearing them. Start with an hour or two and build up to a full day.
- Wear them with two pairs of socks. As long as it doesn’t cause discomfort, you can wear your boots for a few hours a day with two pairs of socks. The bulk of the extra padding helps stretch and break in your boots more rapidly than typical single-sock wear.
- Gently apply heat to leather boots. This is a go-to tip for how to make leather boots more comfortable. For most leather boots, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to gently encourage the leather to stretch and shape to your foot and leg. Put your boots inside a boot tree and carefully apply heat in three-second intervals, feeling the boots with your hand in between passes. Stop heating the boots before they’re hot to the touch, as going any hotter will damage the boots. Increase the tension on the boot tree once the boots are warmed up and let them cool back down to room temperature.
Purchase a boot tree here for proper breaking in and storage: Shop Ariat Boot Tree
Browse our most comfortable work boots and cowboy boots:
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
“Hands down the more comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.” - yhcela
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Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
“Hands down the more comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.” - yhcela
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Rambler Western Boot
"They are hands down without question the greatest and most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned." - cavscoutfarmer
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Rambler Western Boot
Rambler Western Boot
"They are hands down without question the greatest and most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned." - cavscoutfarmer
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Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
“Hands down the more comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.” - yhcela
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Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
Groundbreaker 6" Work Boot
“Hands down the more comfortable boot I’ve ever worn.” - yhcela
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Rambler Western Boot
"They are hands down without question the greatest and most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned." - cavscoutfarmer
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Rambler Western Boot
Rambler Western Boot
"They are hands down without question the greatest and most comfortable pair of footwear I've ever owned." - cavscoutfarmer
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2. Swap Insoles
Whether you’re looking for the most comfortable cowboy boots or you’re after advice on how to make boots more comfortable, changing out the insole is one of the top ways to create ultimate comfort. Especially with well-loved boots, the once-buoyant foam insole is compressed over time into a wafer-thin layer that no longer provides quality support. Changing the insoles in your boots is a fast and affordable way to add cushioning for your heels and arches.
Shop Ariat Insoles:
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Smart Rebound™ absorbs shock and dissipates pressure in the heel.
WOMENMEN
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Smart Rebound™ absorbs shock and dissipates pressure in the heel.
WOMENMEN
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
Moisture-wicking liner with odor defense.
WOMENMEN
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
Moisture-wicking liner with odor defense.
WOMENMEN
Cobalt VX Footbed
"...these have been, hands down, the best insoles I've bought. " - Ashley V
WOMENMEN
Cobalt VX Footbed
Cobalt VX Footbed
"...these have been, hands down, the best insoles I've bought. " - Ashley V
WOMENMEN
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Smart Rebound™ absorbs shock and dissipates pressure in the heel.
WOMENMEN
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Pro Performance Round Toe Insole
Smart Rebound™ absorbs shock and dissipates pressure in the heel.
WOMENMEN
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
Moisture-wicking liner with odor defense.
WOMENMEN
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
All Day Cushioning Round Toe Insole
Moisture-wicking liner with odor defense.
WOMENMEN
Cobalt VX Footbed
"...these have been, hands down, the best insoles I've bought. " - Ashley V
WOMENMEN
Cobalt VX Footbed
Cobalt VX Footbed
"...these have been, hands down, the best insoles I've bought. " - Ashley V
WOMENMEN
3. Switch Up Your Laces
Relieve pressure points by switching up the lace pattern on your lace-up boots. Instead of using a standard criss-cross lace pattern, try another style of lacing like the Army Method to create additional space and alleviate pressure in the top of your foot, heel, arch and toes.
Shop our most comfortable lace-up boots:
RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
“...they have been an absolute dream and I couldn't ask for anything better for the price point." - Nico27
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RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
“...they have been an absolute dream and I couldn't ask for anything better for the price point." - Nico27
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Recon Lace Boot
"Can honestly say these are the most comfortable shoes ive ever had. Even more so than sneakers." - Ryan73
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Recon Lace Boot
Recon Lace Boot
"Can honestly say these are the most comfortable shoes ive ever had. Even more so than sneakers." - Ryan73
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RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
“...they have been an absolute dream and I couldn't ask for anything better for the price point." - Nico27
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RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
RigTek 8" Wide Square Toe Composite Toe Men’s Work Boot
“...they have been an absolute dream and I couldn't ask for anything better for the price point." - Nico27
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Recon Lace Boot
"Can honestly say these are the most comfortable shoes ive ever had. Even more so than sneakers." - Ryan73
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Recon Lace Boot
Recon Lace Boot
"Can honestly say these are the most comfortable shoes ive ever had. Even more so than sneakers." - Ryan73
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4. Store with Care
When stored properly, your boots keep their shape better and last longer. Boots with a long shaft can collapse and wrinkle between uses and become rigid and uncomfortable. This can be avoided with a boot tree that goes inside the shaft of your boots and applies tension so that the shaft maintains its shape. For long-lasting comfort, keep your boots indoors with a boot tree when not in use.
Care Tip: Properly cleaning cowboy boots and polishing leather boots are critical care steps that increase longevity and keep your boots pliable and comfortable over time.
Shop our favorite and most comfortable tall-shaft boots:
PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
“They feel so soft and so comfortable...The in soles are so comfy.” - Lizzymay
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PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
“They feel so soft and so comfortable...The in soles are so comfy.” - Lizzymay
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Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
“This boot is not only very comfortable to walk around in, but its durable. ” - HorseRider13
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Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
“This boot is not only very comfortable to walk around in, but its durable. ” - HorseRider13
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Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadltd78
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Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadltd78
SHOP NOW
PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
“They feel so soft and so comfortable...The in soles are so comfy.” - Lizzymay
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PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
PrimeTime Women's Western Boot
“They feel so soft and so comfortable...The in soles are so comfy.” - Lizzymay
SHOP NOW
Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
“This boot is not only very comfortable to walk around in, but its durable. ” - HorseRider13
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Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
Round Up Square Toe Women's Western Boot
“This boot is not only very comfortable to walk around in, but its durable. ” - HorseRider13
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Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadltd78
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Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Men’s Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadltd78
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5. Remember to Resole
Support in the sole of your boots is critical for comfort. The soles on your boots take the brunt of the damage from years of use and abuse. With most high-end boots, a professional can remove and resole an old pair of boots that have holes in them or are just uneven and uncomfortable to walk on.
Shop Ariat boots that can be resoled:
Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
“They keep getting more and more comfortable as time goes on.” - Johnny Fet
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Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
“They keep getting more and more comfortable as time goes on.” - Johnny Fet
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Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
“Ariat is by far the most comfortable to me.” - MpReed
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Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
“Ariat is by far the most comfortable to me.” - MpReed
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Women's Dixon Western Boot
“I wasn’t expecting them to be as comfortable as they are but I was blown away.” - Fionajk
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Women's Dixon Western Boot
Women's Dixon Western Boot
“I wasn’t expecting them to be as comfortable as they are but I was blown away.” - Fionajk
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Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
“They keep getting more and more comfortable as time goes on.” - Johnny Fet
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Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
Men's Circuit Striker Western Boot
“They keep getting more and more comfortable as time goes on.” - Johnny Fet
SHOP NOW
Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
“Ariat is by far the most comfortable to me.” - MpReed
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Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
Men's Circuit R Toe Western Boot
“Ariat is by far the most comfortable to me.” - MpReed
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Women's Dixon Western Boot
“I wasn’t expecting them to be as comfortable as they are but I was blown away.” - Fionajk
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Women's Dixon Western Boot
Women's Dixon Western Boot
“I wasn’t expecting them to be as comfortable as they are but I was blown away.” - Fionajk
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6. Shop for Comfort
If your old boots have reached the end of their useful lifespan, consider a new pair designed for superior comfort. Modern technology ensures that a well-made pair of quality boots are comfortable right out of the box. Most comfortable Western work boots and comfortable leather boots should be purchased from reputable brands like Ariat, an industry leader in boot design.
Shop Ariat’s most comfortable men’s boots and women’s boots:
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Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
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Booker Ultra Western Boot
"Theses are the lightest and most comfortable boots I own I find myself wearing these everyday." - Jose
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Booker Ultra Western Boot
Booker Ultra Western Boot
"Theses are the lightest and most comfortable boots I own I find myself wearing these everyday." - Jose
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Spot Hog Boot
“I’ve owned there boots for, dare say 10 years+...these are the most comfortable slip ons I’ve ever owned.” - Kim Parker
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Spot Hog Boot
Spot Hog Boot
“I’ve owned there boots for, dare say 10 years+...these are the most comfortable slip ons I’ve ever owned.” - Kim Parker
SHOP NOW
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
SHOP NOW
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
Heritage Roughstock Western Boot
“Extremely comfortable straight from the box.” - Onroadtd78
SHOP NOW
Booker Ultra Western Boot
"Theses are the lightest and most comfortable boots I own I find myself wearing these everyday." - Jose
SHOP NOW
Booker Ultra Western Boot
Booker Ultra Western Boot
"Theses are the lightest and most comfortable boots I own I find myself wearing these everyday." - Jose
SHOP NOW
Spot Hog Boot
“I’ve owned there boots for, dare say 10 years+...these are the most comfortable slip ons I’ve ever owned.” - Kim Parker
SHOP NOW
Spot Hog Boot
Spot Hog Boot
“I’ve owned there boots for, dare say 10 years+...these are the most comfortable slip ons I’ve ever owned.” - Kim Parker
SHOP NOW
Shop Western
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Men’s Cowboy Boots
Men’s Cowboy Boots
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Men’s Western Clothing
Women’s Cowgirl Boots
Women’s Cowgirl Boots
Women’s Western Clothing
Women’s Western Clothing
Men’s Cowboy Boots
Men’s Cowboy Boots
Men’s Western Clothing
Men’s Western Clothing
Women’s Cowgirl Boots
Women’s Cowgirl Boots
Women’s Western Clothing
Women’s Western Clothing
