I use to wear Timberland PRO Valor Mcclellan composite toe boots. Evidently they were a temporary thing. Those Boots were comfortable but wore out FAST. I was told to try out Ariat. I got the boots & had a Terrible time fitting them, once I did they were Ok but I quickly figured out they Hurt my feet unbelievably & constantly. I talked to some of the security guards at the Nuclear Plant I work at & they said try the Bates Boots. They Love them. This is my 1st pair & Ive been wearing them for about a week & they are Fantastic! I am so HAPPY. They are about 5lb lighter than the Ariat & so much more Comfortable. Not to mention about $100 cheaper. I do reccomend ordering them in a Wide. I always order Wide. The security guys said they only order Wide in the Bates to prevent, either your Pinky toe, or Big toe rubbing at the edge of the Composite Toe. Since they said they only order wide in the Bates & I order Wide in everything, I ordered an Extra Wide & I couldn't be happier.