This is my first pair of Ariats and first pair of composite toe boots. I have always heard Ariats run narrow, which is odd since you don't see many narrow footed cow folk out in the world, but okay. I watched a video review on this boot and they claimed it had a new roomy round toe design. Of course the sample boot they showed was a size 15 or something. Initially my toes felt like they were being squezed for a bit. I attributed some of the discomfort to the composite toe not being to foregiving. After a while my feet settled in and the fit was tolerable. The next thing I noticed was these boots are HEAVY. They seemed to be built like a tank though so I should have expected them to be heavy. I had a pair of Twisted X Barn Boots that were very light, but not water proof, composite toe, or anything and they fell right apart after about 9 months of pretty light use. I looked at the features this boot had to offer in the way of waterproof, macked out stability control, u-turn entry feature (and yes it really does work), and more. I am hoping I will get what I paid for in these boots. On a good note I wore these boots right out of the box today and took a trip to the vet with one of our horses and stood around waiting and my feet were comfy. I kicked a very heavy rubber stall mat really hard with my composite toe and no foot pain ( I did this once in my Twisted X and thought I broke my big toe). Lastly, I dug a 27ft trench thats was 1ft deep only using a standard shovel. Amazingly my boots were very comfortable during the whole job and I put the new shank stability design to a test of hopping on the shovel with both feet and all my weight a lot. The boots never flexed and I felt no discomfort. When I took them off my feet were in great shape with no hot spots from rubbing. So thus far they have been a bit heavy and 'a bit' narrow. I would order them in the wide size if I had a do over. I am pleased though either way. I realize they are new boots and will stretch out over time. I am using a shoe strecher in the mean time. Hope my review helps someone else pick a boot. ;n) Follow up: The boots have held up to A LOT of heavy yard work. They still are klunky to walk in but at least my feet are comfy and protected. I would recommend these boots.
***Product Update***
I have now had these boots for a year. They have broken in very well and taken a serious beating. I am very pleased with how these boots are holding up so well. No failed stitching or sole separations. I have opted to apply some waterproof beeswax to protect the leather once annually and that has made a big difference in protecting the leather. The arch support is awesome! The hard plastic built into the outer sole saved me from a rusty nail going through the bottom of my foot when I stepped on a board with the nail pocking up. It took my whole weight and did not puncture the sole. I will definitely buy another pair. The ankle roll protection works very well too. Once broken in these boots are outstanding.