ARIAT WorkHog XT VentTEK Waterproof Work Boots for Men - Steel Toe, Slip Resistant, Comfortable Safety Shoes for Construction, Farming & Outdoor Work

The leather quality is nice. It’s a little narrower than the “M” width in my other work pair but it’s starting to stretch after a break-In period. The sole and padding inside the boot is also very comfortable.Here’s where it lacks. The VentTEK blue band on the inside is very uncomfortable. It sits pretty tight above your foot. Also, in order for your heel to slide into the boot, Ariat put a strip of cloth over the back portion of the plastic ring, presumably for your foot to be inserted easily but it still feels like your folding over the plastic ring and it’s not entirely comfortable.I would recommend and wish I had myself is to call your local Boot Barn (or other dealer) to see if they have a pair in stock to try on. I probably would’ve bought the wider version but for now, it’s been an expensive mistake on my part. I don’t have to worry much about water proofing so I might look for a shoe repair place to see if they can remove the front part of the band that goes over my foot. Last note… I had to buy thinner socks to wear with these boots.Update June 2023: I’m going to upgrade these to “4” Stars. After wearing for a few months, they’ve broken in quite nice and a pretty comfortable to wear. They stretched out nicely and I can even wear thicker socks. Give them a chance!