Ariat Vs Red Wing Boots: Which One to Prefer?

If you go on to search for some good boots options, you will probably come across Ariat and Red Wing, as they are one of the two top brands when we talk about quality boots.

They have been around for a long time now and can be easily relied upon because of their features like safety, durability, and comfort. 

But the confusion arises when we have to select between two!

Today in this article, we will be comparing Ariat and Red Wing boots, these two iconic boot brands that have been on top of their game for a long time. Let us start comparing. 

But before we begin, let us know a little about the brands. 

Ariat Vs Red Wing Boots

Ariat 

Ariat is one of the leading manufacturers of western boots today. These boots are designed with power, athleticism, and drive in mind.

Unlike traditional western boots, Ariat spends significant time making its insoles as comfy as possible to survive long days of labour, allowing you to go the additional mile when necessary. 

Red Wing

Red Wing boots are the gold standard for men’s footwear as they create a high-quality boot from start to finish, and it needs a vast team of devoted workers with a critical eye to do so.

Many of the shoes are hand-stitched, because most of the technology available today does not put shoe components together to Red Wing’s requirements.

A quick comparison chart:

Features Ariat  Red Wing
Quality Excellent, as it is made entirely in the US. Good
Construction Goodyear Welt Construction Goodyear Welt Construction
Durability Excellent Good
Safety Good Good
Comfort Good Excellent, as they are comparatively lighter. 
Cost Affordable Expensive

We will be distinguishing both the rands in terms of the following- 

Construction of Ariat and Red Wing Boots

For Ariat Boots

1.) Ariat Boots are all about quality, comfort, durability, and usefulness, and it guides the creation of every product they manufacture. 

2.) They choose robust, durable, and thick leather to develop and manufacture Ariat boots that survive the test of time and last through the harshest of situations.  

3.) Makes use of Goodyear Welt construction. 

4.) These boots are built in a 150-step process that includes field testing and performance analysis, durability and workmanship, quality assurance, and shock absorption. This company takes pride in its innovation, particularly in terms of product quality and comfort.

For Red Wing Boots

Red Wing Boots Construction

1.) The leather is tanned, stretched, and rolled to begin the assembly process. The leather is then cut into designs and fitted.

The fitting department has 30 separate procedures that the leather must go through before it can be sent to the next department. 

2.) The leather is then delivered to the lasting department, which has over 30 distinct types and hundreds of various sizes of boots and shoes. 

3.) The footwear is next transferred to the bottoms section, where the soles are applied. Finally, the shoes are delivered to the finishing section.

This is where each shoe and boot is examined, shoelaces and footbeds are attached, and everything is ready for distribution.

4.) Makes use of Goodyear Welt construction. 

5.) The boots are designed to fit pleasantly on your foot while yet enabling you to wiggle your toes freely. 

Quality and Comfort of Ariat and Red Wing. 

1.) Ariat boots are of excellent quality. You’ll find a combination of toughness and comfort from the leather to the EVA midsoles, which is ideal if you spend 10-12 hour days outside. 

2.) One of the brand’s main principles is exceptional craftsmanship. They do extensive field testing to guarantee their goods are durable in the field. Ariat boots are constructed of several materials, including full-grain leather.

Red Wing Boots 

1.) They are lightweight but strong. The outsole is constructed of rubber, so it won’t get in the way of your journey. Take lengthy strides without hesitation. 

2.) To give both stability and comfort, the footbed is padded, and a heel stabilizer is connected. 

3.) This means you may wear it as a regular boot. It’s also a fantastic boot for individuals who spend a lot of time outside, owing to the breathable lining, which allows air to reach to your feet while keeping them dry and cool.

Sole material of Ariat and Red Wing

Ariat boots

1.) Truly distinguish themselves from the competitors on the sole. These work boots are without a doubt some of the most comfortable I possess. 

2.) They include a cushioned EVA midsole that is immediately comfy yet continues to adjust to your foot. After about a week, you’ll feel that delicious EVA caress. 

3.) And the outsole is tough. Abrasion, grease, and slide resistance are what distinguishes the brand. If your job requires an electrical protection grade, these boots will suffice. 

The Red Wing Boots

1.) The sole material is made of Vibram 430 mini-lug soles. 

2.) These boots have a long-lasting sole. Most people are familiar with the traditional Vibram sole as they are excellent in outdoor conditions such as mud, dirt, and snow.

The right fit- Ariat and Red Wing

Getting the appropriate size and fit while buying work boots online is the most difficult element of the process. You never know what you will get.

When it comes to fit, I haven’t seen any reviews from customers claiming that Red Wing work boots run small. 

The majority of the time, they fit nicely. They might be a little huge or broad at times.

Red Wing size chart:

Red Wing (inches)  US UK EU
5 6 5 38
5.5 6.5 5.5 38.5
6 7 6 39
6.5 7.5 6.5 39.5
7 8 7 40
7.5 8.5 7.5 41.5
8 9 8 42
8.5 9.5 8.5 42.5
9 10 9 43
9.5 10.5 9.5 43.5
10 11 10 44
10.5 11.5 10.5 44.5
11 12 11 45
12 13 12 46
13 14 13 47

Ariat boots are noted to be somewhat bigger in size, just like the Red Wing brand. When compared to the size of your street shoes, the advised sizing of their boots is either true to size or a half size smaller. 

Ariat boots are often designed to fit broader feet. However, before purchasing Ariat work boots, it is important to know how they fit.

Ariat boot size chart:

Ariat size (inches) US UK EU
9.6 7 6 39
9.8 7.5 6.5 40
9.9 8 7 41
10.1 8.5 7.5 41.5
10.3 9 8 42
10.4 9.5 8.5 42.5
10.6 10 9 43
10.8 10.5 9.5 44
10.9 11 10 44.5
11.1 11.5 10.5 45
11.3 12 11 46
11.6 13 12 47
12 14 13 48
12.4 15 14 49

Are they safe enough? Ariat and Red Wing. 

In terms of safety, certain Ariat boots include a composite toe, which makes them lighter, around 30% lighter than steel toe boots, but yet tough enough to protect personnel from heavy items that may fall on their feet. 

They also have a slip-resistant and oil-resistant outsole, which is beneficial since it protects you from falls even if you work on slippery surfaces and floors. 

The outsole is also designed for exceptional wear resistance and ergonomic flexibility. It entirely reinvents pull-on shoes, is properly fit, and is very easy to slip into high-arch and wide-foot use. 

Ariats typically feature gel-coated flooring for added convenience.

Redwing Work Boots are made of high-quality leather for added durability. In addition, the redwing work boots for women include an inverted composite safety toe, which supports the toe region with steel to prevent unintentional harm. 

The boots are appropriate for both work and occasional recreational activities. Redwing work boots include the following features: The Redwing work boots’ safety toe is guaranteed not to wear through the top. That means the upper will last longer and no toes will be injured. 

The footwear is both watertight and breathable. 

This material mix minimizes water absorption while enabling moisture to escape. It will keep your feet dry while you are exposed to rainy situations at work or on leisurely trips in bad weather.

Cost: Ariat Vs Red Wing

When it comes to cost, Red Wing costs a lot more than Ariat, however, you cannot deny the sturdy nature and durability of a good quality Red Wing boot.

The boots usually cost more than $300. This is a lot of cash to spend on footwear. However, the quality and durability are excellent, so you should be able to get your money’s worth before it fails.

Ariats are more affordable when it comes to the cost of boots. 

What do we prefer: Redwing or Ariat? 

Well, both the brands offer much needed safety, comfort and durability that we expect from a good work boot. But depending on the quality, safety features, varieties and cost, we would prefer Ariat if you do not want to burn a hole in your pocket. 

However, this does not mean that Red Wing boots are not worth their cost. Because once you spend money on them, you would not regret it as they provide you with good quality boots that will last you a very long time. 

To conclude, there is not much difference between Ariat and Red Wing boots apart from the cost and some features. However, when it comes to quality, both the boots are no less as they provide premium protection while at work and are comfortable too. 

Also, both brands have a variety of boots to select from given their nature of work. If you’re in a dilemma, I hope this article helps. 

Stephen Luettgen
I have 12+ years of experience in construction, inspections, handy work, and currently working as a Construction Site Manager. In today’s day we spent a significant part of our time at workplace and a right work gear can have significant impact not only on your safety but also work quality.

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