Thorogood vs Ariat work boots

The brands in brief

Thorogood sells the American Heritage line in moc toe lace-ups and 11 inch Wellingtons, plus loggers and the 1957 Series. Its American Heritage listings say American made with USA and globally sourced components. See best Thorogood boots.

Ariat sells work boots such as the WorkHog, Rebar, Sierra and Groundbreaker, many with western styling and square toes. Ariat's listings highlight its ATS stability and 4LR footbed comfort systems. The country of origin is not stated on the Ariat listings compared here. See best Ariat work boots.

Wellingtons: American Heritage 11" vs Groundbreaker

The Thorogood American Heritage 11" Steel Toe Wellington lists ASTM F2413-18 safety toe and EH ratings, Goodyear welt construction, a fiberglass shank, a MAXWear Wedge outsole and a Poron comfort insole. A waterproof claim is not made on this listing.

The Ariat Groundbreaker Wide Square Toe Waterproof Steel Toe lists Waterproof Pro construction with waterproof leather, a Duratread oil and slip resistant outsole and Ariat's four-layer 4LR footbed. The listing does not state an ASTM rating, EH protection, shaft height or construction method, so those are not confirmed. Check the boot label if your site requires a specific rating. See what are Wellington work boots and pull-on vs lace-up work boots.

Lace-ups: American Heritage 8" vs WorkHog

Both are waterproof composite toe lace-ups. The Thorogood American Heritage 8" lists a gusseted tongue, Goodyear storm welt, fiberglass shank, wedge outsole and ASTM F2413-18 safety toe and EH ratings. The Ariat WorkHog lists DRYShield waterproof construction, a non-metallic composite toe meeting ASTM F3445 and F2413 for safety toe and EH, a Goodyear welt, a 90-degree heel and a Duratread outsole that passes hot contact tests at 300°C/572°F.

Side by side

On these listings, Thorogood gives more complete safety detail on both styles, while Ariat is less expensive and adds a heel on the WorkHog and a heat-tested outsole. Prices change often, so check the current listing.

See our Wellington work boot picks →

Fit and comfort

Ariat's listings describe its U-Turn Entry System on the WorkHog, which it says helps people with high arches get the boot on, and ATS Max for stability. Thorogood's listings describe removable dual-density footbeds and Poron cushion insoles. Both brands use removable insoles, so you can fit your own; see how to choose insoles for work boots.

Wellingtons fit differently from lace-ups because nothing holds the heel down but the shape of the boot. Expect some heel slip at first, and size carefully using each brand's chart, our boot size and width converter and how should work boots fit.

• Wide or square toe preference: Ariat's Groundbreaker is listed as a wide square toe.
• Round moc toe with a wedge: Thorogood American Heritage.
• Need a heel for stirrups or ladders: Ariat WorkHog lists a 90-degree heel.

How to choose between them

Farm, ranch and barn work often suits Ariat's western styling and heels. Flat sites, concrete and long standing shifts often suit Thorogood's wedge outsoles. For more choices, see composite toe work boots and construction work boots.

1. 1

   Pick pull-on or lace-up. Pull-ons are fast to get on and off; lace-ups hold the heel and ankle more securely.

2. 2

   Check the label requirement. If your site needs a specific ASTM F2413 rating or EH, confirm it on the boot before the first shift.

3. 3

   Decide on water protection: Ariat lists waterproof construction on both boots here, Thorogood on the 8" lace-up.

4. 4

   Choose a toe shape and sole: round moc toe wedge from Thorogood, or western square toe and heeled WorkHog from Ariat.

5. 5

   Compare current prices; on these listings the Ariat boots cost less.

Frequently asked questions

Is Thorogood or Ariat better for work? It depends on the job. On these listings Thorogood gives clearer safety toe and EH details on its Wellington, while the Ariat WorkHog lists ASTM ratings plus a heat-tested outsole and a heel.

Are Ariat work boots EH rated? Some are. The WorkHog Waterproof Composite Toe listing states F2413 safety toe and EH. The Groundbreaker listing here does not state EH, so check the boot label.

Are Thorogood Wellingtons waterproof? The American Heritage 11" Steel Toe Wellington listing here does not claim waterproofing. Thorogood also lists an American Heritage 11" waterproof steel toe Wellington; see Wellington work boots.

Which brand is made in the USA? Thorogood's American Heritage listings say American made with USA and globally sourced components. The Ariat listings here do not state origin. See which work boots are made in USA.