Ariat Cruiser reviewed by Beth B and sponsored by Ariat.com.

I had almost given up on being able to wear slip-on shoes. Having feet with moderate bunions, a wider forefoot/narrower heel combination, and a need for arch support makes a good fit difficult to find. Other than certain slip-on sneaker styles (like the Vionic Midi), I’d have trouble with one or more of these issues: a too-tight toe box, vamps that painfully cut across the bunion area, gapping along the sides, non-existent arch support, or uncomfortable rubbing at the back of my heel. Sizing up to accommodate the toes means the shoes feel floppy and you have trouble keeping them on. Size down to keep them snug, and you end up with pinched toes and tightness against the heels that’s a pain in the…achilles.

The eye-catching style of the Ariat Cruiser, combined with the brand’s reputation for comfort, made me decide to give slip-ons one more try. And I’m here to tell anybody who can relate to my little slip-on-shoe-sob-story (or anyone who likes attractive, comfy flats) to give them a try.

First of all, could they be cuter? At the time of this writing there are 17 color & pattern combos to choose from, each more adorable than the next. And the fit is a dream, with plenty of room in the forefoot to accommodate my wide-ish forefoot and bunions, and no slippage in the heel. Initially they felt a little loose in back, but the quality leather conformed to my foot after one wearing and they’ve been perfect since. The notch at the back of the heel ingeniously combines an added dash of style with the practical purpose of eliminating heel rub. Brilliant!

I’m impressed with the ample underfoot cushioning and noticeable, but not too aggressive, arch support in the Ariat Cruiser. I’m generally a consistent size 8.5, and these fit true to size on my medium width foot. It seems the roomy vamp with elastic insets would nicely accommodate higher insteps or fuller-volume feet, and some online reviewers support this.

Now let’s talk about the Ariat brand. (By the way, does anyone else share my oddball interest in reading the “About Us” section of company websites? There are lots of great stories out there!) One fun fact about Ariat is that the company’s name comes from Secretariat, the legendary race horse and 1973 Triple Crown winner. “Secretariat is widely considered the greatest racehorse of all time. His athleticism and non-stop competitive spirit make him an enduring inspiration for our company,” says their website. “Secretariat’s big heart and competitive spirit were the motivations behind naming our company Ariat.”

Not surprisingly, the brand has historically catered to equestrian and outdoor markets, and was the first company to integrate athletic footwear technology into boots for equestrian athletes. Today, Ariat produces award-winning performance products for all types of outdoor and work environments. Read more about the company’s history and commitment to quality here.

We’re happy Ariat expanded its line to include casual shoes suitable for everyday wear. Find the Ariat Cruiser, other casual styles of shoes and slippers, and Ariat’s entire line of shoes and boots for riding, work, and outdoor lifestyle at ariat.com. Shipping and returns are free!

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