These are beautiful boots with amazing quality/craftsmanship.  The soles are a thick rubber so my little guy doesn't slip if he runs in them.  My boys wear cowboy boots almost everyday so I wanted something that would last now that they are a little older (4, 5, & 7 years old).  In the past we've purchased synthetic fabrics, but they always peel and are ruined within weeks (if not days).  This look like they'll last a couple years at least.  With the Ariat name I feel I can contact the company if there ever was an issue.  I want some for myself they are such great looking boots!  They fit my son as I would expect in the same way as other shoes he has.