I bought a $20 pair of generic cow girl boots for my 3 year old daughter before Christmas. They were very cute, but she wore them so much that within a few months she quickly wore a whole through the soles! Since she wears her boots every day without fail, I decided to splurge and get a higher quality leather boot in the hope that they will last longer and be better/healthier for her still growing/forming foot. Although I don't think I have ever paid this much for a shoe for myself even, I will say that I have NO regrets. These boots are awesome. They are soooo attractive/cute and well made. Although we are 100% city folk, I love that they are not just for looks...that they could easily withstand daily life on the farm (because life on the playground can be very hard on shoes). They also have an in-sole that can be removed as her foot grows so that she will get longer wear out of them. They came in the mail Friday and she has not taken them off since except to sleep! As long as she continues to love being a cow girl, I don't think we will buy another brand but Ariat. VERY IMPRESSED and worth the money. I may have to buy a pair for myself ;).Note: She wears and 8 or 9 toddler shoe. I initially bought a 10 to economize..thinking she could wear them now and grow in to them (this has worked with other brands/styles in past). That was a silly idea. The 10's were huge. 8.5 did the trick and had wiggle room in toe. Shoe is true to size or even runs maybe a 1/2 size larger.Ugh- Just realized these are made in China. Doesn't change my review, I simply find this very disappointing because I envisioned them being made with love in the American Wild Wild West.