I love both pairs of your cowboy boots. I have a light brown pair a similar shade to your Ariats, except mine have a more pointed toe. I've always loved cowboy boots ever since I was a kid. Still do.
I had the same issue, used the soft side of velcro that you peal and stick on, that way the boot dose not tare up the sock. I wore tall socks and it started rubbing the sock away.