Bates Footwear

Bates Footwear GX-8 GORE-TEX® Side-Zip
Posted: Dec 31, 2009 6:29:24 AM
Reviewer: Anonymous from

Overall:

I purchased these boots from Zappos to replace an identical pair that I had purchased about a year and a half before for use at work as a full-time paramedic, so I'll make some comparisons between the old and new. The old pair has a slightly different cosmetic design but overall this seems to be about the same style and fit. It is a snug fit and seems to be taking a while for the boot to break in properly, but I believe this was an issue with my old pair as well. The old gore-tex sock/boot ripped free of its attachment to the inside of the boot about a year ago (six months into its use) and may have damaged the waterproofing of the old boot. So far the gore-tex sleeve in this new boot seems to be more tightly secured. Here's to hoping. When first wearing the boots they are very tight and almost difficult to slide my foot in and out of the boot because of the gore-tex layer and sock or whatever. However, in time this breaks in a bit and I expect that this will not be a problem. The waterproofing on the boots is very good, and they are nice and warm in icy cold weather. One caveat is that like any rubber-soled boot, they have pretty good slip resistance on wet surfaces, but not ice. If you are using these in winter, buy yourself a pair of crampons or grips like Yaktrax. These boots offer great ankle support and decent arch support - I recently slipped on ice at work on a fire scene (see above) and broke my leg. Were I not wearing these boots, I am pretty sure I would have had a much worse break. Overall, I like these boots as this is the second pair that I have owned.

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip
Posted: Dec 25, 2009 4:44:03 PM
Reviewer: David C from Eagle Pass, TX Customs and Border Protection

Overall:

Darn good boot. You can not beat the light weight and the zipper is as smooth as silk on a winter's day. The only drawback is the boot wears out a little faster than others I have had.

Bates Footwear GX-4 GORE-TEX®
Posted: Dec 13, 2009 9:01:13 AM
Reviewer: Anonymous from

Overall:

First got D, felt a little narrow. Switched to EE-wide and they are just perfect. Very well balanced. Great leather. Well insulated. Not heavy. Quality made.

Bates Footwear Delta 8" Side Zip
Posted: Dec 7, 2009 8:21:27 PM
Reviewer: Norman E from New York City,Manhattan

Overall:

I must say that these boots I bought are the best I ever had. They are better than Magnum boots. They have superior grip like no other. Believe me, when I walk in the fish, meat, and produce markets in the Bronx you don't slip at all.

Bates Footwear 8" Durashocks® GORE-TEX® Lace-To-Toe
Posted: Nov 13, 2009 5:33:58 AM
Reviewer: Miguel from Vienna

Overall:

These are great boots. I got them instead of Dr. Martens, which I\'ve been wearing for years. I was just fed up with the decline in Dr. Marten\'s quality throughout the years (Docs wouldn\'t last a year without some tear in the leather occurring). I\'ll have to see how well my Bates fare after a year, but my initial impressions are very positive. I love the lace to toe design because it allows a more custom fit feel. The Dura Shock soles are very nice for walking; they seem to propel you forward while walking. The Gore-Tex lining is nice for the security of waterproof footwear, but they can be hot sometimes (the reason for 4 stars on comfort). As for sizing, I found the Bates to run at least a half size big. They are also wider than I\'m used to, especially in the heel. I would have gone with the narrower width if it was sold on Zappos. However, I added an insole and I am satisfied with the fit.

Bates Footwear Delta 6" GORE-TEX® Side Zip
Posted: Oct 30, 2009 1:10:29 PM
Reviewer: Burl D from Newnan Ga

Overall:

Great boots for people who stand or walk all day. There are true to size and fit great with no break in. The thick insole and comfort system is like walking on air. I set the comfort system between comfort and indise to make up for the way I walk (on the sides of my feet) and past heel injury. It took me a couple tries to find where to stow the inside flap on the zipper where it did not rub (to the rear was the charm). My only beef is that they are expensive for an import.

Bates Footwear GX-8 Desert Composite Toe
Posted: Oct 23, 2009 8:05:15 AM
Reviewer: Anonymous from Baltimore

Overall:

Great boot for working outside. It is very comfortable, even when on your feet all day. Sole is flexible enough to give you feel for driving. Zipper makes on and off easy. Perfect for the desert, with the tan color and high-top design to protect from critters.

Bates Footwear GX-4 GORE-TEX®
Posted: Oct 17, 2009 4:07:46 PM
Reviewer: Anonymous from Arizona

Overall:

These boots were comfortable the very first time I tried them on, and wore them all through England and Scotland on numerous country and city hikes. Warm, but did not make my feet sweat; light but very heavy duty. Best boots I have ever owned. Thanks!

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip
Posted: Oct 16, 2009 11:43:40 AM
Reviewer: Steve s from Dubuque IA

Overall:

Love the boots hate the soles. 25 years ago I purchased my first pair of Bates boots and since then I have grown older and my feet bigger. January of '09 I found my second pair of Bates boots and they fit like a glove. Ten months later the soles are falling apart. Since the soles are molded to the boot I don't think they can be resoled. By the way, I have had the old pair resoled for the second time and now my oldest boy wears them when on the motorcycle.

Bates Footwear 5" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip
Posted: Sep 28, 2009 8:18:38 PM
Reviewer: Anonymous from

Overall:

I have wide feet (3-4E) and always seem to have a hard time finding good comfortable shoe & limited to the style I can buy. Bates shoes seems to be a brand that a lot of firemen & police buy so I figure they should know quality shoes. I got them the next day (awesome shipping from Zappos). Usually there is a breaking period with new shoes. These were instantly comfortable. I love the side zipper. Easy on & off.

Bates Footwear Delta 6" Side Zip
Posted: Sep 21, 2009 4:27:42 PM
Reviewer: Ken P from Michigan

Overall:

This shoe is perfect over all for every day wear. Easy on and off with the side zipper. It seems to be very durable and extremely comfortable even with long hours of wear. I really like the option of the customizable heel wheel. This allows for a perfect fit and even wear. I would highly recommend these boots.

Bates Footwear 5" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip
Posted: Sep 16, 2009 6:50:43 PM
Reviewer: Trevor P from Long Island

Overall:

Well, I am a security guard and the place I work is very dirty and has some rough terrain like sand pits and scrap metal laying around; never know what your feet will come in contact with. I was wearing regular sneakers, and they got destroyed. These boots have helped me out a lot. They take a beating and then some while still lasting and providing support. I recommend them for anyone who needs ankle support and/or a pair of boots that will last a good long time. The oil resistant sole is a lifesaver.

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip
Posted: Aug 5, 2009 2:12:44 PM
Reviewer: douglas b from oakland ca

Overall:

Shoes are great. Feel like I can kick a door down with these things. I bartend and I wanted shoes that I could stand in for a while. These happen to work; not to mention my feet feel safe with the composite toe. I also like the ankle support.

Bates Footwear Delta 6" Side Zip
Posted: Jul 17, 2009 11:10:43 AM
Reviewer: Anonymous from Apache Junction, AZ

Overall:

THESE ROCK! I bought these for my hard-to-fit (13EE) husband to use as work boots. I would have been thrilled if he simply wore them without complaint, but he absolutely loves them! He works outside driving heavy equipment on various terrain and he is in and out of trucks all day. The comfort and traction of these on gravel beats any typical workboot handsdown. Not a fan of laces, he loves the side zip feature. They are always laced to perfection everytime he puts them on and I don\'t have to see him walking around (getting blisters) with his laces undone. These come in wide sizes with plenty of room in the toe box. We also like to go hiking in the mountains and these are perfect for that, as well. Easily the best boots he\'s ever owned and you can\'t beat Zappo\'s for service and quality! 5 stars!!!

Bates Footwear M-9 Desert
Posted: Jul 2, 2009 1:12:15 PM
Reviewer: Philip from San Diego

Overall:

Very comfortable boot. Has a feel much like a good trail running shoe. Great for hot weather. I wore this boot most days of the week for a year in Iraq with no problems. I do not recommend this boot with full battle rattle and heavy packs on rocky terrain as the sole is a little too soft for that use and you’ll end up sore or bruised feet. An additional benefit is that these boots are 100% metal-free. You won’t beep going through detectors.

Bates Footwear 8" Durashocks® Lace-To-Toe Side Zip
Posted: Jun 24, 2009 3:47:37 PM
Reviewer: Billy G. from Tracy, Calif.

Overall:

The Bates 8" Side Zip is easy on and off. They look big and heavy but are actually light and are easy to walk in. I work on concrete and steel floors all day and these boots are fairly comfortable. There are no completely comfortable boots. I've had them for several months. If they last for about two years, I'll buy another pair.

Bates Footwear M-9 Desert
Posted: May 30, 2009 2:06:57 PM
Reviewer: Brad E. from Florida

Overall:

I bought these for an extended trip to Africa after trying other brands over the years. Though I would have preferred a steel shank for foot protection, these are thick enough to reduce the risk of punctures reaching the foot. I found these boots to be extremely comfortable for long times on my feet, durable, as well as reasonably priced. When new the laces sometimes stick sliding through the fourth eyelet, but with some wear that went away. Caked mud came off the treads without too much issue, but the tread pattern is complex enough that had I been in muddy conditions regularly, a Panama tread would have been preferable. The padded area over the ankle bones were very much appreciated, also.

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip
Posted: Apr 23, 2009 11:42:45 AM
Reviewer: Earle T from Currently Iraq.

Overall:

A Little Tight - Fortunately, they are breaking in but they were billed as a 9.5 EEEE and maybe they are, barely. Otherwise, they are okay.

Bates Footwear Delta 6" Side Zip
Posted: Apr 22, 2009 3:37:36 PM
Reviewer: Copper from Newport News, VA

Overall:

Police Boots - These are excellent police boots for the job and you run in them too! They are light as shoes!

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip
Posted: Apr 6, 2009 12:47:39 AM
Reviewer: Harley N from Florence, SC

Overall:

Zappos does it again. I have ordered 3 different pairs of Harley boots from Zappos since 2004. This time I decided to try Bates Tac Support Side Zip. Well, needless to say, I ordered my boots online on a Friday afternoon. I went out Monday morning to do some errands and upon returning home, there on my front porch was the box from Zappos with my boots. I had to try them on and I am a diehard biker and always go with Harley products, but I have to say, the minute you put your feet into these boots you will love them. I have had them on since since coming home and they feel like I have had them forever. I know as time goes on they will feel even better, I just had to say thanks to Zappos for their usual fantastic service and recommend these boots highly.

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip
Posted: Feb 19, 2009 7:51:33 PM
Reviewer: from Chicago, IL

Overall:

Great boots for the money. Comfortable and light.

Bates Footwear 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip
Posted: Feb 13, 2009 6:53:41 AM
Reviewer: Big P from So. Cal.

Overall:

Best Boots I Have Ever Owned - I love these boots! I bought them for when I ride my Harley, once we arrive at any destination these boots are so light you can walk all day and your feet won't hurt. As they break in it gets better and they look cooler...IMO Don't think twice...Buy them!

Bates Footwear GX-8 Desert Composite Toe
Posted: Feb 9, 2009 3:27:14 PM
Reviewer: from Michigan

Overall:

The GX-8 Desert composite toe boots.I am pleased with the fit appearance and traction in snow and ice of this pair of boots. The side zipper is great, but I would not recommend them for indoor use. They are a little warm. They are a great outdoor work boot.

Bates Footwear Delta 6" Side Zip
Posted: Jan 27, 2009 4:06:52 PM
Reviewer: from Minneapolis, MN

Overall:

A Serious Work Boot - Bought this for my sig other, thinking it would be a good Minnesota replacement for his winter tennies. It was a little too much boot for him--serious work boot--for a construction worker maybe, who has to spend 8 hours a day outside in the elements. But the fit was great-- with all the inside sole adjustments available, it accommodated his special insoles and the best part is the zip. Lace it up to where you want it to fit and never have to unlace again...just use the side zip. Just a little too much boot for running errands.

Bates Footwear GX-4 GORE-TEX®
Posted: Jan 27, 2009 6:19:09 AM
Reviewer: from Orlando, FL

Overall:

Solid - Very little break-in required. I think this shoe is going to last a long time! My only complaint is that it is difficult to get into without undoing the laces - must use a shoehorn. I hope this will improve over time.