PUMA Induction Exotic SKU #7414036(View on Zappos.com Classic)

To the Hard-Charging Boot Tester in the Coast Guard. \r\n\r\nI bought a pair of Bates GX-4\'s, same boot, only shorter. Over three months, the sole wear was quick as you\'ve mentioned.\r\n\r\nFortunately, the soles separated and the boots were replaced free of charge (by the retailer). \r\n\r\nThe second pair show absolutely no wear after six months of tortuous abuse subjected to harsh chemicals.\r\n\r\nThe "stuff" that I\'m cleaning eats concrete, over time, of course, and water is the catalyst to start the feeding action. And then, there\'s the chemicals. My boots are soaked for eight hours and not once have my feet gotten wet while my co-workers slog around in wet feet. \r\n\r\nTo protect my investment, the boots go through a rigid maintenance program where they are hand-washed and brushed to remove all trace elements and treated with a leather treatment of beeswax and Propolis.\r\n\r\nDon\'t know if I can mention the company/product name, but look for a Heavy Duty Leather Preservative by a firefighter in Idaho. Comes in a black container. \r\n\r\nWith the exception of a few minor scuffs, my boots look better six months later than when they were new. Leather care is a critical component of long life. Skip it and you\'ll be buying boots. Often. Zappos might not like that.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, I work in a humid environment where full body sweating is normal. Winter or summer doesn\'t matter. At the end of the night, my clothes are soaked with sweat. With the microbial insoles in the boots, the boots still have a slightly diminished new boot smell whereas other boots have stunk to high heaven in less time under the same conditions.\r\n\r\nHaving used two pairs of Bates boots in the exact same way, it\'s evident that the wearing problem has to do with the construct of the soles. \r\n\r\nKeep in mind that these boots are made in China and there is little to no quality control.\r\n\r\nDue to the ChiCom construct of all products worldwide today, it\'s simply a case of hit or miss with the quality. Look at the junk stacked in carts at Wal*Mart?\r\n\r\nAs for the Bates Gore-Tex boots, it will be hard to find a more comfortable or lightweight boot right out of the box. There is no break-in period.\r\n\r\nFor those interested in an American-made boot, check out the state of the art Bates Tora Bora Alpine boot specifically engineered for our troops in Afghanistan.\r\n\r\nWith Bated being added recently to Zappos, reviews are minimal. The bottom line of this review is simply this: I love my Bates! I\'m confident that you will, too.\r\n\r\nThanks for reading!\r\n\r\n\r\n