Customer Reviews Bates Footwear GX-8 Desert Composite Toe

I was issued a pair of these boots on my deployment and they were great at first. They are still incredibly comfortable, but unfortunately I cannot wear them anymore. I am a vertical construction troop and wore these boots out in about 2 months. The side zipper is sticking because of all the sand, the soles did not hold up in the gravel and the leather ripped on the toe, rendering them "unserviceable." My opinion: Great for comfort, but just not tough enough.

These really are great boots! My job requires me to go out to test sites frequently, rain or shine, sun or snow. I've tried sneakers which are comfortable, grip odd shapes well (I climb all over test equipment all day), but didn't have a nice high heel to keep snow/mud out. I've also tried work boots, but they were too big and clunky, and didn't really give me the mobility I needed crawling all over things. These are the perfect in between. They are very snug, I had to break them in for about half a day here in the office, and that was it! They are somewhere between a sneaker and a boot, perfect for me. You get the comfort and flexibility of a sneaker, with the high ankle support and keeping mud/snow out of a work boot. I couldn't have thought of a better product for what I do! I've now worn them out to the site for about 3 weeks and so far they are holding up great and I have no complaints. Also, a coworker of mine bought another Bates boot and he too has only praises.

This is my second pair. A year ago, I bought my first pair and wore them every for my business, a lawn care business. I really like the zip up sides, composite toe, light weight, and comfort. I never expected the boot to wear as well as they did. I had a pair of Oakley s the year before and they didn’t hold up nearly as well as these did. That’s why I bought another pair this year. Trouble is, I haven’t stopped wearing the old ones! Other than being really dirty, the only real signs of wear in the year I’ve worked them seems to be about an inch of stitching on the left boot’s uppers are coming un-done, the right boot’s zipper has lost its tab (replaced with a paper clip, and the soles of both boots are pretty worn. If they still make these next year, I’ll probably be getting yet another pair a year from now.

Boots are a little lighter in color than what is shown in the picture(desert) not a big deal. The arch support not sure of, I take out all insoles and use the green super feet because I need all the support I can get. I bought these for stability of the ankle, and they are great! No more ankle pains. But the quality of the material doesn’t appear to be there.... after only 3 months of wearing at work (40 hour weeks) the inside part of the leather by the big toe split. A week or so later the other shoe did the same thing. I called Zappos and got a refund. I decided to reorder another pair because the comfort and look of them I really like, also maybe I just got a lemon. Haven’t worn the new ones yet, still tearing up the old ones. I will update when the new ones get worn.

These are the only boots my husband will wear! He finds them very comfortable.

Bought these for my son for Christmas. He wanted them for air softing. Just asked him how they work and he says "they are great!" He wore them to the mountain (in the snow) last weekend and loved them. He is super happy with how they fit and for what he is using them for, they seem to be perfect!

I want to start by saying that I had very high expectations for these Bates boots...in summary, I am VERY disappointed! If you want more detail, see below. Overall: - Suede material: Very hard to keep clean, but it is possible. The material is VERY stiff right out of the box. - Ankle Support: The back of the boot matched with the heel cup is a combination for major discomfort. - Arch/Insole Support: Lacking. My feet were sore after 10-hr shift in these boots walking on concrete all day. - Laces: Lacing system was awkward - the eyes in the ankle crease area are made to prevent the laces from slipping up or down, so you have to pull them outward and then up to lock them in. This process is difficult when you have your laces tight or want them tighter. The laces are very hard, so were gloves when putting them on and pulling on them to tighten your boots. As a prior service combat veteran, these boots should be pulled from Bates' line-up ASAP! If I were still serving and given a pair of these Bates GX-8 Desert Composite Toe Side Zip Boots (E02276) - I would hand them right back and fight the war in sandals or go bare foot! These boots felt like casts on my feet. Even after 16-days, (8) 10-hour shifts in these boots, the boots ARE STILL NOT BROKEN IN! I tried to put them on today for another 10-hour shift and I had to pull them back off of my feet as I was walking out of the door. I put on my 1-yr old work boots. I am praying I can return these to Zappos or I will have to try Bates Customer Service. I am sad for Bates and I am even sadder knowing someone else will potentially buy these boots and waste their money!

These boots are great - love them. Can't wear them with thick socks as where the composite toe starts it rubs my small toe. Other than that there great.

I have fairly narrow feet, high arches and I'm on my feet on the job site all day. I would get to a point where I had to sit down occasionally to give my feet a break. I decided to investment in a comfortable work boot rather than settle for cheap boots. I must say, I am walking in luxury with these boots. They support my ankles well, but are plenty flexible where they need to be. Extremely light weight, yet tough enough for construction. Five stars all around.

I got these boots for my husband who badly injured his ankle requiring surgery 1 1/2 years ago and now needs ankle support in a work boot. I had previously purchased a pair of 8 inch Worx with a side zipper for him, which he liked, but felt retained too much heat for summer use. So I got these for him to try. He loves these boots! He works in construction along the shore and constantly goes up and down sand dunes and up and down ladders during the course of the day. The boots provide great support and are very comfortable. He loves the zipper which make it very easy to get his injured foot in and out of the boots. The boots are lightweight and cool. Other reviewers say that they run true to size, but for my husband, a half size smaller than his usual size fit him.

This is a great boot. I'm not out tromping around the desert, but around my farm these are very good. Very comfortable. Really like the side zippers for easy in/out.

I bought these for my son who is an avid paint-baller. I was amazed at how quickly they arrived in less than 48 hours. Boots are well made and my son reports they are so comfortable. Once again Zappos, you exceeded my expectations. Keep up the great work.

Awesome - Wish I had known they made boots like this earlier. Very comfortable, almost like wearing sneakers. It is a boot that doesn’t even have to be broken in. Technically not army reg coz of the zipper but air force and other branches can. I wish they made this in sage green to match the air force once desert boot are no longer reg. I use thick socks and 1/2 size larger than normal is perfect for me.

This is my first pair of Bates footware. I was excited about the zipper aspect. Overall they seem like good boots. They felt a little narrow across the widest part of my feet.

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.

Had a pair for work this summer. I think they are okay at best. I had to put an extra insole in them as they are very wide. They stay waterproof for about a week. You need to keep the zip lubricated or it will seize. After about 4 months I had to take them to get restitched. I will need a new set of boots for next year as I would only consider them good for one seasons hard work only. They look very good though but I would not recommend them for farm work, building site work or landscaping.

Had to size up for wool socks. Got these boots for the tread/sole pattern/design, which give it real non-slip on smooth cement floors. On feet for ten hours in warehouse environment. Light weight boot is a plus for tired feet and legs.

Youll need an insert for arch support, but i absolutely LOVE my boots. 10/10 would recommend and buy again.

Very comfortable work boot. Easy on/off with zipper. I recommend that you spray a stain protector as they do mark up easily.

The only problem with these boots is that they look so good, I don't want to get them dirty! Good fit, good comfort, good looks, good price! And the zipper makes them extra easy to get on & off.

Boots were true to fit and surprisingly light. Satisfied with the new drip.

The boots are great and they fit and feel great

Thought they were the waterproof boots and ordered by mistake otherwise they felt perfect

For such a sturdy boot, the lining material far to delicate tears away even using zipper as steady habit.