Customer Reviews Bates Footwear Shock 8” Side Zip

Initially I looked at the boots and thought they looked too narrow but I was deceived. Once I unzipped and thoroughly loosened the strings on my new boots, I decided to slip my size 14 foot inside the boots. I at first just walked around the house but that was all it took. I wore the boots out with my wife for date night. These are the most comfortable shoes/boots that I own. I can’t wait to wear them to work. I might consider buying another pair for casual wear. You can’t go wrong with this purchase!!!

I was looking for a water proof boot that was comfortable. Not an easy task. I tried on several duck boots but was not pleased with the fit. These factors feel great and have excellent arch support. Easy to wear all day in snow or rain.

Excellent boot really comfortable overall very well-made except the zipper part not a fan of the zipper at all on any boot to me the zipper decreases structure integrity Once the zipper breaks the boot will not function properly

Fits like a mitten. Love them best work shoes I've ever had.

I was very impressed by the look of the boots. I was worried they would not fit because I have not had a chance to try them on. They arrived super fast,and fit like they were custom made! The boots are very light but surprisingly rugged. I put 30 miles on them the first three days I had them. No break in period was necessary. Super comfortable, and yes they were not wet inside from walking through around thee inches deep water! Very impressed!

Perfect

Fit perfectly, material feels great nice design.

I'm definitely happy with them so far. Haven't been in the winter yet, but have gone through some water. Feet stayed dry. They are very comfortable. I suggest not wearing short socks with these unless you're going to have protection from the zipper side on your skin. It has rubbed when I had shorter socks. That was my fault. Besides that the boot is great ?. I plan on getting some polish to seal them more and hope they last long. If anything changes I'll update my response :). I've already gotten 2 people about to buy them as well lol

It is perfect in everything.

Fit and size were perfect, a well constructed boot with side zipper for fast removal.

Took some breaking in. Felt it in my ankles mainly. But besides that, I’ve never been disappointed with a Bates boot.

Felt good once able to get on.

Have had these through a winter now and very pleased. Live in the Chicago area with a big Labrador Retriever so long walks through nasty weather is a daily task for me. Because our walks go for 2+ miles I've avoided full length boots and opted for hiking books (was using a 4" height Timberline). However, got tired of numb cold feet when the snow and slush got deep. Also the water "resistance" on my Timberlines had become "token" resistance. Looking for something water proof and based on the reviews tried these. My feet thank me. Warm and dry with added bonus of being very comfortable, even on the long treks with the dog. Just a tad snug on width during the first week (I wear 4E width) but broke in quickly. As an aside, I wear orthotics for additional support in all my other footwear but opted not to with these since it got a bit bulky. But no problem and I'm not even aware of the missing inserts. Can't say this about any of my other footwear, including my running shoes. Long time Zappos customer and this has been one of my best investments.

Based on reviews of other Bates products, I wanted to purchase these boots a half size larger. I failed. I opened the box and was so mad at myself for screwing up the size, they sat in the Zappos shipping box for 2 hours before I tried them on for size. I was elated to find they slipped on both feet like a sip of fine bourbon slips down your tongue. True to size? If you are honest with shoe size, they are true to fit. I have only one problem with the Bates 8" Strike. I live in north central Georgia. Since Monday we've had 5 inches of rain. I'm going to have a hard time putting the boots on my feet in the morning. It's going to be very muddy, Georgia clay muddy. Why didn't I buy more mink oil!

I was pleasantly surprised how comfortable the boots were right out of the box. The first weekend I went right from box to heavy work, including long stretches of standing and several miles of walking on concrete. Feet felt great. Only downsides were a little narrow in the toe box (more my foot than the boot's fault), and one of the boots was rubbing the back of my ankle a bit which will likely get better with a bit more breaking in and some relacing. I would buy again!

The sole wore down very quickly. The part of the sole that comes up around the toe started to peel away too. They were great at first but they gave out much faster than I expected. I puchased these end of Oct 2021. Going to have to try a different brand, Bates aren't going to cut it.

Ordered my normal 9.5 M width and I wore them for 30 minutes to start breaking them but on my right foot cut off the circulation to my toes. Instant return. These definitely run narrower than their other models I’ve purchased.

I have not worn these boots that much but they seem very tight for a size 11/4E. Maybe they need more break in time but if not I will send them back.

Left ank got pinched a lot in the bone. Sent back for a different brand.

My left ankle was hurting a lot especially against the bone. They feel like shackles as I got fatigue in my shift.

For my shoes, at the top of the zipper, it curled inward and would've rubbed against my leg. With daily use it would have rubbed my leg raw. Returned.