I doubt if there is an officer in any of the military services who does not know the name Bates for shoes. They are the maker of inspection-ready Corfam-like dress shoes, and every officer and senior enlisted owns a pair. I also got to know them for their outstanding desert boots. I wore out my first set of desert boots in the Middle East, and was about to depart on another set of orders for Afghanistan when I checked in with the Supply Department to get another set. My feet, however, are quite wide, and the Supply folks were completely out of the standard government-issue desert boots in my size. "Not to worry," they said, and I was given an authorization slip that was good for any pair of desert boots in stock at the local Exchange Uniform Shop. And the folks at the Uniform Shop all recommended Bates Desert Boots (though at the time, I was unaware that Bates made a desert boot). Well, I have to tell you I am still wearing those desert boots - they stood up to everything that Afghanistan could throw at them, and are still quite serviceable.
Because of this experience with Bates boots, I did not hesitate when I needed a set of tactical boots for my civilian job. These have a composite safety toe that is as hard and protective as the steel version (and meets the same ANSI standard for toe protection), but slightly lighter in weight. The boot itself is also considerably lighter than similar full-leather boots, which makes a HUGE difference on your feet and legs after a long day of use. The side zipper makes getting them off at the end of the day much easier (which is really a plus when you are tired and sweaty and hate the thought of tugging and pulling just to remove your shoes). After five months of heavy, daily use, they show almost no noticeable wear. The sole is made with some anti-slip substance put into the rubber that really grips into pavement or concrete, even when covered with a film of water. My only complaint is that because I also have a high arch, I have had to add supplemental arch supports for daily use. All in all, of you need a great set of perfectly-fitting boots to protect your feet in hazardous environments, and intend to wear them day in and day out for long periods, this is perhaps one of the best on the market - at any price. The fact that Amazon carries them at such a relatively inexpensive price is a big plus.
Buy it with
This item: Bates Men's Tactical Sport
$149.99
Get it May 13 - 15
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
+
$14.99
Get it as soon as Monday, May 12
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Have been wearing these for 12+ years and probably wont stop. But not the same pair.
Update: Last pair lasted from August 2018 until December 2021. 3 years, 4 months. Current pair purchased December 2021 is going strong but could use some new insoles. By far the best boot I have ever put on my feet - in terms of comfort. I have owned 8 pairs of this exact boot over 12 years, and while that seems awfully high please let me explain. First, size. I have been in many an argument with shoe store sales people. I buy these in a 12. Period. They will insist that I then wear a size 12, period. However every other brand of shoe I have ever purchased has been a 13 to 13.5. Take that information as you will though, because those other brands are equally likely to just run large. Are these waterproof? Absolutely not. But I do have a waterproof model of Bates boots which have been flawless, though I only use them a couple times a year. Comfort? Day one, fresh out of the box, I put these on and go to work without a concern in the world. Longevity: Isn't as high as one might expect from a work boot, but its fine for the price with one caveat. My previous job had my boots exposed to various oil and antifreeze products plus inclement weather, road salt, chemicals, and miles of walking per day and these would last me just over a year before the bottom would start to peel loose. My current job however is indoors and while I put more miles on than ever before they are not subject to all the harsh conditions. I spend 9-12 hours a day on my feet on concrete floors and rarely find myself uncomfortable at the end of the day. As a result of staying out of the harsh conditions however the boots last me 2-3 years easily. I also wear them almost exclusively. They are so comfortable that I don't even bother to change out of them when I get off work. That's not something many boots can claim. My current pair was purchased August 2018, so 2.5 years and counting. See photo posted to this review. The caveat: Whether your employer reimburses you on them or not. If you have a harsh environment and no reimbursement, don't buy these. If they do, these might be well worth checking into at least once. If you are working indoors on your feet all day? Expect 2-3 years from them. Possibly more if you only wear them at work. As long as my employer continues to reimburse for work boots I will continue to buy this exact model and size of boot until the day I die or Bates stops selling them.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2011
- Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013
- Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on September 13, 2021
Order one size smaller than your tennis shoe size. It’ll fit great.
