I'm a military veteran who loves the secure feeling a good pair of boots can offer. So, I wear boots just about every day for nearly everything I do, especially at work and when spending time in the great outdoors. The Delta-9 GTX boots are my second pair of Bates boots. I also own a pair of M-9 Desert boots, which are really nice, but I ordered a half size larger than I should have. Let me talk about the fit of the Delta-9 GTX boots.
My feet aren't narrow enough for narrow shoes, but finding regular width shoes that fit snug and don't allow my foot to slip is a real pain for me. The Delta-9 GTX boots fit okay, but not great until I added some custom fit orthotic insoles by Dr. Scholls. Now, they hug my feet quite nicely.
I mentioned earlier that I ordered a half size larger than I should have for my M-9 Desert boots. That's because I ordered the same size I wear for a running shoe. For me, ordering the Delta-9 GTX boots a half size smaller than my running shoe has made all the difference. I found a boot size guide online that helped me determine a better fit. Basically, it said that when tapping the toe of the boot on the floor, your toes should touch the toe of the boot, but not smash into it. So, I tried that with my M-9 Desert boots and found that my toes didn't quite reach the toe of the boot, which explained why my feet didn't love those boots even with orthotic insoles. I guessed that by ordering a half size smaller, they would - and they do in the Delta-9 GTX boots. My feet love these boots.
Anyone who has had the pleasure of wearing a Gore-tex jacket knows how great the material is for keeping out water, breathability, durability and very little weight. In the Delta-9 GTX boots, it's no different. My wife and I just came home from a camping trip where I wore my Delta-9's all day every day, in the rain and in the hot sun. My feet were dry the entire time, even when we returned from a long hike with the sun beating down on us. The boots also kept my feet comfortably warm at night when the temperature dropped into the 40's. I can't comment on longevity of the liner yet, but I can tell you that if it lasts a year of the abuse I'll put these boots through, I've gotten my money's worth.
The Vibram soles on my M-9 Desert boots are still in great shape and I wore those boots for about two years every time we went out hiking, which is several times a month. So, I know to expect the soles on the Delta-9 GTX boots to last for quite some time. The grip of the Vibram soles is unmatched in my opinion. I've walked varied terrain (rocky, wet, muddy, snow covered, etc.) and rarely feel a boot slip underneath me. The M-9 Desert and the Delta-9 GTX soles are equally great from what I have noticed.
The side-zip feature of the Delta-9 GTX boots were my initial concern before buying. My fear was that water was going to find its way through the zipper and into the boot. Then, I got the boots and found that even though they zip, the boot fabric continues all the way around on the inside, preventing any water from entering by way of the zipper. I wish I could post a photo to show you exactly what I mean, but Amazon no longer allows buyer photos to be posted. Sorry.
I haven't played with the comfort system found underneath the insole of each boot. That's because I put in the orthotic insoles and doubt the comfort system would make much of a difference with the additional insole in place. That being said, I've thought about it; I just haven't tried a setting different to the one I first set it at.
Finally, I'll talk about the lacing system. The bottom 4 eyelets are plastic eyelets. The top 3 are plastic boot hooks. I tied a square knot above the bottom 4 eyelets so I don't have to worry about retightening those every time I put on my boots, but I untie the top of the boot each time. It makes it easier for me to put on and take off the boots, so I thought I'd share that with you while I'm here. I'm not saying this is the only way or the right way, only that it works best for me with these boots.
From the manufacturer
Cool looking boots with a easy to fix flaw.
As with all tactical boots, its runs 1 to 1/2 size larger compare to normal footwear. There is not break in needed, but takes awhile to find the perfect ICS adjustment. The boots has alot of space inside, that i manage to add another insole on top of the insole it comes with it for added comfort for long hours of standing. This boots isnt really good for hot summer weather, feel my feet is very hot inside the boots when wore outdoors, The vibram sole is virtually not as good as it marketed, as its extremely slippery when walking on wet floor and highly polished floors in shopping malls. As someone to doesnt wear boots frequently, i do find heavy after walking on them for some distance And like some other reviewers mentioned, this boots will cause pain on ankle area, .This is really true when trying to bend my foot or walking down the stairs. But i noticed this issue to cause when the boot lace at the ankle are is tighten. As when we bend our foot our ankle area will expend. So i solve is issue easily by using tactical Elastic cord as bootlace. UPDATE: After about 2yrs owning this boots, which i didnt really wear them regularly. And i decided to change my review from 4 stars to 2. Here's why: 1. After about 1yr+ the one of the boot's stitches on the gore tex lining near the heel area has opened up, But have yet had a chance to test if it affects the waterproof. 2.The gore tex lining at the base of both boots have detach itself from the sole. 3. For some reasons, the "sponge" at the mid back of the boots have "popped" out and i have to use glue to glue it back. Update as of 16th Aug 2016: boots rotting away. left my job since June 2015, and this boots was sitting on my shoe rack ever since. And today i decided to polish is up to wear in out for some action. But upon close look the the sole, i notice bits of the shiny rubber seems to have disappeared. And from there is saw the internal of the sole is starting to give way. Its very surprised to see that wear and tear actually happens when the boots isnt being wore at all.
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