****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Occasionally the left boot zipper sticks, otherwise nice and comfortable boots for 12 hour shifts.I wear a 12 wide. Shoe is too small. Should have ordered 13 reg.I bought these in 2020 and it's now a two year anniversary and they still go HARDI use extra insoles for more support and comfortOutsole is soooooo durableI hikeI walkI do whatever I needGreat work BATESOrdered normal size but felt too narrow so had to send back for wide size. Amazon returns is great. Will have to update later as I’ve only worn them in light rain. So far these are just right for motorcycle ridesCan't complain about the fit, just waiting to see how fast they break in for me.If you are walking a beat , these are great boots to buy. Lightweight, yet great support.Clearly, YMMV, but my experience was this:I first ordered the size I wear in other boots, but I couldn't even get my feet into them. Exchanged that size for the next size up (and wider) -- thanks to Amazon's painless exchange process. That larger boot fit great: No heel slip; toe in the right location in the toe box, etc. But then I tried to slip them off and back on, and that's where the problem lay. I could persuade the boot off my foot, but there was just no way it was going back on without untying the boot and loosening half of the laces -- which effectively renders the side-zip feature non-existent. If opening up the side zipper doesn't afford enough room to fit your foot into a boot that otherwise fits perfectly, then that boot does NOT have side-zipper functionality. I guess the nylon gusset/flap that seals the zip opening from moisture in order to provide the waterproof feature is just too small and restrictive, and does not allow the boot shaft to open wide enough.I tried two sizes with no joy. I am definitely not going up another size in hopes that I can get my foot in there, only to find that the boot itself is too loose for my foot, and then get blisters. I'm going back to the LA Police Gear boot that I have been buying for the past few years. It lasts a year before falling apart, comes with a composite toe box unlike this Bates, and costs one-third what the Bates costs. I was gambling that the Bates would last me for three years, but honestly, that seems like an unlikely gamble anyway. These Bates probably would not have been worth the money even if I could get my foot into them.I've owned these boots for approximately 1.5 years and have used them intermittently (1-2 times per week) for various rugged activities, including outdoor work and backpacking, in a range of climates (0F to 90F+). They are a bit worn, but are still in completely functional condition. I expect to get around another year of use out of them before they need to be replaced.If you are looking for a lightweight, durable boot, I don't think you will find much better at this price point.-I have owned other duty boots that claimed to be waterproof but were not - these Bates boots retain their waterproofing even after 1.5 years of use-These boots are a great compromise if you're looking for minimalist footwear that still protects your feet. It is, of course, not a minimalist boot by any means. But they are extremely light weight (for a duty boot), there is no shank, and the midsole is completely removable, which reduces the heel drop and sole thickness. The toe box is ok - it's not restrictive, but I also can't claim that it's really wide either.-The boots fit true to size. I can't comment on the arch support or width, since my I prefer a boot without much support (see the minimalist comment above).-The zipper function is highly useful for taking the boots off and on quickly. After 1.5 years of use, my zipper still works and remains watertight.-I have had other duty boots that needed to be retired early because the tread had been worn down in the heel. After 1.5 years of use, these boots still retain a functional tread.-These boots are a reasonable compromise for hot and cold climates. Your feet will get hot in warm weather (80+F), but no worse than any other duty boots. They are not insulated, but will keep your feet relatively warm in cooler weather (30-40F). Below that, I have had good success wearing neoprene socks inside of them for additional insulation.First of all the Size I ordered was US/9M which is 100% correct and exact Fitment. I ordered these as I know in the uk it is in fact 8.5 and 43 eu. For other buyers please note this as the box label will state in the picture above UK 8, US/9M and eu 42, please do not worry as the label is wrong but the boots will fit if you are a UK 8.5 which is US/9M. I will never go back to any other boots for my job as I spend 18 hours in them, Bates Shock sports boots have and always will be in my eyes 1. A perfect fit to what you order 2.breathable and 100% comfort 3.Highest scoring points for running to responses handling high levels of shock for jumping in any tactical situation. 4.Very hard wearing if you maintain them eg Clean them, polish them. I certainly hope this review helps others and gives the seller the credit they deserve. A+++++ from me.I expected a better quality for this price and company name.1. Velcros doen't match ( on the photo) on the both boots.This is not a big problem. But for this price I think it can be better.2. Boots not waterproof. I write this review now, cos before i didn't get in heavy rain in this boots. But after now my foots became wet in the rain. So the boots does not fit for their price. It must be cost maximum 30£. Dont waste your money.I ordered these 'Bates Tactical Boots' as they actually the same boots as worn by 'Officer K' in the new Blade Runner 2049 movie. The boots are immense for comfortable and look great!!Normal very good but zip was broken -Comfortable, but most importantly, the same boots as worn by "officer K" in BLADERUNNER 2049.
