H
Heather Alexander
January 10, 2025
Bought for my Son in Law
My son in Law is a city police officer & is hard on his footwear. These boots were recommended to me by a friend who is one of our hospital system’s armed security officers, who is always on his feet. Well my Son in Law loves them! He says they are super comfortable, keep his feet very warm and they are really easy to get on & off, overall the quality is great and we will definitely keep him in a good pair of these boots especially with the waterproof properties, I don’t think we could find a better fit especially considering they are fairly lightweight.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great boot, but...
Gonna give it 5 stars because I love it. The only problem I've had so far with this boot is the side zipper pull. I just called Bates customer service today and as soon as I'm ready to ship the boots back to them, they're going to replace them.The original reason I bought these boots was to test a theory I had (that theory may only apply to me specifically, but hey, worth a shot). The theory states that for every $10 I spend on a pair of boots, I'll get approximately 1 months use out of it. That was based on several consecutive purchases of $30 boots that lasted almost exactly 3 months of constant, hard use. So the theory goes that I should have gotten 12-17 months use out of these boots before something broke down ($120 on Amazon.com, $169.99 on Bates' website).While that didn't happen (owned them for about 7 months now, but keep reading), it should be noted that I took no action to maintain the boots, or even be careful with them; On one camp out I almost lit them on fire, then as I noticed the rubber smelling smoke from the fire I stuck my foot in a bucket of water. The water proofing did not fail, and the sole was perfectly fine, if a little melted.Honestly, I would have been happy if they sent me replacement zipper pulls with more beef to them. But replacing the entire boot because a single part failed? That right there is the definition of quality control.Based on the original product, my only qualm is the foam near the heel (takes a lot of cosmetic damage), and the small zipper pull. My recommendation to Bates is beef up the zipper pulls, and see what they can do to harden the foam near the heel.I would recommend the product to anyone looking for a good, waterproof, insulated, side-zip, boot that comes in wide sizes.
✔ Verified Purchase
A Good Light 8-Inch Side Zipper H2O-Proof Black Boot
I got these waterproof boots for Power Walking & Traveling and have been very satisfied with them.I have worn these boots for power walks around the neighborhoods and local trails during more than a few cold nights, early mornings and even during several of the bouts of stormy weather, we've experienced and they have performed outstandingly. That alone shows they deserves a high rating!!I have done no extended travel beyond 4 Hrs via automobile so I won't be able to rate them for travel until I do some extended air travel and can circle back with that info.Next, although very light and a "quasi" good fit, they do require an extended break-in period, and that can vary depending on what activities you are looking to do and the mileage you are looking to put in wearing them. Right now, my limit, with them, is at 7.2 miles locally as they are still being broken in to go further and as hinted by the word "quasi" above, there are some toe box sizing issues, (which are totally my fault), for me to be able to power walk further.Even though I have not had any of the other issues mentioned by some of the reviews in terms of them developing holes or splitting, my only problem has been with the toe box sizing, and as previously noted above, that was entirely my own fault. So, I can truly say, so far so good.I really do like & enjoy wearing these boots, they are very light, and are built to propel your foot forward. However, as noted above, there is a toe box sizing issue, that for going on extended mileage beyond 7.2 miles or hiking in the hills, all points to the fact that I should have done a much better job in sizing these boots for my needs. In my case, I should have brought them either a half-size larger and/or gotten the extra wide version to ensure the toe box is adequate for extended power walking and/or going hiking in the hills, as going uphill and downhill, would put a strain on my toes as the toe box is just a little too snug, especially with my left foot which is a touch larger than my right foot. Unfortunately, I discovered this toe box sizing issue in the later stage of the break in period just beyond the 30 day return policy, so that's my bad, not the boots. So as noted, in breaking in the boots, although they are very comfortable to wear around, and in going to and fro plus in getting in some lite power walking, I have found they are just a little too snug to allow for extended mileage or hill climbing.As hill climbing is a late spring / summer endeavor for me, I look forward to (potentially) purchasing a second pair of these boots a half size larger &/or extra width when the time comes so I could use them for hill climbing and extended power walking.Anyway, with that caveat of ensuring proper sizing for all the activities, one is looking to do, all in all, I rate these boots as top notch, and would highly recommend them. I have throughly enjoyed wearing them for daily errands, going to and fro, for the lite power walking I am currently doing and they have performed exceptionally well in stormy weather, especially in keeping one's feet dry and in providing firm footing. What's more to say, (write), except to reaffirm that they are an excellent value and well worth making the purchase.
✔ Verified Purchase
Great Motorcycle Boots
Great for riding a motorcycle, nice tough leather, very thick. Zipper means you don't have to unlace your boot, and I am lazy so this was a must have for me. It is a tight fit for my thick feet to do without unlacing, but doable so that is all that matters too me. I haven't tested water resistance.Boot is comfortable and not overly hot after broken in, but definitely hotter than a standard tennis shoe. Laces are too short, I could barely get them double knotted. Build quality is good, but slightly messy looking, some strings hanging out slightly at the ends of the stitches, etc. So I think they could definitely have better build quality, but zipper strength seems fine and stitching is good overall.Great traction on many surfaces, including slick tile, and sizing seems right on. I wear a 10.5 extra wide, and the size fit perfectly. The toe is a bit longer than it needs to be, but the arch is right where it should be and so is the width. I will buy these again. My older pair without the zipper lasted many years, but the finish didn't hold up well. You can polish these if you want so it doesn't really matter.
✔ Verified Purchase
