Bates Men's Gx-8 Composite Toe Side Zip Work Boot

I wear a 10.5 US in Nike Free Run running shoes, and needed 11.5 US in these boots to get a good fit across the bridge of my foot, immediately behind the toes. They said 3E, but came in extra wide. A true 3E probably would have been fine in a 10.5.This is the fifth pair of Bates I have owned and they're great boots. For work I wore the Bates Ultra-lights in black 5 inch zip up and they were great, but after a year the heel was worn down and my feet were rolling to the outside of the foot bed. Pretty good life for a 325 pound guys work boots. I wanted to try these out because they apear to have a better arch. After wearing them for a month I'm pretty sure the tread will last a bit longer and the arch support is slightly better. My only complaints are that they don't come in a 5 inch side zip, or even better, a low cut shoe. The 8 inch are fine, but your feet can get pretty hot during the summer. And you'll want to find your favorite aftermarket, Dr. Scholls, etc. inserts to replace the thin, cheap ones that come with them.The composite toe is great, and is so much more comfortable after a 12 hour shift. It seems to be able to accommodate wide feet better than steel toes as well.

The boots look a little different I think they improved them a little the back foam was coming off just the outside skin. So now it’s super strong material on outside with the same comfort. I bought another pair so I have it if they are not available because of upcoming events. These boots are unbelievable comfortable and I have been wearing them in 100 degree Texas heat all day doing landscaping and construction for a living they feel like slippers. I change the soles right away to Dr scholls gel wow! What a combo the original soles are too thin. My boots are still good but I like them so much I bought another pair for the future. No way would I use another type of boot. The nylon form fits your foot and is extremely strong the toe is not going to be feeling like it’s a composite it provides complete protection without knowing it’s there like you have running shoes on super light and maneuverable. Best boot ever. I do miss the gray color though I wanted that color because it hides dirt and is darker in color

The Zipper is awesome. These boots are holding up very well. At least as well as Redwings Ive owned. The Brahma boots (from wallyworld) would have broken down by now. Im not seeing any signs of the leather or nylon breaking down yet. All of the stitching is fine.The soles are in good shape still. Nice and lightweight as you'd expect. After 7 months of wear in factory, construction, and outdoor use I can safely say these are good quality boots that won't come apart in half a year.One thing to note is that there is ZERO insulation value. I step out of the van when its 25 degrees out and in about 4 seconds I feel the cold on the top of my foot. I step out when its 85 degrees and sunny and in about 4 seconds feel the suns fire on the top of my foot. Wear appropriate socks and its not too bad. However if you work outside ALL the time, I would recommend another style.

I was active duty for 6 years, 8 months, 22 days... Went into the reserves (for one reason or another...). Foot wear is always important. It was engrained from the start of my military career.Anyone who has worn a 8-inch high boot understands that there is (typically) a break-in period for a boot. Whether for PT, hiking, work, etc... There alway's seems to be a painful break-in...Not. With. These. Boots.They move and groove, and from the get-go, they are comfortable and breathe! Light-weight, and nice on the feet. Between construction and hiking, these boots are a real top-notch go-to. Very supportive. Ehhhh, the price is a bit high... But I'd slap these on and pay the price any day, over a 30 dollar pair from Wally World.Re-lace them properly, and coat them with a water-repellant or water-sealer. They are ASTM and EF rated. Once they're laced, you essentially never have to tie them again with the side-zip. They are comfortable, and they don't have the "Oh I need to get these boots off, I've been in them 12 hours" problem.Fits as expected. No issues (yet...). Laces are quality. Seller was quick. My foot is essentially encased in the comfort of a pillow. Light-weight and robust. You'd be a fool not to get these, regardless of the work or task.

I went on the hunt for the perfect work boot. I'm on my feet 12 hour a day. I was looking for a lightweight, comfortable boot that was supportive. I found the Try Before You Buy on Amazon and went through a lot of boots without any success. Everything was too heavy, too loose, too tight, or made my feet hurt even if they felt good initially. I thought to myself, I wanted a pair of boots that performed like my combat boots. Something touch enough to go through anything but agile enough to run in and comfortable enough to wear all day. Then I remembered from my Army days the mechanics had to wear steel toe boots. I search for Bates steel toe knowing Bates were some of the best combat boots you could get. I'm so glad I did. These are even better than I remember. The side zipper is new to me and was skeptical of it at first but turn out to be a real added benefit and a time saver. I'll never wear conventional work boots again. I love these boots.