Bates Men's 8" DuraShock Lace-to-Toe Side Zip Work Boot

These are pretty good boots for law enforcement/corrections-type work. They keep my feet comfortable during long hours on concrete and steel surfaces and grip well when said surfaces are wet, which is often, since I work in a prison and flooding is a popular source of entertainment among convicts. I've had my oldest pair of these for over a year now and there's just now the slightest sign of wear on the heels. The leather and nylon are still in perfect condition and I've not had any issues with stitching coming loose or giving out. If you put some effort into your boot care, these do take very well to spit-shining. They're cool, although a bit heavier than some offerings on the market but that isn't a problem for me. I like them quite a bit, which means that Bates will probably discontinue them, like they do with everything of theirs that I've ever liked. They remind me of my Danners (Acadia, Ft. Lewis) that I had in the Army, without the $300.00 price tag.*UPDATE*So, if we fast-forward to 02/12/2019, these boots are still holding together well and look just as sharp as ever. I've been spit-shining my own boots since 1989 and I have to say that these Bates take to it more easily than any I've ever owned before. Here's a tip that I'm not even going to charge you for...... When your boots stop taking a shine, DON'T STRIP THEM. Just change the polish that you're using and keep working them. KIWI is my everyday polish but when my boots just won't behave and take a shine, I switch it up and work them with Lincoln and it has NEVER failed to get a breakthrough shine and, after getting the breakthrough, I can switch back to the much cheaper Kiwi.So, let's see..... If I've had this pair of Defenders since 2016, that makes them three years old. I haven't resoled them and still haven't had any issues with stitching or leather or nylon wear-out. I paid less than $150.00 for them, so I still can't justify paying over $350.00 for the Danners that these are based on. Just CAN'T. I'm completely satisfied with this product and may add another pair to my repertoire in the very near future.Oh...... One more thing.... Have I mentioned that I was a "grunt" in the Army, in "light infantry" and "airborne infantry" units for over 11 years and that I post under my wife's screen name because I'm too lazy to create my own account? Yep, fellas... I take my feet and my boots VERY seriously and I HIGHLY recommend these boots for anybody in the law enforcement/corrections/security business. I can't say that these Bates will hold up in a load-bearing role but, if you're just pounding pavement every day and need to look sharp, these are your huckleberries......PS.... Don't be an idiot. Order Sorbothane Insoles. These boots are going to outlast your feet, so you might as well be comfortable.

They squeak! Not recommended for jack boot thugs who want to sneak up on unarmed January 6th protesters. Comfortable from day one. No break in period. Seem to run spot on to maybe a little large. Seem very well constructed, but I've only worn them for a month. Bates was a popular name in the military, and that's what caught my attention. So far I'm pleased with them. Recommend and would buy again.

These are the 4th pair of Bates tactical boots that I have purchased, during my 13 years on the job. (Different styles each time.)I specifically chose this style, this time, because the soles can be replaced when they wear down. My previous 3 pairs of Bates were still in great shape, except that the soles had finally worn down. However, on the other 3 styles I have worn, you cannot replace the soles.I have always found Bates boots to be a great value. They are durable and comfortable, at a fair price. These new ones are no different. I feel comfortable ording Bates, online, because the size is consistent. (Actual sizes vary by manufacturer.) So, these fit great. They are confortable right out of the box. Yes, as new boots always are, they are a bit stiff. But, they begin to break in quickly. Now that I can replace the soles, I anticipate many years of service, from this pair.If you are debating how well the side zipper functions or the support it gives, you can rest assured that the zippers do not fail, and the support is maintained. With the exception of the first pair I wore, all of mine have been side zip. And, they have all provided years of trouble-free service.

First off, I have been a loyal Bates consumer for years. I had a pair of quarter boots that lasted through 1 1/2 years of Corrections and EMS. The seams never failed. The only part that wore out was the rubber. I was quite impressed and became a loyal customer quickly. I have noticed over the years the boots don't last like they used too. The insides wear very fast and the leather wears out quickly. Regardless, nothing I don't expect. Now, I have never purchased this model before and have been wearing them for about a week. Here is my review from the ground up:Fit: I always order a half size bigger to accommodate heavy socks in the winter. These were a tad bigger than expected. Nothing extraordinary so its cool. I still like having a little wiggle room.Insole: Standard junk. I replaced them like I do with every pair of boots I buy.Weight: I am used to the GX-8 or Lightweight Bates. It was a small shock on how heavy these are but, I like it. They feel like they absorb more of my step and make it more comfortable to walk.Zipper: The zipper is pretty standard. Nothing new and exciting.Seams: Seem well constructed and solid.Waterproof: These are not waterproof out of the box. Some camping spray will do the trick but, they will get water in through the zipper. Don't go stomping through a foot of water and you will be fine.Overall: I would recommend to those looking for a solid boot. They look good and I think they will take a good shine. The only thing I don't like is the weight and that is not a deal breaker by any means. The break in period is relatively short, just don't wear them for 16 straight hours on your 3rd day of owning them (Not my choice. Mandatory OT). I would buy them again.

True to size. They look sharp and are very durable and comfortable.

My husband said these boots are prefect. Good fit and extra wide. He was able to get his size E wide foot into them easily. Will definitely buy again when these wear out.

First impression, well made but I expected wider

Bought the ‘work’ boots thinking they are metal/composite toecaps. THEY DO NOT! No good for working on construction sites.Otherwise they seemed comfortable until I returned them.