Men's Bates Lites® Black High Gloss Oxford

High gloss Oxford
This is an exceptionally made shoe....I have worn Bates shoes as a part of my U.S.M.C. dress blues, as well as my last pair lasting me ten plus years as a memeber of my Law Enforcement Department Honor Guard. No shoe last forever, but if you want to "step out" with style and pride this is the shoe. Thank You Bates...

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected

How do you most use this product?: Horor Guard Details

Disintegration of Bates Lites!!
I just returned from a Military Honors Ceremony for my father who passed away recently and I had the unfortunate experience to have my pair of Bates Lites disintegrate while we were waiting for the ceremony to begin. I didn't even realize it until my wife noticed big chunks of black rubber laying in front of the seating area. After the ceremony, she asked me if they came from my shoes and when we looked at the bottoms, both shoes had begun to fall apart. Within minutes the entire heels and most of the soles had come off!! Craziest thing I've ever seen!! I've had these shoes for a few years and have only worn them a few times, as I normally wear my paratrooper/jump boots with my dress uniform. I kept them stored in the original box in my closet, so they weren't subjected to anything more than all my other shoes. The Bates Lites were very comfortable and looked great, but I would not consider purchasing another pair, nor recommend that anyone else purchase them, until the modify the compound of their rubber soles to make them last longer. I just spoke to the folks at Bates and they are aware of the issue but did not mention anything about a fix to the problem. If they were warranted against such a defect, I would consider another pair.

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected

How do you most use this product?: With my Army Dress Blue uniform.

Soles are VERY CHEAP
I used to wear these Coroframs in the U.S. Navy. As other reviewers have stated - the soles of the shoe are very cheaply made (foam/rubber compound) and will disintegrate over time. Until Bates sucks it up and changes the sole degradation issue, there is absolutely no way I could recommend them - especially for the price paid. Bates is lucky in that they have a department of defense contract and pretty much have a monopoly on shoes of this type for our military service members. By putting forth this product, Bates IS NOT putting their best foot forward and serving our military members.

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected

How do you most use this product?: U.S. Navy Dress Uniform