Share Your Story

I am a Mission Pilot with Civil Air Patrol; US Air Force Auxiliary. I just participated in Falcon Virgo at White Sands Missile Range with this airplane. Later this month we will have a state-wide Search and Rescue Exercise.

David Wilson

I received a pair of Bates boots in November 2009. Since that time I have worn them on duty as a police officer in Massachusetts in various types of weather including 6 inches of snow. They kept my feet warm and dry and provided traction to allow sure footing on ice and in snow. I attended the National Hockey League's Winter Classic outdoor hockey game at Fenway Park between the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers. The temperature was 34 degrees at game time. My feet never got cold. I was wearing my Bates boots. In February, I attended a program that supports our troops at Fort Sill Oklahoma. The area we visited had many areas covered with crushed stone for roadways and in heavy mud areas. My Bates boots were comfortable and my feet were dry throughout the entire time. And yes, it snowed there too. I'd recommend Bates boots without reservation for duty or every day wear. They are comfortable and and maintain a professional appearance with very little effort.

Arthur Parker Jr.

When I was on my first deployment to Afghanistan, I was searching for a lighter, more comfortable boot to wear than our issued boots. I stumbled upon the Bates M-9 desert boot, and decided to give them a try. Well, 1 more Afganistan deployment and 1 Iraq deployment since then, and the only boot I wear are M-9's, they are by far, the most superior boot I have ever worn.

Noah Grove

I personaly own a pair of Bates boots and I firmly believe that they are the best pair of duty footwear that i have ever owned. They are comfortable,lightweight and they are very affordable. I know I can depend on them to perform well in every situation that I go into. And they shine well and look great.

cadetconley@charter.net Conley

I'm a Paramedic in Scotland and have used BATE's boots over the past 5 years. I've never had a more comfortable protective boot as these and with the different enviroments that we work in, from hill to house I can be sure of this boot. Many thanks

John Pritchard

i can not see my life without bates . i met my fiance while wearing bates. we went on our first date while i was wearing bates. we conceived our soon to come child while.....yes i was wearing bates. true story.

rick pineda

My name is Vince and for years I've searched high and low for a good boot. I got my first pair of Bates boots from Sears about three years ago. I was sold. I believe Bates to be the BEST boot for the money. I will never wear anything else. I now have Four pairs One being the 5" tac sport boot, Two very broke in GX-4 Gore-tex boots and my favorite being the Men's Delta-8 Gore-Tex® Side Zip Boot w/ ICS. I now work in retail auto parts and am on my feet all day. I can say it's very nice at the end of my shift that my feet don't hurt a bit. Like I said I will never wear anything else Vince Royal Oak,MI

Vincent LaPointe

I was on routine patrol in the rural Indiana town I served. An early spring storm struck with no warning, pounding the community with 3 inches of rain in a few hours. I had just turned onto the Sawmill Rd. when I saw a blue Buick stranded in the rising water under the railroad overpass. The woman inside was in a panic, so I got out of the car and shouted across to her that help was coming, I kept eye contact with her, while the fire department responded. When I finally looked down, the rising water had completely covered my Bates boots. I was unaware at the time and figured I would be putting up with cold, wet feet for the rest of my shift. When I got home and pulled off my boots, my feet were completely dry! I've sworn by Bates ever since.

Monte Poling

I longed to become a firefighter in order to serve my local community. Luckily I was chosen to be a member of the Buffalo Fire Dept. When I was told that I needed to have a black work boot, there was only one company that came to mind, BATES. Many of my fellow recruits actually developed foot pains from the use of inferior boots. When they told me of their problems the first thing I suggested was to give Bates a try. The first day after they switched to Bates, no more pain and were extremely happy. Thanks Bates.

adam markel

I'm an ex-soldier, ex local Deputy Sheriff, and current Deputy US Marshal. I've worn Hi-Tec's, jungle boots, Danners and lots of other boots. But I keep coming back to Bates. I wear the Assault boots every single day i work and will be back for another pair when the soles wear off of this pair. Keep up the good work.

Jason Bourne

I bought my first pair of Bates boots almost 12 years ago when I first started in Corrections. About 4 years later I bought a off brand pair of boots and within a week I was ready to buy a new pair of boots. Nothing compares to Bates boots. I'll never buy another pair of boots that doesn't say Bates on them.

Scott Wright

Can you try to think of a more impossible duty to keep white shoes , white when walking on dirty side walk and even worse grass parade fields. Keep white shoe past in pocket with a cloth and good luck. DocSus

jim susorney

After years of wearing mediocre boots I reached out and found my sole mates and my feet have never been better. No more pain, no more suffering. It is like I found magical boots from the treasures of the gods.

Todd Fox

As a firefigher/paramedic, it is important that I can rely on my footwear throughout my day. My Bates boots give me the added safety protection and comfort that I need in a shoe that I wear for sometimes 24 hours straight, if not longer at times. Bates allows me to quickly put my boots on and off in the case of an emergency response. They also look professional and stay free from severe wear and tear. I love Bates boots. Even after trying other brands, I came back to Bates because they were the most comfortable and durable.

Vicki Hays

I bought a pair of lace to toe boots back in 2003, a few years later I left my husband who put all of my things in a outside shed, when I finally got the chance to get my boots back they had been out in the yard for almost a year. They had mold all over them and full of spiderwebs, So I brought them home put them in the washer and then let them dry. I now wear these same boots to work EVERY day. I love Bates Boots they are the best boot I have ever bought, I don't wear anything eles. Thank you Bates for makeing such great boots!

Arron Register

Love the boots hate the soles. 25 years ago I perched my first pair of Bates boots and since then I have grown older and my feet bigger. January of 09 I found my second pair of bates boots and they fit like a glove. Ten month later the soles are falling apart. Since the soles are molded to the boot I don't think they can be resoled. 25 years ago made in the good old USA I believe now China.By the way I have had the old pair resoled for the second time and now my oldest boy where's them when on the motorcycle.

Steve S

Sagt.Cmd.Elijah Martinez were a special team that secret but we help law enforcement and rescue teams with civilians our hearts was that gangs and violence should be stop well we have study on FBI/CSI/EMT/Law enforcement we work to safe our people cause serve and protected means we do our duty but we ready to go to work find the ruin and put them in place stop kids from drugs and alchol and gans cause we are the united umbrella intelligence i'am Sagt.Cmd. Elijah Martinez Commander of UUI

Elijah Martinez

I purchased a pair of Bates lites in 2002 and have worn them a total of 5 times. Yesterday while attending a funeral my shoes literally fell apart. The soles desintegrated and then the upper portions started to come apart at the seams. Needless to say i'm not happy with mu purshase. Sincerely Tsgt. Kenneth Hartman.

kenneth hartman

Have owned a pair of Bates Enforcer (#2120) with side zip & composite hard toe for almost 4 years & thousands of hours of wear time. Had an incident in 2007, when I laid my Harley Sportster over on my left foot when I slipped on a gravel road. Was going maybe 5 mph. My left foot was pinned under my bike & took several minutes for me to extricate myself. Only injury suffered other than my bruised ego, was a minor contusion to my left foot. I am totall convinced my Bates boots prevented my injury from being much worse than it was. Thanks for making a great boot for us bikers. Michael S. Whitlock Sealy, TX.

Michael S. Whitlock

From the woods and swamps in florida to the biggest stages and concert tours in europe my Bates boots have been there 4 me!!!best boots ever!!!wont wear anythig else!!! Give me a sponsorship deal PLEASE!!!

richard curran

I was a footwear stylist and a technical designer in my younger days so I can appreciate the look and feel of a well crafted boot or shoe before I try it on. That's Bates. As a biker (the kind with a motor) Bates boots are all I wear. As a walker / hiker (for fitness) Bates boots are all I wear. My Bates 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip Boots (worn primarily when I bike) are easy on, easy off, comfortable, and provide more than adequate protection. I've owned more than a few pair and each has performed like the first, flawlessly. I recently obtained my first pair of Bates GX-4 boots for hiking and walking. They provide adequate protection when worn while I bike, are comfortable to wear all day long on the job (as are my 8" Tactical Sport Side Zips) and then afterwards, when I hike. My feet are not tired or overheated and they remain dry. When this pair of GX-4 boots wears out I will go back for another, and that means a one hour drive to the closest retail outlet that stocks Bates on a regular basis, but my feet are worth it! I like that Bates boots are always the same, year in, year out, not reinvented simply because this year's model somehow goes out of style next year... quality and fit never go out of style, nor does value. I'm a Bates customer for life. Try a pair, you owe to your feet, and when you do you just may become a lifetime customer as well. Thanks Bates! Bill McCann III

William McCann

to the people who make bates footwear , i have owned several pairs of your boots & all of them exceeded the pair before them. I only wish my unit had the operational freedom they have today back when i served it was jungle boots or nothing sure wish I'd had my trusty falcons & m-6 s back in the day. Your boots are nearly grenade proof keep doing what you're doing & thanks so much sincerely steve nolan. R.L.T.W.!!!!

steve nolan

When my British Army issue boots were killing my feet i went looking for some new ones. The shop had some Bates on special offer and it was all I could afford at the time. They have been with me through 9 countires, including the US and Canada. Seen me through some of the hardest military courses in NATO and taken me up the hills of Afganistan and back, safely. Even after 6 years they are good as new and feel like slippers. You guys most really love my feet, and I really love your boots. Thanks a lot for the (ankle) support.

richard sefton

I recently acquired a pair of your Bates ICS Boots. In that I usually leave my duty boots in my locker at work, I wore this new pair to work and then went on-duty wearing these, out-of-the-box boots. They are, without a doubt, the most comfortable duty boots I have ever worn. This includes my (5-6) years on patrol, one year in Iraq with the US Army and 5 years in the Reserves. After my shift ended, I put on my year old pair of far more expensive boots and wore them home. They will not be going to work with me again. You've got a winner with this boot, light, comfortable, water proof and sound support. Keep up the good work.

Josh McConkie

I bought these boots through a local retailer that came into work. They had prices on all the boots but this pair that was sitting by itself on the shelf, I asked what was up with the boot on the shelf and the rep told me they were the newest and most advanced boots on the market. He looked down at my boots (5.11 Tactical) and told me my size,width,and how I walked. I was definitely sold on a pair of Bates after that, I just didn't know which pair. After listening to the story behind the Delta 8's I said that was the pair for me. This is the most I have ever paid for a pair of boots, but it was worth every penny! It took a few weeks to break in the uppers but the insoles were like standing on thick carpet from the beginning. Now the boots are 100% broke in and I don't rush home at the end of the day to kick them off. I recommend this boot to anyone that has the aching feet by the end of a shift,you won't regret it. The only thing that the boot needs is a finger loop somewhere on the back to assist in pulling the boots on. Thank you for a great boot!

Troy B

I'm a rider, I have been a motorcyclist for 35 years. I have worn every type of shoe or boot while riding. When I took my big fall a 12 or 15 years ago I realized I had to be more protected when I ride. I started wearing all kinds of different protective gear. I became an ATGGATT rider (All The Gear, All The Time). I am please to tell you that three pairs ago, I discovered Bates Duty Boots. Not only have my feet been saved from falling motorcycles by these boots, but they are so comfortable I wear them almost all the time. I've only had one zipper give up on me (still wearing them anyway) but no other issues. These boots are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, bar none. I am a devoted fan and as long as I can find them on sale, I will buy them. No question about it. James Eustermann Los Angeles, CA

James Eustermann

While shopping with my boys, we wandered into Sherper's ( a great outdoor anything you need kinda place ) in West Allis, WI. Since we all needed boots we began trying on several pairs, I bought the second one I tried on, they felt like a cashmere sweater to my tired achy feet! I stood/moved around all day on cement flooring, and no matter how many changes of shoes or insoles I did, my feet were always heavy, hot, swollen,and SORE! Not only did I buy the Bates boots ( model number LONG since worn away ) I wore them out of the store, feeling like I have had them forever! We got home several hours later, after a bunch of errands...and I didn't think once about my feet in almost 5 years!! THANK YOU BATES!!!! These boots are now 8 years old, daily wearing, and you can't tell too much, but I can tell you they STILL FEEL GREAT! My new job now requires a special rating for slip resistance, and I have wrote in to the company just tonight to see which boots qualify since I have NO intention of going to another brand of footwear!

Cathie Thiry

I am a police officer in the gulf coast area of Texas. I purchased a pair of your USMC Durashock boots for my days off. These are the best fitting, comfy boots that I have ever purchased. At work I wear a pair of Bates Jump boots and they too are great boots. Now my big wish is that Bates could also make the USMC Durashock boot in black for the rest of us in law enforcement. John Driskill

John Driskill

I was an County Fire Investigator, Due to county not having the money to keep all the investigators on the payrol I had to get a construction job! Well last week there was a 30 foot piling being moved by a trachoe and of course I was in the way and the piling cought my ankle and smached me between the piling and the wheels of an tractor trailer breaking my leg at the ankle! Wile laying on the ground in pain like I have never felt before waiting for the ambulance to get me I felt my leg swelling in the boot . And of course it had to be cut off ! But the injury was so bad that I got plates and screws holding me together ! If it was not for my Bates Boots I shurley would have lost my foot that day ! Thanks for holding me together! John Favaloro Hancock County MS Fire Investigator FM-4

John Favaloro

Hi, I just wanted to drop a note about the quality of your 02184 Bates 11' Paratrooper Side Zip boots. I just bought my second pair today, having worn my previous pair for more than 5 years. The thing is, the old pair is still pretty much fine... just so scarred up that I decided to spend the dough on some new ones. Those boots saw me through weeks on the streets of NYC, through mountains in VT, the streets of Chicago, most of the Appalachian trail, innumerable miles through the mountains of N. GA, and more, more, more. Five years of that punishment, and all I did was polish them occasionally and get one of the zippers replaced. Easily the best $100 I have ever spent. ~Adam

Adam Swier

I am a depluty sheriff and have purchased your lightwieght tennis shoe style work shoe. This is the second set of these shoes and they are great. The rubber souls allow me to easily walk without making any noise. They are worn well the past year. Good job!

Steve Canter

I am a Law Enforcment Explorer for my local Sheriff's office. I have a pair of Bates 8" Tactical Side Zip Boot's. They fit well, and were immediatly broken in. They also hold up well and support my feet. I know that I can depend on them to protect me, and keep me comfortable. I live in NC so in the Summer it is HOT and in winter it is cold and wet. My Bates keep my feet dry, cool and warm in any climate. They are a very good value. I realy like how they are awesome stylish boots, but for a great price.

Steven Ray

Dear Bates, For a couple of weeks I have been looking for a quality pair of hi gloss oxfords. Out of all the companies that make hi gloss oxfords, Bates is by far the best when it comes to quality and style of shoe. The hi gloss oxfords really look classy with the Air Force Service Blue Uniform. Thank You Bates!

Lance LeGrand

I work in the entertainment and high profile and celebrity security field, and purchased your new GX-8 boots in February 2007. But that is not the story. True, the boots are great for my job, but I recently went on a 3 week trip through Peru. I have several different pairs of quality hiking boots, but at the last minute decided to swap my recreational hiking boots with my Bates boots. The decision was based mostly on weight and waterproofing, and the fact that I was to live out of a backpack for 3 weeks. I hiked a 10 mile trail through the Andes and up to Machu Picchu and was very satisfied. Then the true test... The Amazon. I spent 8 days in the Amazon Jungle hiking between 3 and 8 miles a day, and let me tell you, it was not dry!! One "trail" (I say that because the trail was being created by our guide with a machete) had no less than ankle deep water the entire 8km hike. My feet stayed dry and my ankles were supported over extreme terrain the entire time. I was so impressed that about half way through the trip, while looking down at my mud covered boots submerged under 2 inches of water, I commented to my buddy that I had to let the Bates company know where their boots had been and how well they held up. Thanks Bates! I'll be in your boots for the foreseeable future and I definitely recommend them to anyone that wants a quality boot!

Brian Stovall

I am currently working as a department supervisor for a military manufacturing plant. We have over 4 million square feet of production space. We were recently going through some shift changes and I needed to be here for most of it. I worked a 21 hour day and most of it on my feet. The only thing that wasn't tired at the end of the day were my feet. I owe it all to the Bates Tactical Boot. . . the greatest boot in the world!

Jeffrey Berkey

I'm a Canadian forces reservist and the boots we get are not so desireable for our feet, Im also currently injured in my foot, ankle, knee, hip and shoulder and most of it links back to bad footwear. I purchased a pair of M9 Goretex Assualt boots and I've never ever once looked back by far the best boots I own and will ever own.Hands down. They help me do my job and help me heal my ailing body. Out of the box they were good to go, no breaking in just pure and udder comfort and support. I only hope a more jungle type version comes out or a version without the thinsulate insulation comes out because they're so very warm, excellent in 3 out of the four seasons (Saved my feet from freezing off in the winter because I cant get the winter boots issued for the life of me) Great design and the Vibram mutant soles not only look cool (I show them to all my buddies still wearing issued boots-they're a little jealous) but they have never slipped on anything in my year+ of wearing them, and I've tried to get them to slip and fall on ice and put them through my own little torture tests and all they got is one little nick in the leather, but they still look brand new. Thank the Infantry gods for Bates boots

Nic Vanderplas

To the fantastic people at BATES, I work in Law Enforcement in Australia where it seems to be very hard to get good boots, that is, until I discovered BATES footwear! I have been wearing BATES boots for over 3 years now and I can tell you from experience, these boots are built tough! I work through all kinds of conditions from desert sands to river floods and the BATES M Series Assault Boots in the 9" side zip have taken everything I can possibly throw at them. They honestly are the most sensational pair of boots that I have ever worn. I will never forget running into a particular river fully kitted looking for the occupant of a vehicle that had crashed into the water and while standing waist deep in water, I suddenly realised that my feet were still dry! Fantastic! As a result of this, many of my colleagues are now purchasing and importing BATES boots to Australia to wear while on duty because they have seen how well mine perform and at the end of a long day on the riot line, I seem to be the only one not complaining that my feet hurt, because they don't! Take it from me, do yourself a favour and strap on a pair of BATES. Your feet will definately thank you for it and I promise you will never want to, or need to buy another brand of boot again! Thanks guys and keep it up. Senior Constable First Class M.HILL

Matthew HILL

The most comfortable boots I have ever owned is a pair of 02184 Bates 11' Paratrooper Side Zip boots. I work for the MO. Department of Corrections and am on my feet for most of an eight hour shift. I wqork on a tile over cement floor. The inner soles of these boots are the most confortable I have ever seen in factory insoles and I would like to know how to get some more of them, I wear them out a lot faster than the boots.

Eddie Maxwell

I ordered a pair of the M9 Desert Boots for working at a range and as a basic summer training boot. Spectacular ankle support, good sole attachement and quality lace system. Very nice boots that have done all four seasons now in Michigan. I would LOVE these boots in black leather WITHOUT the side zip. Great job on a great set of boots. Jack Pieters Michigan

Jack Pieters

While going through USAF Security Forces training wearing military issued boots, my shin splints were getting so bad to the point that I was going to be medically separated from the service! I decided to try your 8" Tactical Sport Side Zip and couldn't believe the difference I was seeing! The light weight of the boots blew me away and in a week, my shin splints were nearly gone and no longer close to separation! Thanks for saving my military career!

Laura Tynan

I just got your boots today Jan. 26, 08. And so far they are by the best boots I have. I was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and I wore combat boots - full leather boot and have alway had a hard time breaking in my boots Cody Benac

Cody Benac

My name is Daniel Wilson and I work Security and Maintenance for one of the Nation's leading educational lenders. I bought a pair of the 5 inch Bates sport boots back in January of 06 when I took the job. They're the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn in every working/weather condition. I just bought a brand new pair of the same model in January of 08. The only problem is, I don't know when I'll ever get to wear them. The old ones from 06 are still going strong. Thanks Bates for your footwear. It makes the hard jobs seem al little easier when your feet aren't hurting.

Daniel Wilson

I have worn my Bates Women's Hush Puppy Bounce Dress shoes for about 15 years. They have been the most comfortable military dress shoes that I have worn throughout my 28 year military career. The shoe itself has been durable throughout. Unfortunately, I will have to replace them because the Dura-Shock soles have finally cracked! Only where my foot creases the shoe though! They still look new and have been very well taken care of. I will miss them, but will definately replace them with another pair of Bates, not only for the durability, but the Best Comfort of any shoe available of it's kind. If the Bates company would like my shoes to show the longevity of their shoes, I would be happy to send them to you!! Thanks again for a great shoe! Dawn M. Rabonza, First Sergeant, 3d Battalion, 413th Regiment, 7th Brigade, 104th Division

Dawn Rabonza

I just like the punk rock fashion i.e. combat boots. These are clearly the best pair of boots I ever bought, my first pair lasted 3 years and I just purchased my second. I have never had a pair of boots last more than a year in the past. These boots have saved from falling on ice and the floor of the auto repair facillity where I work, plus in the heat of the summer they are cool, and they have the agility of a gym shoe. I recomend bates boots over any big box junk brand, doc martens, or any other combat boot look alikes.

mike stokley

Hi, my name is Matt, and i am a technician at a dealership in arkansas. I recently came into posession of a pair of your 8" Tactial Sport boots through a friend of mine. WOW, with ten years on my feet everyday in a shop, i can say these are the best boots i have ever worn. I have tried all kinds of "work shoes" and not found anything as comfortable from day one!! did not have to break them in, no hurting, I'm not even in a hurry to take them off as i always have been with everything else. I wore them deer hunting the first day, 18 hours with out taking them off. the next week i wore them to work, and will not wear anything else. thank you for a great boot. I am trying to get everyone to buy a pair! keep up the good work!

Matt Maddox

I BOUGHT A FAIRLY USED BATES SHOE WHILE ON A PEACEKEEPING MISSION IN LIBERIA 2006 FROM THE OPEN MARKET.IT IS COOL WHEN WORN,COMFORTABLE,GIVES A SMART TURN OUT TO THE ADMIRATION OF COLLEAGUES. HOPE TO GET A NEW ONE TO ENJOY ITS COOL SOOTHING. BATES KEEP THE GOOD NAME. CAPT THOMPSON OSHUPORU

THOMPSON OSHUPORU

When my son was accepted to the Fire Academy the uniform boots required were the Bates Tactical Sport,side zip. Stock #02261. He has long since graduated, been through EMT school and begun paramedic training. STILL in the same boots. They are just now, 3 yrs later ready to be replaced. A few months ago during a call to a particularly nasty moter vehicle accident my son was soaked in blood. Only my son and one other responder weren't slipping and falling all over the place....both were wearing the same Bates boot. As a firefighter/EMT's Mom I constantly worry...but never about the great boots he wears each and every day. Thanks!

Karen Bettis

Hi, my name is Spc Riley Sirignano. I am currently deployed in Afghanistan, I bought a pair of Bates M-9 Dessert Assault boots. These boots are by far the best pair of boots i have ever had! I have been wearing them for 9 months now and they are REALLY taking a beating! I am an Combat MP, and we do all kinds of rugged foot patrols, so you can imagine how beat up my pair is gettin! There is one problem, i am on a fob where resupply is scarce. I was wondering if maybe you could hook me up with a new pair? My adress is Riley Sirignano 235th MP CO. apo ae 09354 THANKS, MY SIZE IS 9 REGULAR.

Riley Sirignano

I am an avid paintballer and founder of CSPO (www.canadianscenariopaintball.com) I received a referral to get my boots from a police outfitter and the fellow at Copps Shoes in New Westminster sold me a pair of Bates Sport Tactical High 8". I was a bit concerned about the high price of the boots as I was going to hit the paintball field with them with a vengance and I was afriad I was buying a pair of boots that were too good for my purposes. Well I'll tell you these boots feel like my running shoes. I can rip around the field through any terrain better than any paintballer regardless of what they are wearing. Definitely the best tactical paintball boot I've ever seen on the field. The zip up sides get looks on the field !

Kris Taylor

I was recently changing out a very large terminal board weighing approximately 300 lbs. While we were moving it the board slipped and the full weight landed directly on my right foot. At first i thought i was going to have some serious damage luckily i was wearing 8" Tropical SEALs DuraShocks and they took the whole of the fall, I wound up walking it off. I still wear those same boots. John Hanssens

john hanssens

I am a cadet of EFOFAC (Escuela de Formacion de Oficiales de la Guardia Nacional de la Republica Bolivariana de Venezuela), my uncle bought me a pair of gx-8 Gore-tex boots, and they are the best boot, we recive a very tough training in the field, and this boot, brings me comfort, excellent ankle support, my foot are dry and fresh, and they give me advantage to successfully finish my training, thank you Bates for this boot.

Javier Calma

I did 4 months in Afghanistan. I was wearing an issued boots at first but they fell apart within a week. About 1 month later I got my Desert Assault M-9's. No break in required, lighter then my issued boots. My God what a GREAT product. Cpl Rob

Robert Gater

To the Fine People at Bates! I work in Retail & in Bar Security! I am always on my feet! One of my roommates bought a pair of the Bates US Army Boots since he was in the Service & these are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned! I used to be a Mechanic & Tow Truck Driver. So I have run through the gauntlet & then some! These Bates Boots have held up under the Minnesota Weather conditions & have also helped me with work by providing comfort for over 12 hours of wearing! I have had my boots for over a year & they are still going strong! Keep up the great work & keep the great boot coming Big Mike Minneapolis, MN

MIKE SLOBODNIK

I'm happy about Bates footwear, it feels good on my feet I have the GX-4 - good buy. from, Philip Penenpede

PHILIP PENENPEDE

Dear Bates, I broke my back three years ago and was partially paralyzed in my legs for 8 months. I went through a experimental surgery that regained my ability to walk and work again. After regaining my strength I noticed numbness in my feet that persisted until I found your fine boots. I bought a pair at Dick's Sportware in Charlottesville Virginia. After wearing your GX-8 with zipper my numbness retreated and my legs regained strength. I wore one pair out in a year then went back for another. I noticed Dick's was closing out the boots not offering them anymore. I bought the last two pair in my size 12. Your boot is so simple to put on and take off, light and durable as any boot I have ever worn. Now that I found you I will order direct unless you have a dealer in my area of central Virginia. I never comment on anything (good or bad) I just learn as I go but your boots deserve a BIG THANK YOU from me ! As you will see if you go to my web site ww.logcabins.net my work is my life and my passion your boots helped me return to my way of life ! Thank you again !! God Bless you and your company ! Timothy Dean Robinson

timothy Robinson

To all the fine Gentlemen and Women of Wolverine World Wide INC., My name is Joseph Krupla and recently my unit was issuing out the last of its Black Combat Boots as to make way for the new ACU Tan Boots. I can into ownership of two of the best and finest pair of boots I have ever worn in the entire time I have been in the U.S. Army. Bates is a superior boot by far in keeping feet dry and cool. I recently had the fortune to try them out in very harsh conditions in which I walked and ran in my new pair of Bates boots right out of the box. I put some boot polish on them and wore them for an entire day in which I marched over 12 miles in rain and on different terrain. My feet felt amazing! Not only were my feet the driest part of my body, they did not have any hot spots or blisters. Bates, thank you so much for making a high quality boot. Please continue with the amazing quality of your boots. Thank you for making such a great product and for serving those of us in the U.S. Military. Sincerely, Joseph Krupla

Joseph Krupla

Dear Sirs, I am not the type of person to write a letter to a company, but due to the product you have put out, my career was saved. On May 21, 2006, I was on Patrol and responded to a Motor Vehicle Accident on a major highway. Upon arrival to the scene, I exited my police cruiser and was subsequently struck by a drunk driver. I jumped up to avoid being dragged under the vehicle and as a result the grill of the vehicle hit my left foot. When I arrived at the emergency room my boots were removed and it was determined that the instep of my left foot was dislocated and eight bones were broken. I was told by the orthopedic surgeon that if I was not wearing quality boots and wore the tennis shoe type boots that my co-workers opted for, I would have sustained greater and perhaps permanent damage. I happened to be wearing Bates boots with a composite toe and heel. My toes, heel and ankle did not sustain any injuries. Due to the Bates boots my recovery has been speedy since all the major areas of my foot were protected. I want to thank you for putting out a quality product. Sincerely, Officer Kathleen Cruz

Kathleen Cruz