Bates Lites® Black High Gloss Oxford

We got fitted for our uniform and everything but the shoes... They are more comfortable than most I have worn for marching band, etc. The fit a little lose in the back but that's my only issue. They were easy to clean and look great when we are all in flight for drills, etc. Love the shoes the material is great an durable... So overall great job!

This show will last me a life time.

A friend of mine bought a pair of these for his retirement ceremony. He only wore them once and gave them to me since you obviously didn't need them anymore. I found them extremely comfortable immediately as I pulled them off the shelf just before in Air Force ceremony. But to my absolute mortification they fell apart as I walked around the room. I hadn't even had the chance to have them collapse in the ceremony, as they didn't even make it out the door. I never knew this was even a possibility and it never even entered my mind until I did some research and discovered the "Bates blowout" phenomena. Amazingly my govt-issued low quarters from 14 years ago are perfectly functional after rough of duty over the past years. Shocking that these Bates can fall apart after two uses. I just can't get over it. Therefore I advise you to consider this carefully before buying these.

Shoes were absolutely perfect high gloss finish to complement a sharp dress uniform. Much to my surprise both shoes have begun to crumble. I’ve never seen or heard of such a high end shoe falling to pieces. They weren’t my daily pair and only worn for photos or necessary events. Of all days for this to happen it had to be today. Poorly constructed.

I replaced a pair of issue low quarters that had never been very comfortable. The first day I wore these shoes, I had them on for 10 hours, and my were not sore at the end of the day. That in itself made them well worth the purchase.