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