Bates Men's GX-8 Gore-Tex Waterproof Side Zip Boot

These were great boots for many years. I can't tell you how many pairs I have gone through. They are soft sole and very comfortable right out of the box but now I have had two pairs in a row have a zipper fail. Inspecting the zipper it seems to be simply very cheap material. I've tried adding a little oil but nothing works. The zippers are crap as others are starting to report as well. Unfortunately Bates has gone the way as many other companies and lost interest in quality.

I love the light weight feel and overall comfort but the boots are falling apart. Have had them less than 2 months and use them limitedly. The sole on the heel os peeling off and the water protection failed after 2 rains and walking in light puddles. For the money I expect more. I am beyond the return window so I am out 150.00 here.I have had Bates before and usually love them. Been in tactical situations in rough conditions and no failures. The fact the ones I have from Amazon are already failing either mean I have a dud pair, they are knockoff or the quality control has gone down. I am going to write Bates directly since Amazon is not giving me an option in my order details to remedy this and I will update the review if the company reaches out to me...

These felt comfortable. No pinching or obvious chafing, however, they started squeaking after wearing them for 5 minutes of walking around the house. Squeaking is usually a sign of cheap, corner cutting manufacture with the sole to upper attachment. After reviewing customer pictures and examining the points of failure, I have to say I believe the issues are not solely user error as the non leather or canvas material is like vinyl and IMO, not very durable. Also, the zipper got stuck about 1 inch from the bottom for no apparent reason, and I felt like I would eventually break the zipper struggling against its being difficult to move up and down, even where it didn't bind up. I have to say, bates quality does not seem as great as it was 20 years ago. Another classic american quality bait and switch to chinese quality manufacture. So I am sending them back and cannot comment on their durability.

I haven't purchased boots for work, in about 15-16 years, so I was leary of breaking in a new pair. I was also worried that the 8" boot style, would cause irritation or discomfort. I am happy to report, the exact opposite. These boots felt great, from the moment I put them on. They feel very solid and appear to have been made of quality materials. The extra height adds much need stability, and makes me question why I've never gone with an 8" boot to start with. I am also happy to report, that the heel of the boot, is made of a non-scuffing, rounded, rubber material, that is perfectly suited for sitting behind the wheel of a patrol car all day.The only bad, that I can see, is the tread pattern. They aren't a traditional style tread. They're more like a cleat. While this can and will be nominal for grass and snow, I worry about longevity and traction on dry pavement. They are made of a harder compound, which may help with the longevity, but hurt while trying to be silent. But, I am a heavy walker, so that may not apply to you. I rate these as a solid 4 1/2. My rating may go up or down as I continue to wear them, and I will update after I've had time to wear them in more conditions.Update; I was wrong about them irritating my shins. They do, until broken in. Mildly, but they do. They took about a month of wear to really break in and stop irritating my leg at the top of the zipper. On a positive note, the tread is more durable than I thought. But they aren't as comfortable as the Rocky's they replaced. I'm down-grading my rating to a 3 1/2- 4.Update #2: I went on a long motorcycle trip, and experienced snow, (yes snow) sleet and torrential downpours. I can say from first hand experience, these are NOT WATERPROOF! Maybe water resistant, for a short time, but definitely not waterproof. And while they’ve become more comfortable, above the insoles, the cushion in the insoles are horrible. These are not made for standing for long periods.

I've been wearing this line of boots since 2011 or so. I was very happy with the length of time before a replacement was needed as I am in these 4 days a week. I only wear them for work; so, needless to say I was caught of guard when I noticed the toe portion is peeling away from the sole of the boot. Yes, these are waterproof. I've been in Rain and Snow and they keep my feet dry. They are not warm if you are standing for long periods of time but they will keep you warm and dry if you are walking in them with an inside/outside combo. Sadly, since I was so used to the quality of the boot and its performance I didn't check the reviews that describe poor quality. I will probably never buy these boots again, which for me; is a total and complete let down on the part of the manufacturer of these boots. For the price they should be last two to three years but this time the lasted a whole 8 months. I'll update if the manufacturer sends me a new pair and what they say when I inquire about replacement.

I am a wedding photographer and needed a waterproof comfortable boot that would last a long time. Since I spend around 8-10 hours a day on my feet I needed something that would protect my feet and support my ankle with my demanding job. So far, so good. I would have preferred the 6" boot but this 8" boot got far better reviews. The only issue I had with this boot is part of the leather near the base of the laces was digging into the top of my foot. But after breaking them in, it was fine and no longer bothered me. Unlike other similar boots, there isn't a lot of padding on the sides and tongue. But the boot is supportive, quiet while walking (except on linoleum), waterproof and lightweight. You don't have to unlace them every time you take it on an off thanks to the zipper. When tightening, all I have to do is pull the top laces tight, and pull the excess tight before tieing...super easy and quick to tighten without quick laces. So far, this is the best boot I've owned (have tried Timberland and under armor duty boots in the past..not a fan of either one). I may update this review to see how it fares against Occupational wear and tare.

These are some amazing boots. I would recommend these for anyone who would like to hike anywhere.

Comfortable and easy to wear, the rounded heels are a massive improvement on the flatter ones I've had on previous boots, would definitely recommend.

Great boots. I wore them for 2 entire days out of the box...like a second skin. Light and extremely comfortable to walk and ride in. I also wore them 12 to 14hrs a day on an 8 day 5000km adv bike trip through heat, cold and rain. Dry during the torrents, warm on cool mornings and comfortable on hot days. They protected me on the one spill I had and cleaned up easy after being decorated by suicidal grasshoppers. I will be buying a thinsulate pair for fall and spring riding.

this Was a replacement of my original pair. However I think it being outsource for being manufactured outside the USA...it was a tighter fit ...takes a bit to remove my boots and the sole isn’t as maluable in the cold as the original pair ...still a good water proof boot for winter and wet rides in summer on motorcycle!

Great fitting boots.Quality is slightly suspect. I had part of the sole come away within a month and a half of use on the left boot. There is a light grey "x" across the sole. Along the ball of my foot, the end of the "x" began peeling off.Next, the inner lining of the right boot has come away from the boot at the heel. Making it more of a sleeve. Thankfully that's as only as far as it's come off.On the plus side. The boots are tough as can be. They are light and comfortable. I've owned boots from SWAT, 9.11 and Magnum. These, even with the defects, are head and shoulders above them in my opinion. I work 12 hour shifts, 14-18 days a month. I'm always on my feet during those 12 hours. I really hope the pair I have are just a one off issue, as I will be buying another pair IF these ever fail me.