BatesMen's Gx-8 Composite Toe Side Zip Work Boot

The boots look a little different I think they improved them a little the back foam was coming off just the outside skin. So now it’s super strong material on outside with the same comfort. I bought another pair so I have it if they are not available because of upcoming events. These boots are unbelievable comfortable and I have been wearing them in 100 degree Texas heat all day doing landscaping and construction for a living they feel like slippers. I change the soles right away to Dr scholls gel wow! What a combo the original soles are too thin. My boots are still good but I like them so much I bought another pair for the future. No way would I use another type of boot. The nylon form fits your foot and is extremely strong the toe is not going to be feeling like it’s a composite it provides complete protection without knowing it’s there like you have running shoes on super light and maneuverable. Best boot ever. I do miss the gray color though I wanted that color because it hides dirt and is darker in color

Pretty amazing quality. Definitely fits the $150 price. It's very well crafted, everything feels and looks premium.Very comfortable. It has a tight fit to the heel, hugs up to the ball of your foot and opens up a bit for your toes to wiggle around. A perfect fit for me.Walking in them feels better than any boot I've had before. Even though my right foot is injured so the firmness of the new boot does hurt a bit.The insole has a thick, soft cushion for the heel, while it does thin out towards the toes.I picked these after trying on the Black GorTex GX8 with no toe protection at Scheels. GorTex is just too hot. Even in winter GorTex boots bake to an unbearable level.The standard boot with the addition of a composite toe is just what I need for shop work as a Service Technician.My last pair of boots are a pair of 2 y/o Merrell which is essentially Bates.They were also very comfortable. The only issue I had with those is that the sole wasn't 1 piece. So the nubs in the middle wore down and kept making annoying flapping noises with every step. I could actually feel it each time too. Other than that I'd still be wearing them. Unlike those these appear to be all 1 piece I hope.This is only day 1, I will update this review as time goes on.For me, these are the better buy over boots like Red Wings. Last time I tried those out they all had cardboard insoles and awful form to your foot. Red Wings are less comfortable than Walmart Boots.1 year update: still very comfortable boots. Heel liner blew out as usual but feels fine. The hard heel cup or w.e it's called feels good still.Insoles lasted 6 months, easy fix. Still very usable boots. Not waterproof, but I used them all winter in North Dakota.Only switching to a pull on boot like Ariat because I need new tread for winter and waterproofing.Although these still grip well on the auto shop floors.Zipper works great, no issues. Soles haven't come undone and the glue holds strong.For a fairly lightweight comfortable boot I highly recommend.I tried on the waterproof black leather version inside Scheels. Very stiff, didn't like em.Also these laces are great, they don't seem like they hold very tight and could come loose at any moment, but they somehow hold steady.I still stand by my dislike for Redwing. I tried more out. Still garbage.

Comfortable boots. Wears a little on the right side of my right foot but could just be the way I walk. Nice and light. I work construction so wear them all day.

I went on the hunt for the perfect work boot. I'm on my feet 12 hour a day. I was looking for a lightweight, comfortable boot that was supportive. I found the Try Before You Buy on Amazon and went through a lot of boots without any success. Everything was too heavy, too loose, too tight, or made my feet hurt even if they felt good initially. I thought to myself, I wanted a pair of boots that performed like my combat boots. Something touch enough to go through anything but agile enough to run in and comfortable enough to wear all day. Then I remembered from my Army days the mechanics had to wear steel toe boots. I search for Bates steel toe knowing Bates were some of the best combat boots you could get. I'm so glad I did. These are even better than I remember. The side zipper is new to me and was skeptical of it at first but turn out to be a real added benefit and a time saver. I'll never wear conventional work boots again. I love these boots.

I use these particular boots for riding motorcycles, due to the protection they afford in the toe, and ease of getting them on and off. I’ve used Bates boots for close to 40 years now, between when I was on active duty, and now motorcycling, and daily wear. Some days I wear them from 6 to 6. They’re comfortable when they break in (a couple days) and I usually get 2-3 years of use out of them. The weak point on these are the zipper, which is usually the reason for a new pair, but as long as you don’t abuse them, you’ll get your moneys worth out of them. I’ve trusted Bates for a long time, and haven’t found anything that works as well.