Bates GX-8 Gore-Tex Side Zip

I recently purchased a pair of Bates boots in size 15, and I can confidently say they are nothing short of incredible. Finding footwear in larger sizes can often be a challenge, but these boots fit perfectly right out of the box. The sizing is true to measurement, and I felt an immediate sense of comfort that I had never experienced before with any other boot.The quality of the materials used in these boots is outstanding. From the robust leather to the cushioned insoles, every detail has been thoughtfully designed for both durability and comfort. I've worn them for long hours, and even after a full day on my feet, they continue to provide excellent support without any discomfort.What truly sets these Bates boots apart is how lightweight they feel. Despite their sturdy construction, they don’t weigh me down, making them perfect for both work and casual wear. The traction on the sole is impressive, providing stability on various surfaces, which is a huge plus for me.In summary, if you're looking for a reliable, comfortable, and stylish boot in a size 15, I wholeheartedly recommend Bates. They have exceeded my expectations in every way, and I’m thrilled to have finally found my go-to pair of boots. You won’t be disappointed!

I wear a 8.5 some times 9 in a shoe, so I order an 8.5 they are a little roomy but not so much they can not be worn so I kept them. I could have probably got away with an 8. These boots are light I mean maybe they weight a little bit more than flip flops. I find my self lifting my leg really high after wearing heavy tennis shoes. They are that light. Sole padding is great. No padding on top, which if laced to tight the anchor from the laces digs into my ankle and is painful. They just need to be let a little lose around the ankle. The need to be broken in. I have had these about 5 days and would say they are mostly broken in now, but before the break in they are like wearing cast on your legs. The zipper needs to be broken in too. The first couple times with the zip and I thought this is never going to work, but now they are broken in it is awesome and smooth zipping. These are the Navy Seal boots listed on their official Navy Seal web site. They are by far the best boots I ever owned. They are warm as far as I can tell been out in them in 30 degree weather with no problem. May update this as we get more into winter. My only complaint is I wish they had more padding where the laces are anchored no big deal thought just can not tie them super tight. I love Love these boots. My son is in the Navy and is looking into if He can where these in uniform. He hates his boots that tie. Traction is great, been in the rain and on many wet surfaces and not even a give any where. I do not know how they are in oil. They are comfortable and did I say Light. I study martial arts and needed a boot I could kick in. I can do all my kicks in these boots easier than tennis shoes. If you get these boots you are going to want to get a shoe shine kit and give them a shine right out of the box. I wore mine first and they scuffed up fast, but after the shine back to better than new and now they do not scuff up so much. The price was Great but I did by them the day before thanksgiving so i got them well under even sale price, but they are worth the 150.00 or so they cost at Amazon. I will be buying a second pair for my father in law as He will not stop talking about them, i think he wants mine, but oh no.They are a great boot and worth the money, Just remember the anchor to the laces can dig into the ankle and you need to loosen the laces until they do not. I don't want to tell anyone what size to get mine fit well at 8.5 which I wear but like I said think I could get away with an 8 in this boot. They would have been snug with no room, but I like my boots like that, but the 8.5 is fine. I have only had these 5 days so I can not speak to ware, but these are my favorite boots, and yes waterproof. I have tested them in large puddles and in heavy rain.. I hope this review helps.

After breaking these in, these are great boots. These like any good boots must be broken in properly. The good news is that all the usual tricky points are all leather, so they will break in. I personally had quite a problem with the tops of the zippers (the part above the Velcro zipper protector, curling inwards and rubbing my calf. I solved it by attaching clips with small weights to "curl" the zippers outwards for 72 hours. It seems to have taken becauise they are rather comfy now.There is something about the GX-8 that is just supremely "walk-able." Its like the boots wanna help me move forwards. I've never had a pair of boots do this. They also have decent support out of the box and a nice gel insole. So far I haven't needed to add a superfeet insole yet. For reference there are superfeet in every other piece of footwear I own. Which is great because I bought these to hike and do yard-work. Given I knew they were gonna be subject to the worst I have to offer a pair of boots, so I oiled these up with Obenauf's LP. Yes that darkens boots, don't care these are black. It also slightly softened the boot and made it break in faster. Its nicely waterproof and yet breathes. So far working in mud, all that was needed was to hit these with the hose to clean them up. Best I can gell Obenauf's is the way to go these days for extreme duty, as many "mink oils" are all too often mostly petroleum oils that eats up the leather, and most others are full of silicone that seals the boot up as effectively as dipping it in rubber. I applied extra LP around the stitching so hopefully the boot will last a bit longer.For me the zipper works well, and I haven't had to wax it. It makes me *sorely* wish that zippers were far, far more common with men's boots.We'll see if these manage to last. The fear is the lack of a proper welt will mean these shall shred as fast as any other hiking boot I've owned.Which is kind of a shame, because if Bates would make these with a proper welt, top grain leather, and a vibram outsole I would happily pay top dollar for this last and sole design. But I suspect all that would easily double the weight of the boots, reducing some of that "walkability" I so enjoy.