Bates Tactical Boots Review | Why Are They The Best? 

If you ever asked any American soldier who fought in the US war throughout history since the 1960s, they would be no stranger to Bates military boots.

For decades, Bates was seen as one of the biggest manufacturers of military footwear to the DoD, the U.S government, and law enforcement domestically and internationally.

Over the times, Bates Footwear has been not just all about military boots.

They cover many other aspects that require to make exclusive all-purpose tactical boots, which are something more than standard ordinary boots or just for military duty.

This is what they call modern tactical boots that can handle multiple demanding applications such as long-train runs, safety footwear for work, military applications, and tactical operations.

This boot line is far inventive in delivering the wearer the best lightweight and foot support feels while still properly meets the same old protective and finest military footwear standards.

They have developed over 10 outstanding features for their modern tactical boots to give the wearer the best foot support, high-performance durability, excellent protection, and great comfortability.

If this more than 130-year-old brand still leaves you some room for doubt, we’ll give you some genuine reviews below to see why they still hold the crown.

Bates Tactical Boots Review

There are a variety of requirements for boots to be seen as tactical boots and safety work boots. And Bates tactical boots have consisted of them all when making their boots.

This is a reason why they have taken the lead in this crowded industry for decades.

Are Bates tactical boots comfortable?

The answer is yes and absolutely certain.

As mentioned above, Bates footwear has researched and applied over 10 inventive features to commit the highest level of comfortability, protection, and durability in all weather conditions.

Let’s come closer to see how these features work for you.

High-performance comfortability  

You probably won’t find any tactical boots that focus on the little details of bringing true comfort to the wearer better than Bates Footwear.

They have developed breakthrough technologies such as Bates iCS Technology and Bates EPS to provide the most comprehensive support for the wearer’s comfort and performance.

Especially Bates iCS Tech is something that changes the way you function the boot differently from what you have experienced before.

You are allowed to choose your level of comfort with the disc placed inside the boot, one among four functions below:

• FIRM – help return energy for foot support
• CUSHION – increase level of cushioning and shock-absorption
• INWARD – reduce inward inclination and optimize natural and steady walking motion
• OUTWARD – as opposed to INWARD, it helps reduce the outward inclination and maximize natural, comfortable, and stable walking motion.

These advanced features are specially designed for those who often spend a long time wearing the boot all day long.

They reduce greatly foot-fatigue symptoms by applying an excellent four-part energy return technology.

Therefore, you will not fall into complete exhaustion in the middle of your quest.

Advanced Quantums 5 lining can even cool down your feet up to 5 degrees Celsius on average with an outstanding sweat-wicking feature.

As a result, it can be the best option to wear in all weather, especially humid conditions.

Bates understands that the biggest customers for their tactical boot/ military boot/ safety work boot line are those who spend a lot of their energy working hard every day, even on harsh and rough-off terrains.

Therefore, protecting their feet as well as exceptionally reducing foot fatigue after a long working day means everything to their beloved customers.

Moderate durability

Like many other trusted brands that make tactical boot/ military boot/ work boot, the Bates tactical footwear is also made from a great combination of high-quality leather and other advanced materials such as nylon and mesh to enhance durability.

Our real users admit the boots provide a perfect fit and comfort.

However, you will probably find out some stitching on the upper that falls apart earlier after 4-8 months of continuous use.

Besides, there will be no problem with the quality leather of the outer surface.

The most common problems often come up with stitching parts and soles. We advise you to check these parts carefully before deciding.

Professional style

With a long long history and spirit of military boot production for over a century, we cannot expect more than a professional and majestic appearance in Bates tactical boots.

These days, Bates has been steadily improving their product design to be more youth-friendly with more athletic-looking and colorful designs.

But the main colors in most of their boot designs are still legendary black for all-weather conditions and functional Coyote for desert terrains and military use.

Great safety/ protection

Bates slip-resistance technology is applied to all of their tactical boots.

Their electrical hazard feature has satisfied ASTM F2413-18 standards for being authorized safety work boots.

5 designs of Bates tactical boots are proudly awarded AR 670-1 Compliant to be formally used in the USA military.

Besides, patented and lightweight Bates DuraShocks outsoles feature exceptional built-in compression pads in the heel and the forefoot, providing a comfort system to absorb shock effectively while enhancing foot support and comfortability.

The stability-focused outsole design also helps gradually reduce the shock to the feet and the legs and protect you from foot fatigue even when you are on long-train runs or hiking all day long.

Bates steel toe boots have exceeded ASTM F2413-18 standards to become authorized safety work boots.

However, steel toe boot is much heavier than any other materials.

Therefore, if you are looking for good toe-protection tactical boots, composite toe tactical boots are much better alternatives.

This non-metallic toe cap is greatly lightweight and reduces better heat loss or heat conductivity from external environments.

Reliable Waterproofness

This feature means everything to those who often work around watery surfaces such as fisher, machinery repairman, or Washman.

Bates has developed DRYGuard and DRYGuard+ Technology- an inventive waterproof membrane DRYGuard that is used to sew the excellent breathable and sweat-wicking insoles.

This allows the wearer to feel dry and comfortable all day long in hot and humid conditions such as desert conditions, tropical weather, or long shifts in the daytime.

The technology can release moisture and sweat from your foot out effectively for better odor-free and wear-and-tear-resistance.

The DRYGuard+ is more inventive in offering shift comfort and protection to maximize airflow inside the boot.

This can dry quicker sweat and moisture away with advanced ultimate waterproof technology.

Outstanding lightweight

Bates tactical boots, arguably, are made for the most lightweight experience of wearers.

Bates also uses advanced fabric and textile materials blended with quality leather to make sure the boot won’t weigh the wearer down in every step.

Bates 3M Thinsulate Insulation winter boots are specially designed for a lightweight feel when performing in cold conditions.

Appropriate foot support

Bates Vibram rubber outsole features excellent traction, innovation, and grip to provide better stability and durability.

Its special design allows the wearer to move smoothly and easily on slippery and uneven surfaces without getting risks of falling.

Therefore, you can get great foot support from the boot.

Besides, Bates boots are provided with a stiffer arch which is greatly helpful for arch support.

However, there are still some negative feedbacks from worldwide customers who claim about the boot durability as well as a relatively long break-in period (over 2 weeks).

Therefore, we suggest you consider these 2 factors carefully before making a buying decision on boots.

To provide you with a visually specific comparison, we make this table below to see how good or bad Bates tactical boots are widely rated.

Bates Tactical Boots Review Table

Bates tactical boots are considered as one of the most comfortable boots with significant improvements in technology and product features.

Yet, Bates doesn’t provide a public and specific customer service policy and warranty policy, so customers need to ask about the after-purchase policy clearly before deciding.

Bates tactical boot line reviews

Bates tactical boot lines are many and varied, and the above are just general review.

In order to understand the quality of Bates tactical boots more detailed, we will take a closer look at some of their outstanding product lines!

Bates men’s tactical boots with composite toe review

The traditional steel toe is considered as a strong electrical conductive and heat conductive part of the boot which is dangerous to wearers.

While the composite toe is considered a much better innovation by providing both good electrical-resistance and heat-resistance, but also lightweight.

There are 8 designs of Bates composite toe tactical boots that are highly protective and comfortable.

This composite toe tactical boot line is suitable for those who work around mechanical and electrical systems such as construction site workers, mechanic workers, riders, and even hunters.

• 7 designs satisfied ASTM F2413-18 M I/75 C/75 EH-rated standards
• Full-grain leather/ quality suede combined with nylon upper/ Denier Ballistic Nylon for better lightweight and increased ventilation.
• Breathable Gore-tex membrane

If you are looking for the right AR 670-1 tactical boot that can work best in hot conditions, Bates men’s Ranger II Hot Weather Composite Toe Boot is your best choice.

The boot is made from Flesh-Out Cattle Hide Leather and Nylon which is perfect for abrasion-resistance. They are perfectly lightweight and moisture-wicking with mesh lining.

If you are looking for an outstanding candidate for waterproof, then Bates GX-8 Composite Toe Side Zip Boot with GORE-TEX® is for you.

They are made with a breathable Gore-tex membrane to keep your feet dry and cool perfectly.

Bates Ultralite tactical sport boots review 

Bates Ultralite tactical sport boots are one of the most top-rated and best-selling of all time sport tactical boots that are both fashionable and functional.

This boot line contains 13 designs, not only featuring perfectly original lightweight and durability but also being improved with new waterproof versions featuring DRYGuard, size zipper, and coyote color.

They are all built to last for years. This boot line is perfect for those who perform running, hunting, riding and tactical operations in all weather, especially in hot conditions.

• Quality leather and high-performance nylon/mesh for better durability and breathability.
• Lightweight EVA midsole and lining
• Cushioned removable insoles for foot-fatigue and blisters-free
• Bates DRYGuard™ waterproof technology

If you are looking for a 5-inch rugged all-terrain grip tactical boot, Bates men’s 5 inch Tactical Sport Side-Zip boot will work best for your purpose due to their effective slip-and-oil resistance outsole and lightweight, durable full-grain leather + nylon upper.

If you are searching for better waterproof boots, Bates 8″ Tactical Sport DRYGuard boots that use Bates DRYGuard™ waterproof technology will be your soulmate.

Bates Men’s Velocitor tactical boots

The Bates Men’s Vecocitor tactical boots are well-known for their foot support, arch support, and athletic styles.

This boot line is only available with 2 designs. Therefore, they would come with outstanding support and functions.

This boot line is excellent for those who often spend a large amount of time wearing their boot all day long.

• Dual-density cushioned insole for added softness and better foot support.
• The lightweight EVA midsole with special stiff arch for a higher level of flexibility and comfortability.
• Completely waterproof and highly durable leather with mesh upper
• Their Strobel cement construction with TPU arch and heel support
• Removable cushioned insole and EVA cushioned midsole

If you are looking for the best quality coyote tactical boots, Bates Men’s Velocitor Waterproof boots are made for you.

The boots are made from Wolverine Warrior Leather and performance nylon upper for better lightweight, abrasion-resistance, and oil-and-stain resistance.

This 100% waterproof leather material also protects the boot against mud, chemicals, and water-based stains.

The boot line features an athletic 10mm heel-toe drop which delivers better foot support and protection.

Other questions

Here are our reliable answers to some of the most common questions around Bates footwear that you can use to refer to.

Where are Bates boots made?

With more than 130 years of history of making boots for the U.S Armed Forces and civilian footwears, Bates tactical boots have remained the same American Made root that provides excellent performance, protection, and Bates legendary comfortability.

However, not all Bates boots are 100% made in the US.

Some boot lines are crafted entirely in the United State and using high-quality materials worldwide for more comfortable pricing.

Yet, when you buy any of Bates boots, you are accessing yourself to get the finest quality footwear.

That is a reason why Bates has been leading this industry for more than a century while many new and more competitive competitors arise.

Are Bates tactical boots waterproof?

Yes, Bates tactical boots are well known for their lightweight and waterproof.

Almost all Bates tactical boots are waterproof, however, the level of this feature may vary between each different line.

Are Bates tactical sport boots waterproof?

To ensure 100% waterproof boots, it requires every part on the surface to be waterproof.

If you are searching for quality waterproof Bates boots, Bates tactical sport boots are for you.

This boot line provides a waterproof side zipper along with waterproof leather and nylon, which makes a perfect water-resistant tactical boot option.

Do you need to waterproof Bates tactical boots?

As mentioned above, Bates tactical boots are well known for their waterproof feature, however, their efficiency may vary between different boot lines.

Most Bates boots come in highly protective cement construction that helps prevent water from getting inside the boot.

If you are looking for the best waterproof Bates boots, we suggest Bates Men’s Velocitor tactical boots.

This boot is made from Wolverine Warrior Leather and performance nylon upper that is 100% waterproof to protect the boot against mud and water-based stains.

You can also waterproof tactical boots yourself at home by spraying some special coat on the boot surface.

How do you break in Bates tactical boots?

Bates tactical boots often come in a stiffer form which makes your break-in period get longer. Don’t know how to break in tactical boots?

First of all, you need to pick the right size. If you wear the wrong size, it will never work well and will hurt you more over time.

The second thing you should do to reduce the break-in period is wearing taller and thicker socks inside the boots.

This will reduce the risk of abrasion on the ankle skin when it is rubbed against the boot surface during this time.

If you find the leather remains stiff after a week of wear, you can try to give it a bit of moisture to soften the fabric.

Some oily conditioners can be your good options.

How to tie Bates 5″ tactical boots?

Tieing 5-inch Bates tactical boots is much easier than tieing 8-inch or 10-inch boots. Because 5-inch boots often come in only 5-6 eyelets.

There are some common lacing methods that you can give it a try to tie this boot such as traditional standard criss-cross, the x-lacing method, the army lacing technique, and the artistic ladder lacing method.

If you are such an amateur in this field, we suggest you just try traditional standard criss-cross lacing.

This method is also easy to take off and tie up whenever you want it to.

How much do Bates tactical boots weigh?

Bates boots are famous for their lightweight so they can effectively return energy to the wearer, helping to save effort during long marching or long trail runs.

The weight of Bates tactical boots may vary depending on different boot lines.

However, the lightest Bates tactical boots weigh around 20-21 ounces – Bates sport tactical boots.

In general, lightweight is one of the biggest competitive points for Bates footwear over other brands so the manufacturer is also very concerned about improving this feature over time to better suit new and young wearers.

Do Bates tactical boots run big or small?

Picking the correct size of boots is never an easy task.

This is even more important to spend a large amount of money on buying a pair of good quality tactical boots but unfortunately ending up putting your feet to discomfort and poor functions.

We have received a lot of feedback from customers worldwide that Bates tactical boots tend to run approximately 1/2 size smaller than usual experiences.

So, we suggest you try the boots in any offline store to get yourself the best-fit ones.

You should ask the sellers carefully about the size exchange policy before making a buying decision.

Besides, looking for real customers’ feedback or reading reliable reviews about the boots is also a good way to make your spending worthwhile.

Where to find Bates tactical boots?

Bates footwear covered an extensive global product supply network from the US, Europe to Asia and Southeast Asia in both offline and online modes.

Therefore, it is not difficult to find and choose the best pair of Bates boots as you wish.

You can directly go to one among hundreds of Bates’ offline stores in the U.S, or you can buy them online at Amazon in their online booth.

For better consideration and responses on new and upcoming Bates tactical boots, we suggest you contact directly on the website.

Where can I buy Bates tactical boots for women?

At any of the Bates footwear offline stores throughout the United States, women can definitely find themselves a pair of tactical boots.

However, since tactical boots for women are not as popular as for men, for easy inquiries, we encourage you to visit and question at the brand’s official website via the link www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/home.

Here you will get the most effective and correct responses about Bates women tactical boots that you’ve been looking for.

Before you leave

Bates footwear is not just all about improving the quality of tactical boots and military boots, they increasingly attach the importance of product style and quality at the same time to give young customers the perfect choice.

You can have your comparisons between Bates footwear and other brands but one thing is for sure that the Bates tactical boots are made for the comfort of the wearer.

Whether you serve in the military or guard duties, in the army, or a special ops team performance, Bates Military Boots will assist you with comprehensive support so you can stay focused on your job and performance.

If you are still confused between picking up Bates tactical boots and other brand names, we hope this article is helpful to your decision.