Bates Women's Ultra-Lites 8 Inches Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boot

>Lasted 5 years of ~everyday constant use, soles still fine, but back of heel wore down and started giving me blisters.<PROS:>roomy toebox>Antislip was great in food service job and while hiking.>Ankle support was nice(had some structure to it.>Kept me warm on a snowy trip to Germany with thick socks. Maybe not the right call for super hot climates, but I was only really frustrated with em once, and I don't even think it was the hottest day. So jury's out on this front.>Kept me dry; not waterproof, but thick heel and with well-done laces it won't be letting in water.MID: Solid shoes, but I was gifted some other, cheaper boots that were actually comfier. Made me realize that these ones weren't 10/10 in terms of comfort.CONS:>creases easily(I viewed them as work boots/practical shoes so idc what they look like), but keeps support.>annoying zipper cover; the little flap that covers the top of the zipper to prevent it from getting pushed down by your clothes or gravity or whatnot. But, it would stick out and come unlatched. The zipper stayed put, but it was just kinda funky to be constantly re-velcroing something that did nothing.

I have been wearing the Ultra-Lites for about 13 years. Each pair has lasted me several years (I’ve gone through 3 pairs now). They are extremely comfortable and I love the toe box room (splay my toes!) and the shape of the toe box. They shine well too.Bates has recently discontinued this model of shoe in exchange for the new Sport 2s. This new model is 🚮🗑. It's everything the Ultra-Lites aren't. The zipper on the side is not open (it expands, but only opens so far), which means I have to unzip AND unlace the boot a bit to get them on and off. The toe box is narrow (to be fair, I'm a fan of barefoot feeling shoes) and in general, run small.Bates, please bring back the Ultra-Lites!

These are super light! I had a pair of men's tactical boots, but I thought I'd try a female version. When I got the box, i thought maybe there was nothing in it because it felt so light. I usually need a wide, and I was concerned at first that my feet wouldn't fit, but the toe box is perfect. Not too snug, or too lose. I usually wear an 8.5 (or 7.5 in men's) They don't need your typical break in period, but there is a break in period. more in the uppers than in the sole. I wore them around the house, tied a little less tight than normal. There is no reason you should be wearing boots like these without boot socks. Do your self a favor and invest in some good boot socks. (I like Fox River) If you wear regular socks with these it will just be ridiculous, and it will very obviously not be comfortable. I had zero problems with rubbing or such with the boot socks. I did get some inserts..the Dr. Scholls work gel massage ones. Works good if you have high arches. Now these are great tactical boots, but they are still boots. They are boots like, but a very comfortable boot. If you are looking for something to run in go with the Original Swat brand. those are essentially like tactical sneakers. I wear those when I know I'll be standing with heavy gear on r i need more foot cushion. I love he support and protection these offer. Very happy with my purchase. It was much better than I had anticipated

Rarely does a product Met expectations produced by sales ads or by multiple hasty buyer comments. I am happy to report this boot does just that! My wife oversees home refurbishing and maintenance work as a property manager & agent for the owners.This winter she fell a few times and she inspects houses, some of them trashed by evicted renters or owners. I've been uncomfortable about her work footwear. It was more fashionable than functional, which I find very risky in the current national economy and health care expenses chaos.I decided to insist she wear footwear suited to her inspection environments. Obviously, quality military or civilian EMS, Fire, or Swat Team gear was the place to shop. However, the footwear must not look outrageous. Otherwise, she would invest time changing footwear several times a day. My search narrowed down to these boots by bates. They do fit the bill. They require very little break in. They are light and customers notice them but not because she is a professional woman wearing work boots. No, women, men, & youths want to know where she bought them because they think they are "cool".I did not know if I would be able to get her wear serious utility boots. Well, she loved them the first day. Over the rest of the winter, she didn't even slip. They are consistently water resistant (I sprayed them with footwear Silicon twice before she wore them and suggested she spray them monthly). She has foot issues & needs solid support. Not only is the boot comfortable, they provide needed support. I bought her New Balance insoles and they work help too.She (and I) like her Bates boots so much, I recently ordered her a pair of Bates 5" boots for Spring & Summer months. The snow & ice is gone but she still needs to inspect damaged residences.

After reading reviews I decided to try these out and I am so happy I did. Broke them in after a few days and they are quite comfortable and easy to clean after a full day. Very light weight.

I often have to size up by a half or order in wide width, but these fit true to size and with a roomy toe box. The fit is perfect, with just a little room, but my foot doesn't slide or move inside the boot. After walking around the house a bit, I walked the dog about a half mile in full comfort. No breaking-in necessary!I have noticed that the zipper doesn't open the boot enough for easy on and off, but by plucking the lace out of the hook between foot and ankle I can get them easily on or off. I do like a snug fit on the ankle for support, so you may have less trouble with the zipper if you lace up a bit looser.For the price, these are sturdy and well made. I'd prefer a metal zipper, but these boots can't be beat for comfort right out of the box. Excellent foot protection for motorcycle riding and support for hiking/walking.

The boots are uncomfortable and feel like plastic.Would not recommend.