Good questions, looks like it's time for someone from Bates to give up some info.

Dan, Did you get a card from someone at Bates?

OK - this is twice, don't expect a third time ;)


Onder Ors
Vice President & General Manager
Bates Uniform Footwear
PH - 616-863-3810
orson@wwwinc.com

Dan

I've already got the other guys around here used to a neanderthal knifemaker...
Thanks and all noted.

Thanks for the contact info. I'm on it.

Great pics !!

Talked with the guy from Bates and here is what he said:

"Thank you for your interest. The new M-9 Desert Boots we outfitted some
of the SF teams at SHOT were for T&E and we only ran a limited
production. As you noticed the reviews have been exceptional. We will
have our main inventory sometime in mid May"

Has anyone bought a pair of these yet? I am thinking of ordering some from botac in California, but am a little leary of ordering them without hearing how they run size wise. Anybody have any new info?

Mine ran at LEAST a half size big. I got 9's and they have fit guys who wear size 10's WELL. I had to call them back and re-request a pair of 8.5's that fit well with my heavy wools socks.

I am not really a huge fan of them. Maybe it is how I walk, but they seem to put a lot of extra stress on my legs. I always feel like my muscles are much more stressed after using these boots for extended periods.

They are better than my oakley boots because they don't squeek on wet floors, but they don't get a lot of traction either.

One of my Cadre at drill this weekend made several comments after looking them over. He noted they would be very comfortable as truck boots or for PSD guys, but as far as anyone needing a boot for rucking and practical use they were lacking in stability and draining.

Everytime I use them they soak up a lot of sweat and don't dry out except when left overnight.

On the plus side: They are very soft, broke in easily and are VERY light. The lacing system is tits. Some very nice aspects.

These are just my observations with my T&E pair.

Thanks, anybody else have the same experiences? How about any feedback on the 5.11 desert boots? Im trying to find a good hot weather desert boot without any gore-tex or sympatex lining as my feet sweat a great deal. Any help would be appreciated.

Ive just ordered a pair of the Bates Desert boots for Eval.

Ill post it up after its completed.

perhaps it's time to resurrect this thread?
http://professionalsoldiers.com/foru...ght=5.11+boots

I just ran a pair through the dirt, catus, and rocks in the NM desert for about a week acting in an OPFOR capacity. (bought them from Botach - online)

Bottom line is that I am extremely happy with them. Even though I was daily picking catctus out of my shins - not one got through the boot.

The only thing I noticed was that there was a very small sole seperation at the toe of the boot from the leather. I was constantly in and out of the prone and kneeling positions though.

Great vibram soles !! Overall, I would buy another pair.

I didn't want to start a whole new thread for boots, so I'll put this here.

Here's my question: What boots would the QPs here recommend for cold-weather wear, where the snow is knee-deep over ankle-twisting rocks?

I always thought that Gore-Tex was a two way membrane.It doesn't let rain in but lets perspiration out.I always buy my boots WITH Gore-Tex because my feet sweat.I drive for a living and am always in the weather,so I've always gone for footwear with G-Tex.
Have I been doing it wrong,or is it just a matter of personal preference?
Thank you.

Your definition is correct.

However, boots with GoreTex tend to be hot, as the membrane does not pass moisture out as fast as feet produce it while humping in the field, and if you step in water over the tops, they will fill up and not drain easily.

TR

I'm not a QP but...
I would recommend these:
If you are going to be using crampons:
http://www.vasque.com/products/m-alpine-gtx.cfm
or
Any Asolo that will accept crampons.

If you are not going to be using crampons I like these:
http://www.danner.com/geek_specs.asp?id=1783
Danners again
I have friends that swear by these but I have no first hand expericene with the company:
Wolverines

With snow that deep you need gortex pants or tall gaitors I like taking both because gaitors are light and pack easy. You might be able to save your ankles with snow shoes (depending on the density of the snow).

YMMV