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

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.

Initial Impression Review:*(will update after wearing for some time)*The boots came in perfect condition and on time. I’m a pretty accurate size 7 in almost every shoe brand. (Occasionally, a shoe will be too tight and a 7 1/2 will work too.) I ordered the size 7 and they fit well with thick boot socks. They were not tight or uncomfortable, but there wasn’t much wiggle room. That’s the perfect fit for me, but if you are some one who likes room in the toe of your boot maybe go up a half size. I read reviews about this boot rubbing in the ankle or heel area. I didn’t feel any rubbing in the ankle area, I did feel a little bit in the heel area (but to be fair I also haven’t broken them in yet.) They look very well made and I will be using them for EMS work.

I wear 7.5 in sneakers, 8 in boots. Got these in an 8, and they were way too big for me, even with a shoe insert. The toe box area is where there is way too much wiggle room. I like the look of them a lot, and they seem nicely made. Would have preferred made in USA of course, instead of Bangladesh. Another thing I dislike is the velcro part above the zipper. It make it more time-consuming to get the boot on and off, and I don't see the purpose of the velcro. I chopped it off with an exacto knife, and am glad I did.

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

It is very difficult to find large women's boots, so I have always worn men. However, men's boots are very wide on my feet. I was very excited to find these. I normally wear an 11, but attempted the 10 because that is what the size chart said I needed and they fit perfectly. Didn't require any breaking in period, but since I work on an island I did buy leather waterproofing cream to extend the life of my boots. The leather is very flexible allowing me to accomplish anything and everything my job requires (squatting, climbing, balancing, running, walking, etc). I wear them all year long in every weather condition and they are very comfortable. My feet are plenty warm, but they don't breath quite as well as I would have liked. The zipper is super handy, I just slip my shoes on in the morning and off when I get home. No more sitting there for 5 minutes trying to relace my boots. The shoe laces that came with the boots were terrible. They were too short and the plastic ends looked like they were chewed up. So, I bought new 72" laces so I can tuck in the extra. Would definitely recommend for any woman on her feet for extended periods.

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