Bates Men's 11" Paratrooper Side Zip Boot

*Just a note that my purchase of these boots was mainly for style and comfort than for function. So I cannot comment on how they hold up as far as work-wear or day-in-day-out use. I wear them for the looks and the feel.*I have searched high and low for great combat/paratrooper style boots, I considered many brands, including Doc Martins and Demonia (a gothic style brand), none of which fit properly or had much in the way of size options. I even went so far as to import some from the UK (Grinders) but these Bates are unparalleled.They fit like a charm, but I did have to make sure to measure my feet to get the exact right size. Boot sizing is a tricky thing. The Grinders I bought (Herald model) did not fit due to a mistake on my part in measuring; but regardless, those only come in whole sizes and you cannot choose different widths, similar to the Docs and Demonia boots. So I knew I would not find the right fit anyway since it turns out I wear a wide (EE) and not the 'standard' medium (D) width. So despite liking the look of the Grinders just a bit more than these since they are a dull wax-finished leather (satin black) all over, as well as other small stylistic differences, I can confidently say these Bates are much better overall.For one thing, the zipper sides are a HUGE plus, since lacing up boots tall boots like this every time I want to put them on or take them off is a no-go. That could be fine for concerts or going out for the night, but since we take our shoes off in homes here in Canada, forget lacing up 14-hole boots every time you go in or out of someone's place! These are tie once, never again. Love it. They also do look quite nice with the shiny accents on the toe and back; I've come to like it more and more.One shortcoming I find is that I wish they had more eyelets and no 'gap' part way up the lacing, it makes them look a bit messy and limits the type of lacing styles you can do. I wanted to do ladder style lacing but that didn't work out due to the gap (also due to the fact that the laces that come with them just aren't long enough, so I would have to buy longer laces to do special lacing like that). The Grinders were a bit better in that respect. But there is no substitute for a perfect fit, and as someone who wears runners most of the time, these are close to as comfortable as runners.I also considered the Corocans and the Rocky zip-side combat boots; it was pretty much a toss-up between the 3, except for some small stylistic differences; I liked the look of the Corocans better than the Rockys, but to be honest, being in Canada and not 100% confident of what the fit was going to be like, and returns being very pricey, I rolled the dice on the ones that were cheapest in my size (you may notice that they vary in price as to the size, I'm not sure why), so it ended up being the Bates. I'm glad it was. Next time I may try out the Corocans as well, they are about $30 more though.Anyway overall these are a great boot, and from other reviews I've read, they hold up quite well so I'm looking forward to that. BTW, these do not have a steel toe, so take that into consideration. The Grinders I bought did, but since I'm not using them for anything that requires a steel toe, it's actually a good thing that these do not, as it makes them lighter.*Edit - as of Mar. 2014 - I've worn these to several concerts and they have been great. They didn't leave me wishing I'd worn runners for sure: they help protect your feet out on the floor and look badass while doing it, plus they don't have a steel toe so if security had any issue with that you'd be in the clear (I haven't had any problems with that so far). The only issue I have is that the shiny parts get a bit scuffed and it's hard to keep them looking new. That's a small caveat though, and I can still highly recommend these.

The size too big was amazing that i tried on for a day. I know the right size boot is going to be amazing. Ill upload before and after of polishing and stuff. I think these sre more comfortable especially for 12+ hours a days work than even my Justin's are :o and i love the Justin boots! These definitely are nice looks great with whatever. Hopefully the buttons and zippers are goodbto go when i get them and that everything is matching and we are good to go! I work 12 plus hour shifts in manufacturing so these boots are goood for anything i hike too.The bottom of the boot says oil resistant and they are in fact quite slip resistant if i might say so myself. I feel like it fits great like a cowboy boot but more snug and supportive.

I love these boots. Fit well, supports ankles. I use them for work, for every day wear, and even dress boots.I do wish they made them in 12 or 13 inch, not just 11 inch, but these boots are well made and last for years, if taken care of. Hubby is formal military and loves his pair.Will probably order another to wear for normal every day and use the pair I have now just for motorcycle riding.

2015 Initial thoughts:Great, great boots so far!I've had these boots for about 5 days now and I have to say I love everything about them. The boots feel robust and seem to be of good quality but only time can tell how well they will hold up. However, based on other reviews here on Amazon I'm confident that they will hold up 2 or 3 years before the sole gets worn down and needs replacement.I really like the look of these boots. They have a slick and minimalist style and are very, very badass.I ordered the size 11.5 (EE) and they where pretty accurate, just little bit too long but the width was perfect. A negative aspect is that they are made in China and had to travel all the way a cross the globe. Not very Eco-friendly. I'm also not too sure about how well they treat animals in the meat/slaughter industry in China. Maybe this is something that does not bother you but the thought did cross my mind.Here goes some words of caution:These boots are though. They hurt my feet very bad the first day. I could barley walk back home after a 30 minute walk on asphalt, so be well prepared for a very though breaking period. Use a double pair of socks, hell, why not even use three thick ones and grease the inside of the boot with some sort of oil to be on the safe side. If you don't, then get ready to tear some flesh off your ankles. I was stupid enough to go out with one pair of socks the first day of use and I can guaranty you that I won't make that mistake ever again!On the other hand, I have been wearing biker boots for the last three or four years and I know that when boots are broken into they are the most comfortable shoes you'll ever have. Period. I'm looking forward to get to that point with these fantastic paratrooper boots.Highly recommended if you can endure the break in period.Update 2017:I have worn them everyday single day (90% city / 10% hikes) since I bought them three years ago and they are still alive and the most comfortable boots I have tried. I cleaned them every other month and given them plenty of grease when I do to keep the leather in good shape. The treads are starting to show some wear and probably needs to be replaced. A replacement would mean they are good for two more years at least.