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For those who wear boots on a daily basis, what is your opinion on Bates? I have a pair of 1129 Durashocks that just don't want to break in. In fact, they are downright uncomfortable to me compared to the Belleville 590s or 795s that I own. Even the Wellco ICB v-trax boots purchased from TimW back in the days when he sold boots were great for walking, hiking, hunting, etc. That pair of boots saw a lot of miles ramp side at our hub as well as in IQ and AF. But the Bates just don't want to break in.

Wearing has been limited to roadways and along the canal but if I don't tape my heels first, serious blisters occur. One would think after about a dozen wearings under these conditions of about 3 miles per the boots should be broke in.

So hence my question. Or should I sell / donate to charity and get another pair of Bellevilles such as the 340 or 390?

I wear bates daily. I prefer them to most of the other brands I have tried. The past 6yrs have seen three pairs of bates on my feet one of which that is about 2-3yrs old are still in service for range and hunting use. Comfortable, reasonably priced and durable.

Thanks Lobo.

It must be my feet then.

Belleville over Bates in my universe.

Russ

I love my Bates side zips-feel like wearing running shoes with lots of support.

Thanks guys. I'm thinking it must be my feet then. The 1129s do give great ankle support but having to tape the heels everytime is not right. The boots should be well broke in by now.

Oh well, I'll see if they fit my son-in-law and if they do, they're his. Unless someone here is interested in a pair of boots cheap. They are this model:



I'll be ordering up another pair of Bellevilles.

I love the Bates M9 Desert boots. The Converse 9" composite toe Desert boots are a close second.

I have had to replace boots that never got to fit right. Do what you need to to make it right for your feet.

Ok, so while I'm dealing with a photo upload issue, this question is for the people who wear Bellevilles every day. I'm interested specifically in the 340 and the 390. Any issues with those? Same as street size or did you have to order a size or half size smaller? I had mentioned having a pair each of 590s and 790s. The 790s are a half size smaller than my street size and they fit like a glove. The 590s are also a half size smaller and in the end I should have gone a full size smaller. However, wearing thicker socks and with an extra insert they are fine, especially on hot summer days on the range. They are still darn comfortable.

So for those who have been issued either the 340 or 390, your likes / dislikes / sizing issues if any?

Thanks!

What size?

yeah i had the same pair in Afghanistan and had the same problem with the break in time and my ankles in the rocky terrain. i much prefer the bellevilles over the bates but everbodys different.

If anyone is interested, these are size 11.5M.

I have a pair of Bates Enforcers. They are quite comfy but the first week and a half I had them they were PAINFUL to break in. But after that running in them was not a problem, almost as good as my running shoes for short distances. But after a year the side zipper on one had jumped off track and refused to go back on and work properly and they were worn almost flat on the bottom and in need of re-soling. I've had a pair of Danners for a couple months now and am much happier with them.

I have two pairs of bates, one steel toed, the other isn't I've worn the non steel toed one for 7-8 months now on a daily basis and they are good boots. They have been beat to hell, but they are still comforatble. I'm not sure what kind they are, but they where issued to me. I also have a pair of bellevillles as well, and the comfort is about the same.

I'm interested in trying the converse c9897. I usually wear bates delta9's in size 11.5, how does the sizing vary between your bates and converse? I have heard go up and down one size??

i was suckered into a zombie thread. shame on me.