Bates Boots

JamesGang

I'm Rick James
Joined
Jun 16, 2018
Messages
236
Location
Cape Breton Island
I had a pair of these;
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/8"-durashocks®-waterproof-lace-to-toe-boot/20071M.html?dwvar_20071M_color=E03135#cgid=men-featured-waterproof&start=1

Very comfortable and waterproof until I had them resoled after four years. I believe the cobbler must have penetrated the Gortex lining because one leaked like a sieve afterwards.
I'll be replacing them this year with this model;
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/8"-tactical-sport-dryguard-side-zip/41370M.html?dwvar_41370M_color=E02208#cgid=men-featured-waterproof&start=1
 

eemsreno

Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2011 Site Supporter
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Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
3,227
Location
On your way to everywhere, , Iowa
I had a pair of these;
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/8"-durashocks®-waterproof-lace-to-toe-boot/20071M.html?dwvar_20071M_color=E03135#cgid=men-featured-waterproof&start=1

Very comfortable and waterproof until I had them resoled after four years. I believe the cobbler must have penetrated the Gortex lining because one leaked like a sieve afterwards.
I'll be replacing them this year with this model;
https://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en/8"-tactical-sport-dryguard-side-zip/41370M.html?dwvar_41370M_color=E02208#cgid=men-featured-waterproof&start=1

My wife and I have these Bates boots and they are great!
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
Bates boots are pretty much for comfort. They are in no way a real riding boot. None of those boots listed are going to offer decent protection in fall. You have to asses the risk you are willing to take.

Have you ever snapped your tibia/fibula? I have and it is a very painful bone break. Tibia crack is about 12 weeks of no weight bearing and almost 6 months to fully heal for a healthy 45 year old. A tibia/fibula snap all the way through is almost 20 weeks of no weight bearing and close to a year to fully heal on a fit 22 year old.

A simple tip over on the Super Tenere is enough to break the lower leg and crush an ankle like a twig. Imagine the whole 600+ pound weight of the bike going through the footpeg into your boot.

I too wear a pretty poor boot for safety but it offers a bit more ankle protection and really good tibia/fibula protection. It is also very comfortable for walking off the bike. This is my go too boot when I know I'm going to be making stops and walk around. It is the minimum boot I will ever wear when riding.

7CC37534-7B0D-4F6A-B67A-1DF1515136E2.jpeg

For long days of staying planted in the saddle I wear my SG10 boots.
29881EB7-F57E-4237-AA7E-F0F9F58976D6.jpeg
 

Bokerfork

Active Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2019
Messages
106
Location
Saint George, Utah
Alpinestars Tech 5.

Not waterproof but just sturdy enough without being overkill.
Plenty of protection and all day comfort. Walkability is about a 6 out of 10.
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
The bummer about riding the Super Tenere is the walking part after you are parked. It is really hard to find a good boot that is as good on the bike as off.
 

tntmo

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 10, 2017
Messages
649
Location
San Diego, CA
As soon as I saw the name "Bates" the hair on the back of my neck stood up.

Bates supplies a lot of military spec shoes, and the thing they are best known for is the "Bates Blow Out". This is when you are in the middle of an important ceremony wearing your dress uniform, and the heels on your dress shoes start to fall apart leaving behind a trail of shredded shoe pieces. I had three cases of Bates Blow Out in my career, all at most inopportune times.
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
When I first saw the title I was thinking of Bates race leathers. I had no idea there was a cheap copycat company using their name. On my Bucket list is getting a custom jacket or set of Bates riding leathers. I can actually drive to their shop and be fitted.

Here are the real Bates footwear:

 

blitz11

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 23, 2014
Messages
312
Location
SW Montana
When I first saw the title I was thinking of Bates race leathers. I had no idea there was a cheap copycat company using their name. On my Bucket list is getting a custom jacket or set of Bates riding leathers. I can actually drive to their shop and be fitted.

Here are the real Bates footwear:

I had wanted a set of Bates leathers since i was 10 years old. 4 years ago, i found myself in Long Beach, and i finally visited Bates. I was measured up for a jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. Whole hog. I went with my road name on the left side of the jacket, front and rear zipper vents, checkerboard on the front and rear, and white stripes on the jacket. Pants, gloves, boots just standard fair fit to my size.
Total bill was $3,200, which was 3x more than my aerostich (which i also had custom fit - long arms, long legs). The Bates stuff is beautiful - almost too nice to wear. To be honest, with a move to Montana, 2 daughters finishing college and moving them here/there, i haven't ridden with this stuff yet. i've only tried it one once - when i was about 10# lighter (Thanks, COVID.) I hope that it still fits.

I was laid off from one of my two jobs, so maybe if it quits snowing in MT, i'll have time to wear it this year. We'll see.

No comment on the other Bates boots. The boots which I had made for me are pretty nice.
 
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ballisticexchris

Guest
Man what a bummer. I feel for you. Bates custom gear is top notch.
 
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