Bates Boots

[thfraser]

Prologue: I met up with some friends to discuss an annual ride/fund raiser we do in rememberance for the VT victims (6th annual ride). As usual we talk about riding, gear etc...

Gear: Many of these guys are former military and many of them have been using Bates boots (with gore-tex!) for what appears to be a real reasonable price (around $100 US give or take a few). They get them from the exchange, but they say that they work well and are waterproof.

I've never heard of them, but they sounded real promising. Anyone with any input on these boots?

My current boots, Triumph Expedition, are showing their age. They have over 100k miles and getting close to 10 years old. Still comfortable, but no longer waterproof and the soles are getting pretty smooth.

 

[rdbraunie]

Just got a pair of the Bates boots but have yet to use them. I have been wearing the tan colored Magnum military lace up boot for years and love them. They are not the Gore-Tex lined ones but are very comfy for riding and walking. Seem to be cooler with the tan color which keeps the feet a little happier down here in Panama City. While they are not waterproof, they do dry quickly.

 

[terrysig]

Bates Defender service boots. Use them off bike and occasionally on. Check ebay. They get dumped there alot. On my third pair over many years of evolution of the boot. Note that they can be re-soled as well. Never paid more than 50 bucks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bates-Military-NIB-Combat-Leather-Boots-Gore-Tex-Inserts-Cold-Winter-waterproof-/200875203670?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2ec5185c56#ht_964wt_979

 

[coastie]

Re: Re: Bates Boots

Prologue: I met up with some friends to discuss an annual ride/fund raiser we do in rememberance for the VT victims (6th annual ride). As usual we talk about riding, gear etc...

Gear: Many of these guys are former military and many of them have been using Bates boots (with gore-tex!) for what appears to be a real reasonable price (around $100 US give or take a few). They get them from the exchange, but they say that they work well and are waterproof.

I've never heard of them, but they sounded real promising. Anyone with any input on these boots?

My current boots, Triumph Expedition, are showing their age. They have over 100k miles and getting close to 10 years old. Still comfortable, but no longer waterproof and the soles are getting pretty smooth.

I'd go with a dedicated riding boot, but if this is the price point you have to go with, get them. Just stay away from sneakers and soft shelled hiking boots.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Tippo]

Is this the same Bates that makes the Bates Fast Lane boots (and leathers) in Signal Hill, CA? I have worn Fast Lanes for over 20 years and I love them. Made in the USA. Custom fit available and repairs no problem. I don't think they make a good off road boot.

 

[markjenn]

Another Bates Fast Lane touring boot wearer here - I think I mail-ordered them in something like 1976 back when Bates and Belstaff were about the only game in town for motorcycle garmets.... and have been using them for light-duty around town use since. Been resoled at least two or three times.

- Mark

 

[Swagger]

I use Bates for some deployment applications but ours are mil spec. Good military kit but I'm not sure that I'd use them for biking. They are very very lightweight and without the correct protection. I'm a stickler for bike boots as I've seen too many accident where feet have been unnecessarily damaged beyond reasonable repair. But that's just me.

 

[EricV]

I'm with Swagger on this one. The Bates are good boots, but not riding boots and have no armor. Feet/ankles are hard to fix right once damaged. The Bates are better than no boots or short hiking boots, but not nearly as good as something more dedicated to riding. You can find some decent adventure touring boots that are waterproof for ~$200.

LINK

The new First Gear Katmandu boots look interesting at $152.96

 

[thfraser]

I definitely want boots that protect my feet. My current boots are motorcycle boots and I wear them everytime I ride.

From the forum input, it appears that the Bates boots are good boots, but will sacrifice some protection. I guess the key word is you should dress to crash and hope you never do.

Some really good input, btw, thanks!!

 

[Roge]

There are these guys in the UK, real good boots and they rebuild them when they wear

http://www.altberg.co.uk/category/motorcycle-boots/