PRODUCT REVIEW: Bates GX-8 GTX tactical boots

Ready to kick it up a notch? Then try this breathable, waterproof and durable boot on for size. The Bates GX-8 allows for maximum water repellency with a GORE-TEX lining. It’s guaranteed to keep you dry with its powerful combination of waterproofing and exceptional breathability. Worn by tactical professionals across the country, its aggressive design features cement construction, a similar structure found in athletic shoes, which allows for a lightweight and highly flexible fit.

Features

• 8" soft-toe boots
• Side-zip entry with YKK zipper
• Ballistic nylon upper
• Durable waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX lining
• Removable cushioned insert for customizable comfort
• Slip-resistant rubber outsole
• Athletic cement construction for lightweight flexible feel
  
• That's, all the official stuff straight from Bates. What I can tell you guys is that I purchased these out of pure necessity. While deployed this fall as a CERT team member, I took a brand new pair of these out of the box, ran them very hard and carelessly treated them for over 500 continuous hours of chasing convicts through the worst environment the Adirondack wilderness has to offer. No time to be cleaned up, or dried out. No time to be treated with any products or preservatives. Simply brutalized these boots and prayed they would last. (My brand new pair of issued jump boots having lasted for roughly the first 86-96 hours through rivers, mud, swamps, and logging slag). I can honestly say I was not inclined to believe these lightweights would be a better boot than the full leather and reinforced ones we already demolished. Simply stated, they not only lasted for the duration, but came out of it in excellent condition. I would no doubt recommend these to any serious operators in law enforcement, or military applications...