Gottie linkee??? If it's the Bates Boots like the Hi-Tec Magnum, then you need to examine your need for a boot. It is a lightweight boot with speed laces. These are alright for hiking during the day because they have some cushion. Lateral support and ankle support are not the best, so the boot will not perform well in rough terrrain, carrying heavy loads like a backpack, or after dark.
Bates makes a lot of different types. The one that I was looking at was basically a knockoff of the Danner Arcadia. I might just buy the Danner, but the Bates had some things the Danner didn't, like oil resistant soles. I just need it for light stuff.
If you are wanting a good quality boot, bypass the Bates and go with Belleville boots. We get both in the military and the Bates don't hold up as well as the Bellevilles. Bates always get the secondary contracts, never the primary. Nobody ever likes the Bates as well as any other quality boots. I exclusively wear Bellville 700s, and for desert boots, the Belleville 790. Trust me, after 22 years in the Army, I can say one thing. Don't skimp on boots! But of course, that is just IMHO
Sweet Sniper-66. Thanks for the heads-up. You like them better than the Danner's? I will be watching them on E-Bay. Hopefully I can get a deal in my size.
I like Danner boots, but they are expensive, even beyond what I want to pay, so I have settled on the Bellevilles. I like the Belleville desert boot better than the Danner just because the Danner is made in the coyote brown and I hate that color, otherwise, having looked at them, it is a toss up.
I have been seeing the Danner Arcadias go for $100 on E-Bay, but I will keep a good eye out for the Bellevilles.
Flew home today on a Navy C-12, noticed that one of the pilots was wearing an all leather brown Belleville, never seen that one before! Looked almost like my dads old redwing work boots.
I bought a new pair of the low 6" boots for a FLETC class a month ago. They worked out great. Have no worries.