Bates Infantry Combat Boots

[Proud Canadian]

Curious if anyone here has worn the Bates Infantry Combat Boot as I am currently thinking about switching to them from the Magnum Stealth - #5152  boots that I have worn over the past several years. The Bates boot seems to fit my awkward feet just like the Magnums; not sure if it is a good thing to switch to something that I already found that works for my feet.

I would like to know anyones opinion on the bates boots.

Cheers!

 

[Old Ranger]

If it Ain't broke;
Don't Fix it!

(Edit: Take advice from those who have put many miles on the Black Cadillacs)

 

[Bomber]

Make the switch to the Bates M9 assault boots

 

[BITTER PPLCI CPL]

And what are you going to say when the CSM ask's for your chit? Just kidding, I've been looking at Bates or Converse, just not sure? And no offense to any old school boys, the black caddy's suck!

 

[Old Ranger]

The "Black Caddy's" aren't that bad for the occasional Dismount ;D

Has anyone tried out Magnum boots?

Better yet,

What are the best Cbt Boot Insoles?  Durability, comfort and to everyones benefit; odour reducing!

 

[Bomber]

I'll let you know after a march Monday morning.  I was given a pair of the "Sole" insoles to try.  Put them into the oven, tossed them in the boots, and I'll post my first impression Monday morning.  If they live up to their hype, then they should be the best.  I have done the sorbothan and superfeet route so stand by.

 

[honestyrules]

I got a pair of Magnums a month ago and they are really light and comfortable. They are breathable ,great stuff. The only drawback is maintenance. Black boots with fabric on the sides...the mud is absorbed and stuff. Hard to prep them up for next day  morning parade, IMHO.

I never wore them on a ruck march yet...

 

[Bomber]

I believe I am a Sole man, worth a try, cost is 40 bucks, available at Marks Work Wearhouse, but a 90 day money back on them.  Give it a whirl, cook them in the oven and do a march or two and they fit really well.

 

[Proud Canadian]

I have nothing bad to say about Magmums. They resloved my planters fascitis and knee problems and fit wide feet. One thing that I love about Magnum boots that issue boots cannot do is they breath very well. Even though I found a boot that works I wish to give the Bates a try.

 

[Jaxson]

ive never heard of throwing insoles into an oven, may i ask the purpose of that?

**edit**
let me be more specific, is it just to help get them into the boot or does it make them easier to break in?

 

[-rb]

Salt, pepper, a little tabasco at 350 for half an hour and...voila! ;D

seriously though, it's for heat forming the insole to the shape of your foot.
cheers.

 

[Kal]

ive never heard of throwing insoles into an oven, may i ask the purpose of that?

**edit**
let me be more specific, is it just to help get them into the boot or does it make them easier to break in?

  I wouldn't be throwing your Dr. Scholls in the oven, the SOLE brand is made to do that... 

 

[Jaxson]

i was waiting for someone to post that part, or to post that they tried it with their insoles and they caught on fire or ruined them, i just assumed that they were specially made to resist the oven and thats why they were able to go in. but yeah thats actually kinda cool that they are made that way, must save your feet from one hell of a pounding.

 

[Blackhorse7]

I swear by Magnums.  Yes, Danners and Hanwag's are great boots, but a pair of Magnums is not going to break the bank.  I find that I don't need the Goretex that comes in a lot of higher end boots these days.  If I do, I throw on a pair of Goretex socks.  They dry out WAY faster, and you can get two sets for the price of a single pair of Danners.

And the Sole footbeds, AWESOME!!  I have a pair in every set of footwear I own.  I used to have to use an orthotic insert for foot pair... not anymore.

 

[Bomber]

http://www.yoursole.com/index.htm

Read the testimonials.  The way these are built leads me to believe it will be a long time before they wear out.  There is a  really dense foam rubber on the bottom that is hard and fits really well into the bottom of the boot but eliminates that horrible "insole slide" that sometimes happens on a march, where the insole starts to creep back towards your calf and half your foot is just pounding pavement.  The top is some proprietary super cushion stuff that feels pretty darn good.  You stick the insole in the oven for 2 min at 200, and take it out, drop directly in to the boots, put on and lace up and then stand your feet shoulder width apart for about five minutes, then I walked around the house, up the stairs a couple of times, and the heat was all gone.  I pulled out the insoles after an hour and they were a much different shape than when they started.  I will be buying more sets of these for my civvy shoes as they fit a bit looser than my boots.

 

[Old Ranger]

Thanks,
I'll give SOLE a try.
Took advice from an Infanteer years and years ago to use Sorbithanes.
Went through a pair every 6 months or so but still liked them at the time.

Yes those Magnums are great for those of us born with Snowshoe feet.
Great for extended wear...24-36hrs and still comfy.
Can't use them for my regular "job type job" (1000 pts to name that Quote)
Got to wear company issue Steel toe.