Bates Men's Charge-6 Military Tactical Boot - Durable Combat & Work Boots for Hiking, Construction & Outdoor Activities

I like Bates products and decided to give this newer model a try. I would give this 5 stars, but I found the heel fits loose, which is odd as it contains a thick layer of memory foam to customize the fit in the heel area. otherwise the boot is very comfortable and the cushioning is well placed. No break-in was required and the toe box provides a good amount of room. I work outdoors for 15 hours a day and generally wear a thicker sock so the extra room in the toe box is welcome. The boot is stable when walking and provides good slip resistance on wet surfaces. Overall, I think the boot is really nice, but I would like to hear from Bates as to the issue with the heel.Update: after about a year, they're still great. Not great in the rain or water, but comfy, light and don't slip on wet floor. Tread could be more aggressive, but good enough, I'm on concrete mostly. I had to super glue the sole on the back, just the bottom 1/8 of tread came loose, no biggie. I recommend these highly, just wish they were water proof. My new under armour are water proof, but twice the price. The sole is worn, but I walk about 5 miles on asphalt every 12 hr shift escorting inmates.Memory foam is great, the factory insoles are good, but I have gel insoles and the factory on top of the gel. They dont slip on wet surfaces, they shine up nice and are light. I work corrections and this is my 2nd pair of Bates in 6 years. Very happy I got these instead of the Bates ultra lites. Sizes are true to boot sizes, not like other companies which size them like sneakers.So I've been wearing these for almost 3 months on the night shift and I really really like these boots. Super comfortable, lightweight "running", great support, easy to clean and keeps my feet dry. My zone partner just bought a pair and he likes them better than the $170 pair of boots he had before. Great boots Bates!!!Update:So I have been wearing for a month on day shift and they are still comfortable, no sweaty feet.There is a reason Bates have been around for a long time. They were the favorite Patrolman's Boot since I became one in 1975. I have a Fitbit and walked 936 miles since purchasing my last pair of Bates. They are still comfortable, but lost some support and are the waterproof model so harder to get into so they will retire to casual wear.I have been diagnosed with Achilles Tendonites but still have to walk so I bought this model of Bates because I need more support. With the heel cup support and the soft insoles they are comfortable right out of the box. No break-in needed. Put some KiWi on them (they shine great) and I can't wait to wear them to work. By the way NO Achilles pain. Thanks again.Good boot but the extra cushioning at the heel makes your toes crowded up front. I wear a size 13 and these felt like 12s. I sent them back but I'll probably get a size bigger.Just got them the look and feel very good. Haven't had a chance to really test them out yet. However they are very well designed and fit really well.Good craftmanshipGreat shoe, just wish it had been a little wider. Had to return, sadly.