General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Bates Boots

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:08 PM
  #1  
SWThomas's Avatar
SWThomas
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 2,352
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
Default Bates Boots

Anyone try out a pair of Bates Motorcycle boots yet? Any info on the quality and feel would be appreciated. I'm thinking about trying a pair but I'm kind of skeptical. I'm more of a Danner guy.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:10 PM
  #2  
dawg's Avatar
dawg
Seasoned HDF Member
Shutterbug
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,511
Likes: 3,951
From: Vermont
Default

Not for the bike, but I've used Bates for work wear for years and have always liked the feel and quality
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:21 PM
  #3  
JekyllnHyde's Avatar
JekyllnHyde
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Default

I have the Bates Ormond boots. I basically wear them when I ride and they have about 50,000 miles on them. I've done plenty of walking in them too though. Had them for 4 or 5 years now. Great boots! The lug soles still have a lot on them.
 

Last edited by JekyllnHyde; Jul 30, 2017 at 07:21 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:34 PM
  #4  
Redlegvzv's Avatar
Redlegvzv
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Default

I have a pair of these and they are my best motorcycle boots. I tried several different models of boots but the Bates have turned out to be the best.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 06:56 PM
  #5  
Toypuller's Avatar
Toypuller
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,196
From: In your head rent free
Default

Ive used the Bates GX-8.

They are comfortable to walk in, as well as good riding boots.

Biggest issue is that they just don't last. Average about 6-8 months out of a pair before they need to be replaced. Used to pay about $115 a pair, now they are between $145-170 depending where I get them. Too rich for 6-8 months.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 07:15 PM
  #6  
seniorsuperglideE8's Avatar
seniorsuperglideE8
Supporter
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,615
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Supporter
Default

I wear the 8" Enforcer Boots from Bates, good tread pattern, light weight, leather and ballistic nylon. Wore that style at work for 15 years while employed.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 08:10 PM
  #7  
Bone Doc's Avatar
Bone Doc
Seasoned HDF Member
10 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,061
Likes: 12,988
From: Texas, USA
Default

You can't go wrong with a pair of Bates boots. Excellent quality.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 08:41 PM
  #8  
YammyDrummer's Avatar
YammyDrummer
Road Warrior
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 497
Default

Originally Posted by Toypuller
Ive used the Bates GX-8.

They are comfortable to walk in, as well as good riding boots.

Biggest issue is that they just don't last. Average about 6-8 months out of a pair before they need to be replaced. Used to pay about $115 a pair, now they are between $145-170 depending where I get them. Too rich for 6-8 months.
Were issued these (and other styles of Bates) when active duty. Same issue I always had with 'em. They lasted maybe 9 months. Their motorcycle boots/sneakers look like they're much better made, though. If you can affoed 'em. Very $$$$!!!
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 08:57 PM
  #9  
TI06's Avatar
TI06
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 10
From: Windsor Ontario
Default

I've got Bates GX-8. Leather and waterproof which is why I got them. They are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. I've been in rainstorms many times on the bike with them and my feet are always dry, no more rain gaiters. I've had them 2 years worn almost daily and they are looking pretty old now, mostly the uppers being leather. If the motorcycle boots are as good as these I want a pair.
 
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2017 | 09:05 PM
  #10  
matthew6279's Avatar
matthew6279
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 206
Likes: 16
From: Chattanooga, TN
Default

I've got Bates motorcycle boots, waterproof with side zip. Vibram sole. Have had no issues over the past 3 years or so that I've had them.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:50 PM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE