After 7.5 months of light duty use, I sadly have to remove the 5 star rating. I use these for work, as a manager in a retail setting, so nothing demanding. After this time frame the soles are about 90% worn out and the like many other brands, the side zipper was the fail point with zipper separation due to zipper teeth breaking and separating. The boot itself was comfortable for 12+ hours of wear and never got too hot. The soles have been very squeaky on standard vinyl tile flooring throughout the life and even with only 10% tread life left, very noisy. My employees joke they know when I'm coming. So as of 3/11/18 I'm in need of a new pair and sadly, won't try this brand again. I had such high hopes from the out of the box experience I posted about below but the test of time proved these not to meet expectations.<br /><br />The true test will be that of time and wear. But being a Bates brand loyal customer, I bought these simply because of the reviews. Right out of the box they are exceptionally comfortable. The foot bed has enough cushion and arch support that I won't need insoles for my high arch, wide feet. The side zipper isn't as convenient as that found on Bates but maybe it will ease up a bit. The sipper has a swooping arch to it which makes standing and putting the boots on difficult. When sitting it's fairly easy but I like to jump into my boots and go. The design allows for flex in all the right places and doesn't seem to need a good break in period. I am on my feet 11 hours a day, up and down ladders, kneeling, walking etc. One set of Bates lasted me 5 years, the most recent pair just over a year until the leather wore out and the side zipper separated. Time will tell the comfort and durability of these boots but after one month I'll have a good idea of how they hold up to moderate abuse.

The Belleville 969z tactical boot looks great! After trying the boots on I noticed I'd have to by better sole inserts. Although I didn't wear the boots everyday the zipper pull began to come off. The shoestrings don't stay tied unless I double tie/knot.

Overall: Good but not great<br /><br />Pros: Decent build quality. Good sole<br /><br />Cons: Only decent build quality for the price. These seem like they'd be good for daily urban use but I don't get the sense they'd stand up to hard wear. I'm a former Marine, as such I'd like to see heavier duty stitching, a much beefier zipper, and a more padded tongue.

These boots fit and feel amazing, I am however only giving it a 3 star due to the fact I've had these for less than a year and they are falling apart. The fist set I had lasted almost 2 yrs. This set is barely making it a year under the same use and conditions. They are worn 14-15 days a month with the way my shift works out, and they are wearing horrible this time around. Unfortunately I don't think I'll be purchasing another set.

I took A Star off for a couple of reasons. First of all I was disappointed because the tags on the boots boast about an American town that makes boots and the tag inside says &quot;made in China&quot;... The other problem was that the velcro on the side that acts as a safety for the zipper, (I do not know what it is called) got detached (will try to post pictures) after exactly 30 days of use. Hopefully, it is going to be the only problem with them.

it's okay shoes, can only wear it for couple of hours before i start getting pains around my toes edges.

Easy to shine, true to size and comfortable.<br />I would've given five stars but the zipper strap tore off within the first 2 weeks. Probably wouldn't buy again and will most likely go back to Danners.