Bates Sport 2 Tactical Boots Desert

Online purchase, shipping was not too fast. During selection, I had four models to choose from, each in two sizes, 41 and 42 EU (my foot length is 27.3 cm and standard width). Here is my subjective assessment from least to most preferred: 1. Texar Desert Ghost - Khaki: liked the least (strange color), sizing inconsistent with the chart – oversized enough that both sizes were too small. Well-made shoes, regular insole, average comfort when worn, hard sole – something like Kupczak MON. 2. Texar Stinger - Khaki: nicer than the previous and most streamlined in this comparison. SURPRISINGLY, as it's also Texar, sizing matches the chart. Size 41 is slightly too small but it seems with use it will stretch to fit ideally with a thin sock. Size 42 is too large even with a medium/thicker/all-year sock. Well-made shoes, regular insole, average comfort when worn, hard sole like in the Desert. 3. KOMBAT uk PRO 50/50 (purchased from a competitor): in my opinion, the nicest of the compared models. Sizing matches: 41 – perfect with a thin sock and 42 – acceptable looseness with a thicker/all-season sock. Well-made shoes (comparable to Texar), more comfortable than the previous ones, the sole is not as hard, though still not as good as in the shoes that won my comparison. Nice touch with the external heel reinforcement. 4. Bates Tactical Sport 2 Desert: the winner of my comparison, although not the prettiest. The sizing chart is their weakest point – it is undersized. I chose size 41, which leaves 2-3 mm space with a thin sock and is perfect with a medium/thicker sock. High-quality workmanship, on par with the competitors in this comparison, but after putting the shoe on, they leave the others far behind. From the first moment, they fit perfectly to the foot and ankle, you hardly feel them on, good insole, and the sole is very flexible, not offering as much resistance when walking as the soles in the previous shoes. If someone, when choosing one of the above models, is wondering whether it's worth paying about 150 PLN extra for the Bates Tactical Sport 2, my answer is a definite YES.

First impressions. The shoes are lightweight, have a comfortable sole with noticeable softness. Very good fit at the heel and above. The zipper is very practical. The shoes are nicely and neatly made. Perfect for the city – they perform well on pavement. The size matches.

Very comfortable, well made, the material is pleasant to the touch. Just a small note from me: if someone wears size 42, I recommend buying these shoes one size smaller, i.e., 41 or even 40. In general, the shoes are comfortable and well made, I recommend them!

Very comfortable, not cheap but it's worth investing in your feet.