Bates Men's High Gloss Uniform Work Shoe

I had a pair of these for 15 years: I wore them dozens of times for various military duties or formal military balls, as well as to a variety of civilian black tie events and weddings (including my own!). A couple of weeks ago they finally gave up the ghost and the uppers split from the sole (I have wide feet) and so I ordered the exact same style and size that I bought when I was an E-2 fresh out of AIT. They got to my house the day before the black tie event I was attending, and the next day I threw them on with my tux and walked around Chicago's McCormick Place convention center for 4 hours and the shoes felt and looked great - fit perfectly and no break-in needed. If you are looking for a comfortable, high quality, long lasting dress shoe for military or civilian use, look no further.

I bought these shoes about 3 months ago and wear them about 4 times a week. I am writing a review because many of the reviews scared me from buying these shoes and decided to buy them. The shoes are absolutely beautiful. There are no issues with them what so ever. The shoes really punch up your dress clothes as well. Not everyone wears theses kinds of shoes, let alone polish the ones they wear, so you stand out and look sharp and professional. My bosses and coworkers were worried I was job hunting. It was funny. Note: If you work with a bunch of contractors that are ex military, they will call them "cheater" shoes. Honestly, I have spit-shined my fair share of shoes and take no offense to it. I think their jealous. My normal shoe size is a size 12. I bought a 12D and its a perfect fit for me. There are ways of determining your exact shoe size. If you are not 100% sure, just look up online for how to measure your size. Its easy! I also use to own a pair of these when I was in Civil Air Patrol. They held up extremely well under constant drill. They never fell apart or anything.

Awesome shoe for uniformed dress occasions. Compared mine to some others on my partners and found that they were shinier and didn't look plasticky or cheap. I also found that they are relatively comfortable. The size fits as expected but I went up half a size because I felt the toe box to be a little narrow for my own liking. (I typically wear a regular width shoe for reference).

This product is valued highly already because it has served me in the Air Force. I bought a slightly different version of the shoe. Same from Bates. But the shoe has more of a sporty feel. The tread on the bottom of the shoe is a bit more maneagable to walk in. I do walk maybe a mile or so in them and it feels like my workout shoes for even less then I bought them for. (Wouldn't workout in these shoes though haha.) I say it's an excellent shoe to buy if image is your game plan. My uncle was also interested in the shoe just recently and told em he could find it on Amazon. Awesome!

Great shoe, but I don't like that the tip is a little too narrow, which is typical of this style. Nonetheless, the rest is wide and comfortable for my wide feet. Great soles, have lots of grip and made by Vibram which is a reputable and durable brand. I am very particular about the way my shoes fit, so I think that this shoe is probably as good as it gets.

My husband loves these shoes and has worn them for many, many years. No other shoe will do . . . He was suspicious about ordering on line but was smiling real big when they arrived and he put them on. Excellent choice and we will be purchasing more as the need arises. Never hurts to have a pair in reserve! My Prime Membership with fast shipping was indeed a big plus as we live in a rural area and the cost of fuel and time to go and find these shoes -- all I can say is that we have a winner in Amazon & Prime & Bates. Keep up the good work.

Superior shoe. Could wear them all day long but seemed to be 1 size too large. Got size 11M for my son is military college. Too big. Fit my size 12 feet perfectly. Tempted to keep them for myself.

Only buy Bates for work: the rubber sole is ridiculously solid and will not wear out. I work the loading dock at work when not in the office, and leather soles get eaten alive out there. These Vibram soles are way comfortable. Shiny gloss look of the shoe stays clean as well - I use an old t-shirt or towel and any dust/dirt buffs clean off - and easily.

Nice shine and fit.