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Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots

Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots

Bates Uniform Footwear are a company with a world wide reputation for producing footwear capable of being utilized in a military or law enforcement setting. Their boots are used by many police forces, the FBI and numerous special military units, so it really goes without saying that this footwear has a superior quality about it, to meet the requirements of such demanding wearers.

I have just completed a 300 hour test on a pair of Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots, putting them through sheer hell up here in the rain soaked Scottish highlands and I am suitably impressed. This is without doubt the lightest Gore-Tex boot I have ever worn, making it ideal in situations were speed is an issue. On a 2 mile timed walk I can actually reduce the time by several minutes by wearing these boots and when I tested them on a 5 mile run I was able to maintain the same pace I achieve in a pair of trainers. But do not take lightweight to mean weak as the GX-8 is a real tough customer. I trialled them on my smallholding which has had dozens of pairs of boots completely broken down in as little as a month, but the GX-8 took the mud and muck, the scuffing and trampling under animals feet in its stride succeeding where many boots twice its price have failed woefully.

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As to waterproofing you can literally submerge the lower half of the boot in water and not the tiniest droplet comes through. As to comfort the GX-8 is easily on of the most flexible boots on the market lending itself ideally to such tasks as shooting, climbing or driving. The GX-8 also provided supreme levels of ankle and arch support. I have tested it over rugged terrain carrying a 2 stone pack and felt complete confidence in the boots support system which though firm is not in any way restrictive, giving a tremendous sense of freedom. For stealth work whether that be a hunter sneaking up on his quarry or a soldier moving in on his enemy, the GX-8 will not betray your presence, having no squeaky leather and a sole which has good ground sensitivity allowing you to clearly read the ground beneath your feet to avoid steps that would give you away. The GX-8 is also undetectable in electronic security environments having a fibreglass shank as apposed to a steel one and none metallic hardware in its construction.

An exceptional grip is provided by the Vibram Mutant sole, which behaves like the tyres on an ATV, giving serious amounts of traction in the slimiest of conditions, making it the boot of choice for those who want to stay on their feet in slippery conditions. I must also mention the lacing system, which I particularly liked; it’s one of the easiest and quickest systems I have ever come across. Whether you are a hunter, soldier or police officer this is a high quality boot that will serve you well, especially when the going gets tough.

Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots are available in sizes 5 to 12 and they cost just £84.50 a pair.

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  • Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots - image {image:count}

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  • Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots - image {image:count}

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  • Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots - image {image:count}

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  • Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots - image {image:count}

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  • Bates Ultra Lite GX-8 boots - image {image:count}

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