Bates GX-8 quality failure
I'm writing this review specifically about the GX-8 Composite Toe Side-Zip boots. For context, I've owned approximately six pairs of these boots in various configurations over the years. The first few pairs were outstanding. As a commercial diver, I work in demanding environments that include underwater operations, rocky terrain, coral, snow and ice, and constant movement on and off boats. Those boots were incredibly durable and reliable. I even used them with aftermarket inserts for backpacking trips, and they performed exceptionally well. Unfortunately, my last two pairs have been a completely different story. Both suffered zipper failures in less than a year, despite relatively light use. The failures appear to be non-repairable, which is especially frustrating because once the zipper fails, the boots are essentially unusable. What makes this even more disappointing is that the zippers on my earlier pairs easily outlasted the soles themselves. In those cases, the boots wore out from years of hard use before the zippers ever became an issue. I also attempted to contact customer service regarding these failures, but my inquiries went unanswered. At this point, I will likely not purchase Bates boots again. A few years ago, I would have had no hesitation giving this company a five-star rating. Today, I'm struggling to justify even two stars. The noticeable decline in product quality, combined with the lack of customer support, has been a deal-breaker for me.
By Stiletto