By Rehan Iqbal
For well over 130 years, Bates has been delivering the highest quality boots for the US military. And as the demand and regulations keep constantly changing in the military, manufacturers have really had to up their game. Bates has definitely not been left behind in their strife to craft footwear that not only meets the tough Military standards, but also exceeds all the AR670-1 requirements. Today, we’re checking out the Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Tactical Army Boot and what it really has to offer.
What Are You Buying?
The Bates Cobra Hot Weather Tactical Army Boots are specially constructed to meet the latest Army specs with the US Armed Forces. This particular boot was created for endurance, stability and multi-terrain traction. Just like our soldiers, the Coyote Army boots perform better under pressure. Here are some of the top features to look forward to:
AR 670-1 Compliant
Now, while the long-awaited AR 670-1 regulations are nothing new, there are some new rules that have to be followed. In the past, soldiers could wear tactical boots with synthetic uppers to reduce their weight and increase the breathability. However, regulations now require all Army boots to be all leather, without zippers and with the following standards.
-Must have plain toe style
-Must be 8 to 10 inches in height
-Made of tan cattle hide leather
-Zero mesh materials and fabrics
-Polyurethane and Rubber soles with tan color
The Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Tactica Boot meets all these and more specifications, making it the ideal Army boot for all sorts of assignments.
Durable Construction
In addition to meeting AR 670-1 requirements, the boot from Bates takes things a step further. Just one glance at the exterior and you’ll see why this boot is made for battle. The Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Boot boasts of abrasion resistant, flesh-out cattle hide leather that gives it the ultimate durability and toughness. So no matter how extreme the environments or weather gets, you can rest assured that your boot will stick with you.
As for the craftsmanship, these bad boys come with triple seams that eliminate the need for any repairs. When you’re out on the battlefield, the last thing you want is for your boot to come undone. This triple seam construction makes sure that you won’t be needing a cobbler anytime soon. From the bottom, security is guaranteed in the form of a multi-terrain, slip resistant rubber outsole.
Comfort Features
Just because you need a sturdy boot doesn’t mean that it has to be rigid and inflexible. By now, you already know that Bates is more than committed to comfort as they are performance. The Bates Men’s Tactical Army Boot incorporates a generously padded collar for that snug fit while a breathable lining on the inside lets you stay cool and fresh out in the hot sun. As you’ll notice, the exteriors are built with perforated leather to give you that additional touch of comfort and breathability.
However, it’s the interiors that will really blow your mind. The Bates Cobra Army Boots are among the select few with totally removable interiors. This means that the insole and outsole too can be removed for a more personal fitting. However, you might want to keep your two piece insole since it is made of dual density EVA and open cell memory foam for insane levels of comfort. All this extra padding means that soldiers can be on the march all day without worrying about fatigue or impact injuries.
What We Didn’t Like
Not Waterproof
Unfortunately, the Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Tactical Army Boots are not waterproof at all. However, the drainage holes allow water and moisture to escape if you find yourself in overly swampy conditions.
Less Impact Support
While the insoles are definitely very supportive, you might want to use more expensive custom inserts for personalized comfort.
Heel Rubbing
Most soldiers have complained that the shoe tends to give them initial heel rubbing. However, this should subside after two weeks of proper breaking in.
Final Word
If you’re always deployed in areas with relentless heat, you’ll especially enjoy how versatile and practical the Coyote boots are. With numerous perforations for increased breathability, a high traction, all rubber outsole and all the right AR 670-1 standard requirements, the Bates Men’s Cobra Hot Weather Coyote Tactical Army Boot is definitely worth every penny.