Way back in the day, I had purchased a pair of cheap shiny jump boots at "The Alley" in Chicago. Even though they weren't all leather, and that I wore them nearly every day for 3 years, they were tough and most importantly comfortable. Plus the zipper made them easy to take off and put on compared to standard Combat Boots. Eventually those did wear out though, and it wasn't till a few years later that I tried the Carolina Boot Company's answer to the jump boot. I didn't like them, the leather was too thick and too stiff, and the upper part just didn't fit my ankles well. I sold the Carolinas (which I had paid 90 dollars for) to my little brother for a very cheap price. Now that I am into Airsoft in a big way, I wanted to get another pair of jump boots, but wasn't sure what brand to try. Then one day while shopping for other things at the Hammond Army/Navy store, I came across the Bates Enforcer series Paratrooper Boot. Following is my review of this excellent pair of boots.

When I first tried them on, the Bates Jump Boots seemed a little stiff, but they were quite a bit more comfortable than the Carolina's I had tried before. I had hoped that the Bates would have a metal zipper, but they didn't. The plastic zipper IS however, very heavy duty and I don't believe it will be any problem. The upper part of these all leather boots fit very nicely around my ankles, with the laces pulled nearly entirely closed. No surprise there, as my legs arent....shall we say... stocky. (I.E. I have skinny legs) I also have no doubt that those with my size, but larger legs, will also have no problems with the ankle fit.

These boots broke in very quickly I didn't have to use saddle soap to soften them, or soak them in water as some people do. I just wore them often and they broke in just fine. If your in a hurry to break them in, you could use a little saddle soap treatment on the uppers and it should speed up the process.

The plastic zippers have worked flawlessly, my concerns over not having a metal zipper appear to have been unfounded.

The big deal about jump boots for me is how much easier it is to tuck in your pant legs with the zipper down, compared to standard combat boots. Try them , you'll see what I mean.

In the field, they have done their job well, I always get sure footing on nearly any terrain, and have yet to get any pebbles down the upper into my boots. I have however on several occasions had to pry a zillion little bbs out of the sole of the boots, especially after CQB or Urban events. The gaps in the tread are just narrow enough that they grab on to a 6mm bb and don't let go. This was only a problem though, when playing in an indoor CQB field with hardwood floors, cause the stuck bbs would make scratching noises when I moved, giving away my position. I think the only fix for this may be to carve or dremel the grooves out to more than 6mm. Not worth my time... I'll live with it.

What can say to the durability of the Bates Enforcer Jump Boots? Well, let me tell you first, how much I have worn them. I wear my Jump boots not only in the field ( 7 all day games and 3 short games so far) , but also in normal everyday wear, dancing at nightclubs, and even as dress boots. I wore these boots to my last job interview, along with my Italian double breasted suit. I got the job, does that mean that Bates boots are responsible for my current (at least semi-successful) financial situation? No.... but hey, you get the point right? :)

Now with nearly a years worth of all that use, take a look at the pictures above, those were taken tonight. I'd say they are durable enough for me.