Bates vs. Corcoran boots?

[eveled]

I know we have a large number of members who are cops. Lots of them probably wear the boots I am looking for.

I like the black uniform boots with the side zippers for work. The old military style. Both companys make the style boot I am looking for and both are made in USA.

My question is for those who have experience with both makers. Which is better Bates or Corcoran?

I think the only difference is that the Bates only have the high gloss toe and heel caps. The Corcoran is all high gloss and the Corcorans are a little more.

Anybody have a preference? Also, if you buy on line who do you use? Copshoes.com seems to have gone under? I bought from them before.

Thanks, Ed.

[Comrad]

I'm a civilian but I would strongly urge you to buy what fits you well. All well made shoes are made on models of feet called lasts and not all lasts are equal. Two examples, I can't wear Nike, no matter what but Asics fit me like a glove. I love the look and quality of Allen Edmonds shoes but can't find a good fit. There is nothing worse than wearing shoes that don't fit well. Forget about breaking them in, that's a myth. If the shoe isn't comfortable in the store it's not right for you.
Now for a little back in the day story. We used to go to a "Shoe Store" and get measured and fit by a guy who did that for a living and were offered widths from AAA to EEE in a real leather shoe made in the US of A. Fast forward to today, plastic **** made in Asia M width basically one size fits all. Maybe these shoes fit the people who make them but American feet are different. People have lost their ability to know what a well fit shoe feels like, I was one and took a long time to adjust after some painful foot problems.
If I had young kids today I would tell them to become Podiatrists.
Get a shoe that fits you and you will be a happy guy.

[ChuckS1]

LOL, boots with zippers... I remember guys who used to put zippers in their jump boots back in the days of the black boot Army. Maybe lasted a week before thet wised up. Worse than the tanker boots with the wrap around straps. And then there were the dress boots with the zippers on the side, about the same vintage as leisure suits. But if you're a DC cop, might work for you around DuPont Circle.

[BlueOvalBandit]

Only worn Corcorans as a desert hot weather boot. Virtually no break in, very comfortable even in 110+, could walk for miles on them every day, and wore them virtually flat at Ft Irwin.

I had a pair of black Bates w/ steel toes for work, not nearly as comfortable to walk or even stand and it wasn't because of the toe. The black never polished back up either, it always looked scuffed no matter how much I buffed and polished it.

I'd avoid zippers like Chuck says.

[Xtasy]

Corcoran are awesome, I have a pair here just next to me.
I used Meindl Desert Fox in Afghanistan, never any issues

[therevjay]

Boots with zippers were strictly for inspections, parades, and guard mount. Anyone who wore zipper boots to the field deserved miserable feet. Patent leather? the same. Only those who couldn't master the art of a proper spit shine bought them even for dress.

I found "Tanker boots " comfortable. But I was a tanker. Tankers don't spend much time walking. (unless the situation has REALLY gone to poo poo)

[old bear]

Put zippers in your boots, and you loose all the support boots were designed of give. Stick with the old tried and true laces.

[REM 3200]

Originally Posted by therevjay

Tankers don't spend much time walking. (unless the situation has REALLY gone to poo poo)

Well said.

Corcoran all the way. Airborne !

[wildenout]

I have a real love of Bates! It started with the GX-8's when I spent 2 years trounsing around Albania in all sorts of weather. I wore them in the monsoon season, and through the snow all winter. I even brought them home and hike/hunted/backpacked in them for another 3 years before deciding I wanted a new pair. Didn't really need a new pair? Just had a bit of extra cash and an itch. I still use them for yardwork, winter yard work, and whatever else I don't want my nice shoes going through. I upgraded to the Bates Delta-9 and with that Vibram rubber sole, I don't expect I'll be buying new boots for at least 10 years! Did I mention they're comfy as sin?

[Smoke]

I’m a security guard but I wear essentially the same type of boots. I bought a pair of Belleville 700s in January and have put in excess of 15 hundred miles on them over some fairly rough terrain this year alone and they’re still rockin’ No zippers though

Belleville Waterproof Black Combat and Flight Boot

[Muley Gil]

I wear Converse boots with the side zipper. They are very comfortable.

[Malpasowildlifer]

Danner Acadia...all the way

[BaldEagle1313]

Comrad is right. Get what fits correctly. Dress shoes I take the absolute widest last that Florsheim makes, or Nunn Bush extra wides. Other brands' extra-wides aren't that wide. It's like jeans. Same size tag, different brand fits differently. I pretty much only wear New Balance for casual shoes - they make a 4E width that no one else does. Well, you can get a $20 pair of generic Big 5 brand that wide, but they last like 3-6 months before they wear out. Spend the money on a quality product, and the up front costs will more than amortize on longer lasting, more comfortable footwear.

Zippers are okay for a motorcycle boot. Not a walking boot.

[eveled]

Thanks for all the replies and advice. I am surprised the zippers are so controversial. I never gave them a second thought. I have had two pair of bates and a pair of Cocorcan's all with the zippers, without a problem, or any discomfort.

I have a tall foot, so it is very hard to slip my foot into regular boots, but the zippers give me the extra room I need to slip in. I realized I was buying my boots too big so I could get my foot into them. Then my foot slid around while I was walking. So the zippers have been a savior to me.

Having trouble deciding what my next pair will be, but I guess I really can't go wrong. Thanks again, Ed.