Bates GX-8 Gore-Tex Tactical Boots with Side Zipper - Waterproof Military & Work Boots for Men - Ideal for Law Enforcement, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

I wear a 8.5 some times 9 in a shoe, so I order an 8.5 they are a little roomy but not so much they can not be worn so I kept them. I could have probably got away with an 8. These boots are light I mean maybe they weight a little bit more than flip flops. I find my self lifting my leg really high after wearing heavy tennis shoes. They are that light. Sole padding is great. No padding on top, which if laced to tight the anchor from the laces digs into my ankle and is painful. They just need to be let a little lose around the ankle. The need to be broken in. I have had these about 5 days and would say they are mostly broken in now, but before the break in they are like wearing cast on your legs. The zipper needs to be broken in too. The first couple times with the zip and I thought this is never going to work, but now they are broken in it is awesome and smooth zipping. These are the Navy Seal boots listed on their official Navy Seal web site. They are by far the best boots I ever owned. They are warm as far as I can tell been out in them in 30 degree weather with no problem. May update this as we get more into winter. My only complaint is I wish they had more padding where the laces are anchored no big deal thought just can not tie them super tight. I love Love these boots. My son is in the Navy and is looking into if He can where these in uniform. He hates his boots that tie. Traction is great, been in the rain and on many wet surfaces and not even a give any where. I do not know how they are in oil. They are comfortable and did I say Light. I study martial arts and needed a boot I could kick in. I can do all my kicks in these boots easier than tennis shoes. If you get these boots you are going to want to get a shoe shine kit and give them a shine right out of the box. I wore mine first and they scuffed up fast, but after the shine back to better than new and now they do not scuff up so much. The price was Great but I did by them the day before thanksgiving so i got them well under even sale price, but they are worth the 150.00 or so they cost at Amazon. I will be buying a second pair for my father in law as He will not stop talking about them, i think he wants mine, but oh no.They are a great boot and worth the money, Just remember the anchor to the laces can dig into the ankle and you need to loosen the laces until they do not. I don't want to tell anyone what size to get mine fit well at 8.5 which I wear but like I said think I could get away with an 8 in this boot. They would have been snug with no room, but I like my boots like that, but the 8.5 is fine. I have only had these 5 days so I can not speak to ware, but these are my favorite boots, and yes waterproof. I have tested them in large puddles and in heavy rain.. I hope this review helps.