Bates E02276 GX-8 Desert Composite Toe Side Zip Boot

Love the boots, very comfortable and well made. Break in period was a little longer than other boots I have had, maybe 2 - 3 weeks. One problem, the toe is very narrow, designed like this to fit inside chain link fence, so the composite toe of the shoe when my foot pushes forward (like walking down a steep hill) my pinkie toe hits the composite toe of the shoe pushing my pinkie toe back. It is kind of painful especially if you have not clipped your pinkie toe nail. So what I have done is #1 keep up on my toe nail care, use a little thinker sock and really tighten the boot with the laces. I think next time I will get the non composite toe boot, but I really like the side zipper, it works really well, better than any other side zip boot I have ever had. However I don't think Bates make a tan, non composite/steel toe with a side zipper, kind of a bummer. But all in all, its a really good boot and have adapted to the narrow toe.