Belleville 880 ST 8-Inch Steel Toe Boots - Waterproof Duty & Safety Toe Boots - ASTM F2413 Thinsulate Insulation - Full-Grain Cattlehide Leather - Cushioned EVA Midsole - Lace-Up Closure

This is the Navy "Flight Boot" and is while more expensive than the normal issue(NWU) boot, is worth all the money and then some. I had repeated issues (pain, wear, leaking, etc) with the issued boots (also Belleville), until I finally gave up and bought a pair of these. Improvements: 1) They are sized much more closely to my normal size. I wear a 10 running shoe, these are 9.5, which makes sense due to the insulation. I had to buy a 7.5W in the issued boot to get something that wouldn't slip and eat my heel, but due to the size it caused toe and foot pain. 2) Much, much more waterproof than the issued boots. I've stood out in rainstorms in this for multiple hours supporting drydocking evolutions and my feet were still warm and dry at the end. 3) The 200g insulation is about the right amount. My feet get a little warm with lots of sustained walking, but it more than makes up for it when you're standing around for long periods of time in the cold. (Something that the military is good at making you do.) 4) Good build and lacing. The boot isn't particularly heavy, and with a combination ladder and infinity lacing, holds snugly. It does appear that the sole is slightly softer than the issue boot and therefore wears a little faster, but it also grips wet surfaces (like ships) much more firmly. 5) Last and importantly: While the numbers and naval messages claim that this isn't a 9" boot, when measured side-by-side with the issued boots they are the exact same size. So, you can wear it with the NWU and be in complete compliance with the uniform regs. Summary: Best Navy boots I've owned, good replacement for the NWU issue boot. Go get a pair, you won't regret it. UPDATE 02MAR15: So, I've had these for a bit over 2 years now, though about 8 months of that was at a duty station where we didn't wear the NWU. As I expected, the sole is wearing a bit faster than the harder NWU issue boot, but there is still some tread left. The upper is still in good shape (except where I've damaged it), and the boot insulation and interior is holding up great. I'll probably buy a new pair over the summer, but these continue to be the best pair of Navy footwear I own. If you miss your old boonies, this is about as good as you're going to get.

2 WEEK REVIEW: They seem to be a good quality boot. The size I purchased is a little big compared to another popular brand offered for military standard boots, but because of the lining inside, they seem to fit well enough. My husband says they are comfortable so far. He did not have any blistering on his heels, and did not need to "break them in". They have a good shine to them, and do not seem to need polishing out of the box. I suggest getting a half size smaller in this style/brand. Overall a great buy and worth the money. We will see how they do long term to decide if I would buy them again.

AWESOME Fit and Boot. Would most definately buy this one a millions times over the usual Bates Boot (9" inch black steel toed). This is really comfortable and works very well. I would most definately pay the higher price for this one anytime of the day over the cheap Bates Boot. The Bates are absolutely HORRIBLE and are not worth a penny. If you had a choice between the Belleville Boot or the Bates Boot; Take the Belleville. It is worth the extra money. I have had the Belleville for over a month and I have no issue to bring up.

Decent quality. I buy them because I have to in the Navy. This is my 3rd pair. Leather tends to be thin on the toe and will tear easily. Comfort is pretty good. Soles will wear out on the non skid on a ship. They beat bates anytime but the leather quality could be better

Going on having these boots for a year I wear them everyday though the week (5-6 days) and I can with out a doubt say they are the most comfortable steal toe boot I have ever worn they are 200 grams but they feel pretty lightweight I changed the laces because the ones that came with them was pretty shin and if you like your boots tied tight you will feel them they are very well built and I’ve never slipped with these boots on oil or even ice very nice boots they are not the best looking boots but there not dress boots there for work and they work very well for literally anything you could ever need em for

I bought these boots to replace a pair of Wellco Desert Boots I could no longer find in my size. At the advice of other reviewers, I purchased a half size larger than normal, which turned out to be wise-the boot does tend to be more snug with the insulation. So my "Fit as expected" response is based on that. The leather was soft and comfortable immediately, and break-in was minimal. I work as a lineman and these are my everyday boots, as they are not equipped with a high enough heel to climb in (that is not a complaint, as an extra pair of boots saves my climbers from unnecessary wear) I have not tested their waterproof capabilities yet, but for now, I can safely say these are at least extremely comfortable, and a good replacement for my Wellcos.