You know, there was a time when buying Bates meant you were buying quality.  A pair of boots that would last you years, that you could trust to keep it together in the most difficult of environments.  I don't know when that changed, but the quality of this pair of boots is extremely lacking.

I got these as a Christmas present from my girlfriend.  I loved the way they looked, and they were quite comfortable once broken in (albeit a tad small).  However, within three months, one of the grommets had broken off.  Now, not even 7 months later, two more grommets have snapped off and the lining has torn on the inside.  I've had $30 Wal*Mart boots last longer than these, but these ran over $100 and they're already falling apart.  Giving two stars for the appearance, but boy am I disappointed.  Get it together, Bates.