These Men's Bates 5" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip Boot (8.5 EW in Black) boots fit great for my wide duck feet (EEEE). I ordered my exact size and they were roomy enough to accommodate my feet with thick steel toe socks. I have always had a lot of trouble finding safety toe footwear that doesn't make my feet bleed due to my wide foot. These are very lightweight, comfortable, and keep my feet happy for the 72+ hours I wear these every week. The composite toes don't conduct temperature like steel toes, so my toes didn't freeze off in the cold.  The side closures make getting the on and off easy and the Velcro flap covers the zipper and keeps it from working it's way down. These are also great boots for the scoot if you ride. I'm going to retire my biker boots since these are so much lighter, cooler, and much more comfortable. They won't scratch the chrome either with the nylon zipper and Velcro cover. I'm going to order a 2nd pair just for this purpose alone. These boots didn't even really require a break in period, but I do lace them very loosely.

Now, here is some advise for anyone wearing steel toe boots, or anyone for that matter. Make sure you get high quality socks and your feet will be much happier! Buying good thick steel toe socks is a lesson I wish I would have learned long ago. Unfortunately it took me over 40 years to figure that one out. I finally quit wearing the cheapo Hanes socks from wally world and my work day has been much more bearable, and I don't even think about my feet now. Why go cheap on something that affects your day long comfort and happiness, but spend tons of money on toys that are only used for a few hours a day? Some measure life by years, I have started to measure it by the quality of life I live. Once again, don't buy cheap socks, shoes, pillows, mattresses, or anything that affects your quality of life. Electronics, shiny stuff, and gizmos may be fun, but they don't affect your quality of life and day long comfort.

My advise is to get some quality steel toe socks first, then re-measure your feet at a shoe store with the socks on to make sure you order the right size. These type of socks are thick and may cause your footwear to be too tight. Try on several pairs of shoes with the thick socks to make sure you order the right size. The Men's Bates 5" Tactical Sport Composite Toe Side Zip Boot (8.5 EW in Black) were up-sized already to accommodate the socks, so in my case I ordered the exact size that I normally wear. All the other steel toe boots I ordered were too tight with the socks on. Of all of the steel toe footwear I own, this is my favorite by far. And with quality socks, my feet aren't all sweaty and sore at the end of the day. You won't regret this purchase. They are sized exactly like New Balance Shoes. I wear 8.5 EEE New Balance shoes, and these 8.5 EEE Bates Boots fit as well as my athletic shoes while wearing heavy socks to give you some idea of the sizing.

Update 12/23/12: I have worn these boots daily in an industrial environment for almost a year. I'm talking about 12-14 hour days 6-7 days a week on my feet. They are still holding up well and as comfortable as ever. Even if these fell apart today I would order another pair due to the low cost and comfort. Even If I go through a pair a year, these are so comfortable that I will continue purchasing them.