I doubt if there is an officer in any of the military services who does not know the name Bates for shoes.  They are the maker of inspection-ready Corfam-like dress shoes, and every officer and senior enlisted owns a pair.  I also got to know them for their outstanding desert boots.  I wore out my first set of desert boots in the Middle East, and was about to depart on another set of orders for Afghanistan when I checked in with the Supply Department to get another set.  My feet, however, are quite wide, and the Supply folks were completely out of the standard government-issue desert boots in my size.  "Not to worry," they said, and I was given an authorization slip that was good for any pair of desert boots in stock at the local Exchange Uniform Shop.  And the folks at the Uniform Shop all recommended Bates Desert Boots (though at the time, I was unaware that Bates made a desert boot).  Well, I have to tell you I am still wearing those desert boots - they stood up to everything that Afghanistan could throw at them, and are still quite serviceable.

Because of this experience with Bates boots, I did not hesitate when I needed a set of tactical boots for my civilian job.  These have a composite safety toe that is as hard and protective as the steel version (and meets the same ANSI standard for toe protection), but slightly lighter in weight.  The boot itself is also considerably lighter than similar full-leather boots, which makes a HUGE difference on your feet and legs after a long day of use.  The side zipper makes getting them off at the end of the day much easier (which is really a plus when you are tired and sweaty and hate the thought of tugging and pulling just to remove your shoes).  After five months of heavy, daily use, they show almost no noticeable wear.  The sole is made with some anti-slip substance put into the rubber that really grips into pavement or concrete, even when covered with a film of water.  My only complaint is that because I also have a high arch, I have had to add supplemental arch supports for daily use.  All in all, of you need a great set of perfectly-fitting boots to protect your feet in hazardous environments, and intend to wear them day in and day out for long periods, this is perhaps one of the best on the market - at any price.  The fact that Amazon carries them at such a relatively inexpensive price is a big plus.