I've owned 5 pairs of Bates before purchasing these. I have the same ones in black for work. They are the best boot you can buy from Bates in black at this time. I say this because the Vibram sole really makes a difference. All other Bates soles wear quickly for me.

The only thing I would change is to get rid of the side zip on the black pair. I hate side zip.

The ICS system imo doesn't do anything. I've work them for 8-16 hour days on all the settings and they didn't feel any different to me. They add a bit more cushion than regular bates; but, the dialing doesn't change anything for me.

I had the old m9 tan bates with the same sole and they were great. They do not have gortex like these do however and were a little cold in the winter. They are a bit heavy in the summer; but, the gortex breathes well and it won't kill you. And it definitely helps in the rain.

After killing my old m9s (which ripped after pulling them on so many times because of this weird rubber piece they put on it) I purchased a pair of durashock desert boots. I really like them. They will definitely last longer than these and are more durable; but, they are too uncomfortable for me. I get blisters a lot while wearing them; and, feel they don't have as good ankle support as the uniform style does.

The hook style laces on these bothered be when I first got them; but, now I like them a lot and they make taking off the boot and lacing them up a lot faster. (So good I really don't understand why they put the side zip on the black ones. Did I mention I hate side zip?)