Bates 922 Boot Review

When you’re out in the field—mud, water, long runs, obstacle courses—your boots can make or break you. That’s exactly the kind of environment I used the Bates 922 Durashock boot in during my time at Naval Special Warfare Training Center (BUD/S). I wore these boots through morning PT, beach drills, wetland runs, and everything in between. Here’s how they held up—what worked, what could be better, and are they good for your style of training?

What Works — The Strengths

Water drainage & quick drying
One of the immediate big wins: these boots shed water fast. Whether you’re wading through surf or slogging wet grass, the Bates 922 drains and dries far faster than a standard leather boot. In SEAL-style training when you’re in and out of water dozens of times a day, that is priceless.

Video – SEALgrinderPT reviews the Bates 922 Boot

Support & cushioning
The “Durashock” sole gets a lot of credit for cushioning your foot during heavy load and repetitive pounding. On long rucks, runs on pavement or trail, and obstacle course landings, you feel less of the jarring. When you’re training for endurance and hard use, that’s a serious plus.

Grip & stability
The outsole pattern on the 922 gives good traction on slippery surfaces—rocks, wet shorelines, muddy trails. For a boot that sees mixed terrain, you want that confidence when you push off or stabilize your body under load.

Proven in SEAL training
I personally wore the Bates 922 during BUD/S—these boots were issued, field-tested, and trusted in the worst of conditions. If they can survive that, they’re built for more than just light duty.

What to Know — The Caveats

Break-in required
No boot is perfect out of the box, and the 922 is no exception. If you jump straight into full PT or long runs without conditioning them, expect some stiffness. I’d recommend gradually ramping up use—walk around the yard, mow the grass, light runs—so the upper and sole settle into your gait.

Limited breathability
Because they’re built rugged and have drainage and support, breathability is decent but not elite. In hot, dry environments you may feel the boot retain some heat better than a minimalist trail runner. Keep that in mind for summer ops or missions in arid zones.

Customization can improve fit/comfort
I found that swapping the stock insoles for premium ones (like a high-quality orthotic or aftermarket insert) increased comfort on multi-day missions or heavy rucks. Also upgrading laces—strong, burn-resistant ones—can make a difference when you’re in extreme conditions.

Real-Life Application

During Navy SEAL training at BUDS in Coronado we were issued the Bates boots. We wore those boots every day to morning PT, obstacle course work, and beach runs. The durability held up—no sole separation, no upper tears—even after repeated jumps, crawls, and water runs.

In a wetland trail run scenario (think muddy, slippery boardwalks, water puddles), I found the drainage system true: the boots didn’t stay soaked, and the tread offered alot of grip.

Final Verdict — Mission Accomplished?

Yes. If you need a boot that can handle serious training, mixed terrain, water/dirt and still hold up under load, the Bates 922 Tropical is a strong choice. It’s not ultra-light or minimalist—it’s built like an assault boot because it is one.

If you’re prepping for something like a GORUCK challenge, military style workouts, jungle or beach work, this boot will serve you exactly the way you need. Just treat it with respect, break it in, add the upgrades you prefer (like custom insoles or reinforced laces), and let it earn its keep.

In the world of high-stress gear, you don’t want fancy— you want reliable. The Bates 922 delivers that. When your feet are tired, your load is heavy, and you still have one more mile to go—you’ll thank yourself for wearing the right boot.

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