Bates: Bates Shoes: Bates takes pride in providing footwear that is durable, comfortable and performs under the most demanding and important situations. From outsoles and footwear construction techniques to upper materials and components, Bates provides superior solutions for better boots and shoes. Bates began in 1885 as military dress shoe makers. The overwhelming popularity of our shoes quickly led to the addition of many styles of boots and shoes for all branches of the military. Today, we outfit elite military and law enforcement organizations around the world. Bates has grown to be one of the largest and most respected brands of uniform footwear in the world. Each pair of Bates footwear is the result of over 120 years of doing what s right and what s best.