Common Design Elements
Bates and Magnum boots have many common features, all geared toward the protection of the wearer. Toe protection, often made of steel; superior shock absorption; cold and water insulation from Gore-Tex and leather and welt construction are all common features. Made from heavy-duty materials the boots are built to last, provide traction and resist abrasion.
Different Design Elements
Magnum boots feature a Vibram outsole, while Bates boots do not. Bates waterproof boots are made from Gore-Tex and Bates also has some boots featuring DuraShocks shock absorption. Magnum uses its own waterproofing and shock absorption features. Bates boots feature an athletic-shoe-type construction, while Magnum boots do not.
Chronology
The very first Bates product was not boots, but dress shoes in the 1880s. After more than 50 years of creating oxford-type shoes for both men and women, the company began to create dress shoes for the Navy in the 1960s. After the success of these shoes, Bates entered the boot market. Entering much later in the game, Magnum, a division of Hi-Tec, created a specific boot known as the Hi-Tec Magnum for the FBI. Since the 1980s, the company has made specifically designed work boots for the police, fire and the military.
