Product Reviews – The Boring Old Man

Product Review: Bates 8″ Ultralite Tactical Sport Side Zip Military Boot

Let me start by saying I’m not really a “tactical boot” guy. I did have a pair of 5.11 low boots about a dozen years ago, which were actually pretty decent, but this is the first pair of boots in this style I’ve owned, so I don’t have anything else to compare them to.

Not that I’m not a boot wearer, I’ve had many, many pairs of different types over the years. My go-to boot for the last 40 years is the classic Doc Marten boot, the good old 1460. In fact, I’ve got 2 pair of those at home that I still wear routinely, but decided to try something a little different for a change.

During the “Plague” years I went a little overboard on my ‘prepping’ as I’ve discussed here before, and one of the things I went a little crazy on was footwear. Considering everything is manufactured overseas and imports were slow, if at all, I figured a ‘lifetime supply’ of footwear would be a good investment. It’s not like I’m going to keep growing in my mid-50’s, so why not?!?

I purchased a few pair of Doc Marten boots and shoes, several pair of Van’s and because I’d heard good things about Bates and I found a pair on deep discount (sometimes wearing a size 13 gets you a good deal!) I decides to try them out.

I purchased them in January ’22 for $74.89 plus tax, which even then was a screaming deal. Not compared to the USGI “Jungle Boots” I wore as a youth, mind you – I used to pick those up at our local surplus store for $15-20 – but for modern footwear in the 2020’s, boots for under a hundred bucks is a bargain! Then they sat in the closet for about 2 years. Saving them for a rainy day, Zombie Apocalypse, or Mad Max scenario I suppose…

But when I started my new job a year ago, I broke them out. It seemed like a good place to put them to work. And I’m glad I did!

So, for my “review” prep I did some super unscientific data gathering. I picked 4 random weeks over the last year, added up my mileage from my step tracker for each week – Monday through Friday only – added those 4 weeks together, then divided by 4 to get my weekly average, then multiplied that number by 52. The number that I got after a year of work in these boots was 1206.66 Miles. Put into perspective, that is almost the same distance as walking from my house in the SF Bay Area to Amarillo Texas! Now it’s possible I’m a little under/over on the mileage put on these boots, but for the sake of argument, let’s just say I put between 1,200-1,500 miles on them thus far. I didn’t ONLY wear them at work, just primarily.

4 random weeks of walking on the jobsite!

During my review period, temps ranged from high 20’s to a peak day of 107 degrees. Terrain varied considerably, from blazing hot blacktop and concrete to mud and muck, dirt, gravel, ceiling joists in attics, tromping around over construction debris, through pouring rain and the occasional hail storm. A few times, I even tracked through both wild turkey and goat scat in ’em, unfortunately. They’ve pretty much been through everything except snow. And while I’m not a huge guy, I’m no pipsqueak at 6’1″ and averaging 230 lbs. Which is the long way ’round of saying, these boots were not pampered.

Maintenance has been pretty low key… I wipe them down with a damp microfiber towel every couple days and give them a quick polish every two weeks, give or take. (Side note – I’m a big proponent of shoe polishing, but these babys only get the Kiwi “cheater” polish, the liquid stuff with the sponge applicator.) They still have the original laces, since I rarely use them due to the side zippers.

My overall impression of these boots is that they are well made, extremely durable and quite possibly the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. No joke.

I was concerned that the zipper would be a weak point, prone to failure, but I’ve had no problems with them whatsoever. There were a few thread ends that popped loose when I first started wearing them, but I snipped them off flush and they did not continue to unthread. I suspect it was just a little excess material from the manufacturing process.

That being said, they’re kinda ugly. I certainly don’t get any style points with them, for sure! They wouldn’t have been appropriate in my previous office jobs, but for a construction gig they are perfectly suited.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d give these Bates boots a solid 9. I only take a point off for two reasons. One, they are a little slippery on slick surfaces, such as polished tile or hardwood floors. Also, due to them being manufactured in Bangladesh, rather than the US. But compared to about $250 for a pair of US made Redwings, I’d say I’ve got my money’s worth out of ’em, and they’ve still got some life left. I might throw a new set of insoles in them, otherwise they are still up to the daily grind. Certainly not ready for retirement!

The soles have taken the bulk of the wear & tear

I just checked ol’ Amazon today, and they are still available for $104.05 as of April 7, 2025. Considerably more than I paid for them, but I’d still consider them a bargain, even at that price.

If you find yourself in need of a GREAT pair of boots and don’t want to break the bank, give these a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

Thank you Bates for making a solid, reputable product, and thank you Dear Reader, for stopping by!

Album Review: “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees” by DOGSTAR

The long awaited new album has finally hit the streets! For anyone new here, I’ll tell you right up front that I’m highly biased toward this band. Bret Domrose, Dogstar’s guitarist and vocalist, and I have a friendship, a brotherhood really, going back 40+ years. I was the drummer in the first band he ever played in, and in every subsequent band and lineup for the next 10 years. I’m the one that talked him into singing (we parted ways with our original singer, so it was him or me, and I’m awful on vocals!) and I wrote all the lyrics for the first few years we got him on the mic. We played countless shows together, in every club from Watsonville to Oakland that would have us, and recorded I don’t know how many original songs. We were together for the first song of ours that got on the radio and did our first interviews together. He was my Best Man when I got married 32 years ago… And that’s just scatching the surface!!

Our first professional promo pic, and bumper sticker circa 1987. Bret on the left, a much younger Boring Old Man in the center…

Suffice it to say, I’m a HUGE fan of Bret and subsequently Dogstar. That being said, I’m going to be as honest as I can be about this new record. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t anxiously awaiting this record for a long, long time!!

BLONDE: I’d heard this one live a few times before I got the record and really liked it, but the recorded version hit me in a different way. It’s mid-tempo yet upbeat, and lyrics that convey a longing… A strong opener that doesn’t beat you over the head with bombast.

HOW THE STORY ENDS: Hit and miss… Some outstanding parts, some parts barely beyond basic. Harkens back to their early days.

EVERYTHING TURNS AROUND: Great song overall, quiet/loud transitions, nice vocal harmonies. Excellent guitar work, but it’s subtle and takes a few listens to pick it all up. An excellent choice for their first single from the record and one that’s already been on my heavy rotation list since it’s release.

OVERHANG: Very much reminds me of “The Cure” with the introduction, then its right into a solid 90’s power chord structure.

DILLON STREET: A distinct “Americana” sound, very different than the first part of the record. The first Dogstar song with harmonica, which while well done (??? what do I know, harmonica isn’t exactly in my wheelhouse) could have (and in my opinion should have) been replaced with some slide guitar.

LILY: This one may be my favorite on this record. Very power-pop-ish, but not in a cheesy way. Outstanding guitar work once again.

LUST: This is the other contender for my favorite track. A really great song, BUT the drums kinda suck the life out of it. Yes, as a drummer myself, I’m horribly biased. I just find missed opportunities all over the place drum-wise on this particular track. I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10. With a snappier drum performance, this one could’ve “gone to 11”.

GLIMMER: A little slow for my taste, but a strong, solid song nonetheless. Excellent guitar solo. Lyrically, one of Bret’s best to date. This one really paints a picture, so to speak…

SUNRISE: I’m torn on this one. Could’ve been another power-pop burner, but the “power” part is lacking. Again, the vocal harmonies are outstanding but overall it’s just tepid. Not a throwaway, but not a hit single either.

SLEEP: If I didn’t know better I’d swear this was a remake from the early days of Bret and I – dripping with 80’s vibe. This one has a Wire Train influence proudly on its sleeve. Top notch guitar solo once again, Bret was really shining here!

UPSIDE: Strong intro, good energy. For the first 10 seconds or so you might think you’re listening to a cover of a tune by The Church, then it quickly jumps into classic Dogstar – power chords, rolling bass and strong vocals.

BREACH: A real burner to close out the record! This one needs VOLUME to get its point across, there is nothing subtle about this track. Another good choice for a single and a favorite at the shows. Reeves throws out a couple quick solo bars that lend an 80’s punk feel to it. Overall, it grabs you, shakes you up a bit and before you know what hit you, it’s over. Well done!

Overall, in my not so humble opinion this is a strong album, if a little lopsided. While there is nothing earth shattering or world changing about it, for a straight up rock and roll record made by real people on real instruments, it is immensely enjoyable. I haven’t lived with it long enough to determine whether or not it will displace “Our Little Visionary” as my favorite Dogstar record, but I ABSOLUTELY think it is much better than “Happy Ending”.

The songwriting has certainly matured and the production is far more layered and dense than their past endeavors. Bret sounds sincere in his singing and the vocal arrangements are really outstanding throughout the record. His guitar work has really come a long way too – don’t get me wrong, I think he’s always been fantastic – he’s stretching out and entering into musical territory that is altogether different for him, while maintaining the gritty yet melodic style he’s honed over the last several decades.

When all is said and done, I think it is a record the band should be proud of. Unless you’ve done it yourself, nobody understands just what it takes to put a record together, especially a non-computer generated record, and Dogstar have really captured something here.

Selfishly, I hope the band takes another long hiatus so Bret and I can get back to the project we were working on before this Dogstar resurgence, but I am extremely proud of Bret for this one, he did an outstanding job and has made a record that I believe will stand the test of time, like all the best rock and roll records of the past 60-70 years!

Well done gentlemen! Congratulations on some excellent new music!

Thanks for stopping by!

Bay Area Gem: Sonia’s Kitchen, San Jose, CA.

Sonia’s Kitchen is one of my favorite places of all time. I’ve been a huge fan ever since my first foray into the place, which was somewhere about late 1987.

Now, I will say in spite of being a regular there for 35ish years, I’ve never, and I mean NEVER had anything besides the cheesesteak sandwich. Why? Because it is THAT good! Seriously. That being said, I cannot attest to anything other than their cheesesteak sandwiches.

Now, I LOVE cheesesteak sandwiches and I have eaten them at many an establishment over the years, but Sonia’s are the one by which all others are measured. And they have yet to be bested. What is amazing is that they have remained consistent, as in exactly the same today as they were in the mid-80’s. That is saying something!

Now, I have my gripes with them too… Primarily the hours of operation: Monday- Friday, 11am – 4pm. Back in the day they were open later, and you could grab a sandwich after work, but as the employees aged (and passed away, sadly), there are only two of them left, and I guess that’s all the business they can handle themselves. The situation being what it is, anytime I have a day off during the week, we make it a point to make the trek. And I never regret it. When I first started going there, I worked maybe a mile from the place. A year or so later, I moved downtown and I only had to go about 6 blocks, an easy bike ride. Now it takes a 15-20 minute drive to get there from home, and it is worth every mile!

Nowadays I really try to relish each visit, knowing each time could be my last. The proprietor is at an age, she could’ve retired 15 years ago easily, and the cook has been there every single time I’ve been there, at the same grill. He’s no spring chicken either, but he still whips up a mean sandwich! They started with 4, now it’s just the two of them and I’ve NEVER seen an “outsider” working the shop, not a single time. She works the counter, he works the kitchen, and that’s it. So, yesterday’s sandwich may have been my last. I certainly hope not, but I know such a thing of beauty cannot last forever.

So if ever find yourself in San Jose, and you’re a fan of cheesesteak sandwiches, you owe it to yourself to stop in at Sonia’s Kitchen. They are on William St., between 9th and 10th streets. As my pops likes to say, “you better get, while the getting is good!”. The best kept secret in San Jose. Don’t let the look of the place fool you, it’s a diamond in the rough!

Thanks for stopping by!

Product/Brand Review: WOOLX

Anyone that truly knows me, knows I’m a fiend for wool.

It all started back in the 1980s with a hand-me-down Pendelton wool overshirt. I don’t know how old it was when I got it, but that shirt accompanied me on countless camping trips, surf outings and ski weekends. Not to mention many a cold day when I was working in the trades and spending my time in frigid shops and unfinished buildings. I actually held onto that shirt until late last year, when it finally went to the Goodwill. It’s still perfectly serviceable, but I’m a lot bigger now than I was when I got it, so it really didn’t work as an OVERshirt for me anymore. For over roughly 35 YEARS that shirt served me well.

Since that first Pendleton, I’ve been an unabashed fan of anything and everything wool. Shirts, suits, coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves, blankets and now…boxer shorts! What?!?!

Enter WOOLX. I found them by chance, during last Christmas’ shopping season.

I was intrigued to say the least at the idea of wool boxers, but skeptical. Especially when I saw the price. But, throwing caution to the wind, I decided to purchase a single pair of boxers.

All I can say upon initial receipt of the garment, is that I was even more skeptical. The material was thinner than any wool product I’d ever seen, and the texture was extremely smooth. Frankly, it didn’t “feel” like wool.

So, I put them through the wash (yes, they are machine washable!) and took them for a test drive for a full day at work. My impression after the first day of wear? AWESOME!! Seriously, the most comfortable boxers I’ve ever worn, by far. Nothing else has even come close.

After my first order, they sent me a discount code for my next order, so I got 2 more right away. Then I got another one.

Now, I’m completely spoiled and ONLY want to wear WOOLX boxers! Before my trip, I tried to order 2 more but sadly (though not surprisingly) they were sold out.

Last night I discovered that they had them back in stock, so I pulled the trigger on two more. Huzzah!!

Now to be perfectly honest, I feel the cost of these is outrageous. But the company has a good habit of sending out discount codes, so if you’re patient you can get a “deal” on them, though even then they are mighty pricey.

Frankly it’s too early to tell, but I’m HOPING that I get the same results from these that I have with my other wool products. In other words, that the high cost of the initial purchase is mitigated by the garment’s longevity. Only time will tell, but regardless I think the comfort factor cannot be underestimated. My ONLY “problem” with them is that they have the brand name woven into the waistband. I understand that pretty much EVERYONE does this now, which I despise, so I’m not holding it against them, but if I had my wish, they would lose the logo and make them a solid color.

And for what it’s worth, I was so impressed with my boxers, I bought two pair of wool leggings for the Mrs. from WOOLX, and she loves them as much as I love the boxer shorts.

My suggestion for everyone is to mentally prepare yourself for sticker shock, then head over to woolx.com and pick something out to try. Aside from the beloved boxers and leggings, they’ve got shirts and outerwear and other odds and ends as well. I’m pretty confident you’ll be glad you did.

And just to we’re clear, I am in NO WAY WHATSOEVER affiliated with WOOLX. I have received NO free goods, nor any other compensation for this review. I’m simply a super-fan of their products!

OK, I guess that pretty much sums it up. WOOLX makes expensive but AWESOME stuff. I’ll be a customer for a long, long time if they keep up the great work and the high quality.

Thanks for reading!