Plebe Feet

tothetop14

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 22, 2009
Messages
52
My DD and I (me, mostly) were worried about the blister issue over Plebe Summer. I thought it was silly to treat the wound and not prevent the problem, so we bought 6 pairs of sock liners from REI. They are sold at most out-door kinda stores (Campmor), they were about $6 a pair. I asked her on Tuesday night when we chatted about her feet, if she'd been wearing the sock liners and if they helped. She said she hadn't had even 1 blister all summer and had been wearing them faithfully. She wore them to I-Day so that with all the fittings, they were on her feet. She said they have saved her feet, her roommate and others in her squad have raw meat on their feet from the friction caused by socks and boots. She can't send them to the laundry so she's just washing them out in her sink (occasionally) but doesn't care if they're a bit dirty (hahaha)

Just thought I'd pass this tip along. I'm hot a big hiker, but my husband and 2 boys just went on an 11 day hike and wore the liners. They were recommended by the Boy Scouts to prevent blisters...they work!
 
This would have been nice to know during mine, I still have a toe that got so screwed up it remains completely numb.
 
I think I'll start a thread for all the parents who are scouring the forums for information next spring. As I said, I only knew about sock liners because my boys were preparing for the Boy Scout hike and they were listed on the suggested equipment list. My DD wore a pair under her regular socks to I-Day and then I mailed the rest of them to her.

I would guess that it's not too late for anyone going to I-Day to get a few pairs their plebe if there was even a mention of a blister during Plebe Summer. The supplied equipment includes compression shorts, maybe it ought to include sock liners. Even Lt Dan (Forest Gump) stressed the importance of foot health when he encouraged Forest and Bubba to take care of their feet first!
 
Just as an aside, if you are looking for things that might be helpful to your midn, try <www.USCav.com>. It has some really fine gear that can make life easier. I have had very good success ordering gear from them.
 
Yes, obviously one would want properly fitting shoes. I'll pass that tip to the Superintendant next weekend at PPW.

When they are fitting 1200 plebes with the same style shoe, I am guessing that it's hard to get all feet to be properly fitted into that shoe (or boot). I can't wear some brands because they don't fit me PROPERLY, but the plebes aren't given a choice. So, there are products out there (liners) that can help prevent problems. I only posted this as a "tip" to anyone interested.
 
Taking care of one’s feet in the military is a very important part of your life there if you want success. Fortunately today technology has come a long way and has given us many options when it comes to doing just that. However, more important than socks or sock liners….GET PROPER FITTING BOOTS AND SHOES! Nothing is more important.

You're right!

I remember going through S.E.R.E. (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, & Escape) School in the Rangeley Mountains of Maine - in the winter. Prior to beginning, I said to myself, "Just keep your feet dry. Just keep your feet dry. Just keep your feet dry."

Within the first 10 minutes, I slipped off a rock while crossing a shallow creek and my feet got soaked. The misery factor went up exponentially from that point on.
 
You're right!

I remember going through S.E.R.E. (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, & Escape) School in the Rangeley Mountains of Maine - in the winter. Prior to beginning, I said to myself, "Just keep your feet dry. Just keep your feet dry. Just keep your feet dry."

Within the first 10 minutes, I slipped off a rock while crossing a shallow creek and my feet got soaked. The misery factor went up exponentially from that point on.

Yes, wet feet is killer. In the summer it's not as bad. When I did SERE we used the creeks for movement because the underbrush was too thick. They were about 8 inches deep with firm sandy bottoms. But wet feet in August in the South is far different from wet feet in winter.
 
Friend of mine used to tell stories about the walk out of Chosin. The only reason he still had ten toes was he changed socks three times a day. Kept the spares warm up close and personal. If you are boots on the ground keep your feet A1. Then again he was an A++++ personality.:biggrin: Like that USCAV site. Body Glide also works under the socks to prevent blisters. The other guy in the work trailer used to tell his stories about Peleliu. It was some interesting lunch hours.
 
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