low-quarters

colinmcd

5-Year Member
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Jan 4, 2014
Messages
71
On the boot memo for the Class of 2018, it has mandatory low-quarters that must be purchased. There are two options offered for men: a pair of Defense Logistics Agency non-shiny oxfords for $45.39 and the other pair is called Bates Durashocks Oxford, which you can buy online for $145. I looked up the Bates oxfords and they got horrible reviews (1 out of 5 stars). So I am wondering where I can get a pair of those $45 oxfords or another pair of low-quarters that meet the requirements.

Thanks!
 
Call the Cadet Store at USMA (845-446-1019) and ask for Pinky. She has helped many CC/parents and will send you the $45 pair.
 
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I looked up the Bates oxfords and they got horrible reviews (1 out of 5 stars).

Make sure check who gave the reviews and why they rated them 1/5. If I was a civilian buying them, I'd be rather disappointed compared to other options - having to shine them, not the most stylish, have to break them in, etc...
 
^Reviews may have been for regular Bates low quarters - the Durashocks can be found cheaper on Amazon and are much more cushioned/comfortable than regular low quarters. Given the amount of time standing in the first days and weeks, you might consider ordering a pair of both, comparing and then shipping back the ones you don't want. The sizing for the Durashocks is pretty true to regular size.
 
colin, would you mind sharing the boots that they are suggesting? My DS, so far is going to be attending an ROTC program. They have some suggested boots to buy. I would like to get boots that are also on the USMA list, if possible....just in case he is one of those "last-minute-jump-in-the-car-we have-to-report-tomorrow" appointments!
 
^Reviews may have been for regular Bates low quarters - the Durashocks can be found cheaper on Amazon and are much more cushioned/comfortable than regular low quarters. Given the amount of time standing in the first days and weeks, you might consider ordering a pair of both, comparing and then shipping back the ones you don't want. The sizing for the Durashocks is pretty true to regular size.

I saw the reviews as well and they were definitely for Durashocks. I read reviews on both the Bates website and Amazon. The reviewers, almost to the person, had problems with the heel/sole falling apart -- cracking, disintegrating. It would be nice to know if these are isolated incidents, because it sounds like it would be a more comfortable shoe. Sometimes only the people with problems leave reviews.
 
Rocky C4T Lightweight Military Training Boot (D155P), desert tan in color, $124.99. For sizing check http://www.rockyboots.com. This boot can be purchased from any Military Clothing Store

Belleville Khyber (TR360), Mountain Hybrid Boot, desert tan in color, $157. For sizing check www.bellevilleboot.com/customer-service/sizing.html. Boots are available at the USMA Cadet Store for purchase by calling 845-446-4516 or through online vendors. Not available or sold at the Military Clothing Store.

Belleville 310, Hot Weather Tactical Boot, desert tan in color, $155. (key item #M417R). For sizing check www.bellevilleboot.com/customer-service/sizing.html.
 
colin, would you mind sharing the boots that they are suggesting? My DS, so far is going to be attending an ROTC program. They have some suggested boots to buy. I would like to get boots that are also on the USMA list, if possible....just in case he is one of those "last-minute-jump-in-the-car-we have-to-report-tomorrow" appointments!

Soccmomer,

The official boot letter for the Class of 2018 has three approved boots:

Rocky C4T Lightweight Military Boot
Belleville Khyber (TR360)
Belleville 310 Hot Weather Tactical Boot

FWIW, most of the cadets my DS visited with during his overnight visit liked and recommended the Khyber for Beast. This is a similar sentiment to those expressed by the CC's on the official 2018 Facebook page. The Rocky's are said to be light but not as supportive and I believe the 310's are heavier. Hope that answers your questions.
 
My plebe/cadet has worn the Durashocks for nearly a year; they are fine. As I suggested, order both, compare, and ship back the ones you like less. They aren't great, regardless of brand - and are only worn for plebe year (they can transition to the shiny ones after plebe year).
 
Thanks everyone! I will have him check those out. So are those the only 2 low quarters listed? And can anyone chime in with "real life" experience on the Durashocks? Like, if they fall apart is it after a month, 6 months, a year?
 
Thanks everyone! I will have him check those out. So are those the only 2 low quarters listed? And can anyone chime in with "real life" experience on the Durashocks? Like, if they fall apart is it after a month, 6 months, a year?

Yes
 
Khyber boots for sale

Rocky C4T Lightweight Military Training Boot (D155P), desert tan in color, $124.99. For sizing check http://www.rockyboots.com. This boot can be purchased from any Military Clothing Store

Belleville Khyber (TR360), Mountain Hybrid Boot, desert tan in color, $157. For sizing check www.bellevilleboot.com/customer-service/sizing.html. Boots are available at the USMA Cadet Store for purchase by calling 845-446-4516 or through online vendors. Not available or sold at the Military Clothing Store.

Belleville 310, Hot Weather Tactical Boot, desert tan in color, $155. (key item #M417R). For sizing check www.bellevilleboot.com/customer-service/sizing.html.

I have a pair of the Khyber boots that my son only wore for 3 days to break in before he realized they were too big. I will sell for $50. Size 11R and look brand new. They run big, so these would do well for someone who normally wears a 12.
 
I have a pair of the Khyber boots that my son only wore for 3 days to break in before he realized they were too big. I will sell for $50. Size 11R and look brand new. They run big, so these would do well for someone who normally wears a 12.

I'm 11.5 D, you think they'd fit well?
 
+2 for the Khyber, DS (cow) and DD (Active Duty Regular Army) both have them as their favorites. As for the Bates, my guess (!) is that the person who may have had the dislike for them may have gotten the Corfam (shiny patent leather never-need-to-shine) version rather than the full leather one. No idea if Corfam are on the boot letter this year.

For light duty, the benefits of the Corfam (whoever makes the shoe) is that they are fairly easy to maintain if you can keep them pristine but they cannot be shined if they get scuffed (never looks right again). Plus, you really need to break in your feet typically for them because the shoes really don't break in, your foot must.

For those who learn one of the many preferred ways to shine leather (see many posts here and on youtube) then if you don't mind the maintenance you can get a much more comfortable shoe longterm, which you can keep a brilliant shine in if you choose to.

So -- my guess is they were new to low quarters altogether maybe, and may well have gotten the Corfam version which definitely are shiny when new but your feet need to figure out how to make them comfortable. Mole skin can be your friend.
 
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