BCT Boots

spolac28

5-Year Member
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Jun 26, 2013
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Would y'all say it is wise to buy boots ahead of time and break them in before BCT? And for the current cadets, are these the right boots? My older brother is in AFROTC at Texas A&M and before field training he was issued these boots by the AF. They meet the qualifications and I want to have the right boots if I am going to get them to avoid any unnecessary stress. Thanks

http://wellco.com/military/Sage-Hot-Weather-Boots---S160
 
They look just like what I was issued in BMT. I believe that will be the standard issue there as well and still although 2 years have passed. I have newer boots, but these are the ones that I will bring so as not to be told that I can not wear my boots during BCT. (My new boots are minimalist and very comfortable. They feel good for my feet and are great for everyday use.
 
DD asked a friend who's currently a 3-degree. Here's her response:

I would say wait. I had a bad experience with boots so I would know the size that she is before she leaves. I would recommend not wearing them for in processing. Blisters are unavoidable I've had my boots for over a year now and when we have training I still get them. Everyone gets blisters during basic.

DD also asked her ALO who said to wait until they are issued. He said that "they" know the boots need to be broken in and try to take that into consideration.
 
I think you will get a 50/50 response on this question and it's a personal decision. My daughter was glad she bought a pair early; she wore them hiking, found the trouble spots for her feet and knew where to moleskin her feet from the get-go. She also fitted hers with arch supports which helped a lot. That being said, it did not completely prevent blisters and sore feet, but in her opinion it helped. Some kids have no problem with boots, but my kid hates shoes, has never worn boots for any period of time so she needed a bit more prep than most.
She did not wear her boots for inprocessing. She packed them in her backpack and when they did boot issuing she only got one pair of boots since she already had a pair.
Good luck!


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My DS bought boots ahead of time, wanted to get used to running in them. More importantly though, the inserts. They are pricey but are very comfy and can be worn during BCT. They make inserts just for boots.
 
Where do you find the Brand and Style of the authorized Boots for the AFA? DS has a black pair from Sea Cadets but surely not the right ones. Thank you.
 
Inserts

My DS bought boots ahead of time, wanted to get used to running in them. More importantly though, the inserts. They are pricey but are very comfy and can be worn during BCT. They make inserts just for boots.

Can you please give some info on the inserts?
 
We used Rocky Mountain for the boots. Just bought the inserts at red wing shoes locally but any insert for working boots will be fine. DS still uses them.


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What are the kind of boots to ask for, is there a make, model, and color requirement? Haven't found that info yet in our reading, is the OP link actually the correct boot? Thanks
 
They used to give you the option of buying your boots at orientation. The trick was that you had to bring a money order for the exact amount, but the total was provided ahead of time.

I thought breaking them in ahead of time was a great idea... although I think there's still a big Texas mesquite thorn in the sole of my first pair!
 
I would prefer not to have to buy my boots online. Are there any common brick and mortar shoe stores, supply stores etc. that sell the boots? I would like to be able to try them on before I buy them.


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Many of the online retailers will let you return them for free if the fit is not right. Unless you have access to and AF BX you are not likely to find a shoe store that sells them. If you live near an AFB, you might have a friend who has access to the BX and can help you purchase them after you are able to try them on. No guarantees if your size will be available. I know when my DD (C/O 2014) needed boots we were able to take her to our local BX clothing sales and see if the had what fit her. Her size was not in stock and would have taken too long to get ordered through them. We ordered online and had no problems. Just my 2 cents.
 
How was the sizing? On the Belleville website it said the sizes were 1 to 1-1/2 sizes larger than normal shoes.


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I can only comment of women's sizes as that is all I know. My daughter wore the same size boots as shoes. She has to wear two pairs of sock always as they don't carry narrow sizes and she has a really thin foot. She has to wear orthotics in her low quarters always. She had no trouble needing the orthotics in her boots though. As I said earlier, most online retailers will have return shipping for free if the boots don't fit. I would also recommend getting some boot socks as well. They are different than your typical tube sock and have additional padding around the sole, toes, and up behind the ankle.
 
I can only comment of women's sizes as that is all I know. My daughter wore the same size boots as shoes.

My boots were the same. I was worried my new boots might be different, but they were also my regular size.
 
We were going to get him sock liners for the boots, are you saying DS can also take the socks he wants in lieu of what is provided? Another note, in the Instructions it talks about a big letter for ID on clothing, what does that mean? How would one do that on dark socks, etc?
 
The boot socks are that funny green color. We live near an AF base and have access. I would not take just any boot sock! I know DD and DS took a couple of pairs of socks each. Whether they were able to use them during BCT, your guess is as good as mine. The most certainly got them back after BCT and appreciated having a few extra pair.
You must be referring to the Laundry Mark. It will not show on black socks. I believe it is to be at least 1". It is comprised of the first initial of the last name and the last four of their SSN. Mostly the girls will want to label their things like underwear and such that they are required to bring with them. Most of the stuff the guys get is issued and will be labeled when they get it.
 
We were going to get him sock liners for the boots, are you saying DS can also take the socks he wants in lieu of what is provided? Another note, in the Instructions it talks about a big letter for ID on clothing, what does that mean? How would one do that on dark socks, etc?

Yes, he can bring his own socks, but they need to be green boot socks IAW Air Force regs. The Academy issues plenty of socks to the cadets on I-day and they work just fine.

The ID for clothes doesn't really need to be put on socks, but most other things. The general practice is to use the first letter of your last name and the last four digits of your social security number to mark clothing (pens are issued by AFA).

Most of what is in the packet will be explained during BCT by cadre. My suggestion in to pack as light as you can!
 
I can only comment of women's sizes as that is all I know. My daughter wore the same size boots as shoes. She has to wear two pairs of sock always as they don't carry narrow sizes and she has a really thin foot. She has to wear orthotics in her low quarters always. She had no trouble needing the orthotics in her boots though. As I said earlier, most online retailers will have return shipping for free if the boots don't fit. I would also recommend getting some boot socks as well. They are different than your typical tube sock and have additional padding around the sole, toes, and up behind the ankle.

Can you tell me which brand you used, please? All I see online are men's boots.
 
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