Breaking in boots and low quarters

SF1775

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I purchased my boots and low quarters this past Sunday (c/o 2019). I got the Belleville 310s and the Bates low quarters.

For the boots, I've read and heard to put them on, soak them in water (shower, bath), and walk around in them until they get dry. Does anyone have experience with this?

So far I've just walked a mile in both shoes just to test them out and ensure the right fit.

For the low quarters, I presume I should just continue to take leisurely strolls in them, although I probably look like a crazy man walking around in dress shoes and shorts.
 
Do not do that to your boots---it's just not necessary. Wear them normally and they will be fine. Spend more time walking and standing in the low quarters.
 
Do not do that to your boots---it's just not necessary. Wear them normally and they will be fine. Spend more time walking and standing in the low quarters.

Yeah I wasn't necessarily inclined to soak them; I figured just wearing them would be sufficient like you said. But I had heard that soaking them was a good move.
 
Apparently that's how the old boots were broken in. The newer more flexible ones don't need the materials softened as much. Definitely break in the low quarters though.
 
Do the boots need to be waterproofed?
my boots got wet and were just fine. They are meant to be out in the elements so I think your safe.


2019 WestPoint class appointee

Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
Soaking your boots is from the days of the boots we used to be issued. Full black leather with no liner. Your boots are tennis shoes with vibram soles.
 
Soaking your boots is from the days of the boots we used to be issued. Full black leather with no liner. Your boots are tennis shoes with vibram soles.

I'll take that as a "looks like we're lucky and don't need to soak them." ;)
 
The Corps has…

Yeah...

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And don't let someone tell you that you should be running in your boots. When you run, wear your good quality running shoes.
 
And don't let someone tell you that you should be running in your boots. When you run, wear your good quality running shoes.
Solid advice, someone told me to do this, but I just happened to look it up and it turns out it can do a lot of damage to the knees and ankles.


2019 WestPoint class appointee

Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
And don't let someone tell you that you should be running in your boots. When you run, wear your good quality running shoes.

Not sure I can agree to this. You will find yourself running in boots soon enough - its a fact of life in the military. Nothing wrong with scaling up in moderation.
 
Not sure I can agree to this. You will find yourself running in boots soon enough - its a fact of life in the military. Nothing wrong with scaling up in moderation.
I directed that to Cadet Candidates getting ready for Cadet Basic Training. They cannot arrived injured to CBT.
 
Dixieland: I understand and meant no offense. Certainly don't want anyone injured before or after CBT. But I personally see nothing wrong with experiencing running in boots (or hikes) prior to wearing them at CBT etc.
 
Not sure I can agree to this. You will find yourself running in boots soon enough - its a fact of life in the military. Nothing wrong with scaling up in moderation.

Yep, I was thinking that someone better inform the infantry... :) Just about any of the courses with land nav, 12 mile rucks, etc they end up running on the flats and downhills. Much of that in combat load. (IBOLC, RS, etc) Shoot, even in Sandhurst the cadet teams end up running in combat load much of the time.

Dixieland is right that candidates should not overdo it prior to CBT. But there have not been many cadets that had to be put down lately from going lame from running in boots. It's usually Frisbee on the beach, etc that breaks the bubble wrap. (Know one USNA appointee that broke an ankle a week before reporting)

Especially with the CBT approved boot options lately... they are all pretty lightly constructed boots. To the point that the Ranger School prep info stresses to bring one of the heavier boot options as your 2nd hot weather boot choice in addition to cold weather boots. 310's, Nike's, Khybers, etc are OK for RAP week, but don't have enough support or durability for the heavier work. Even cadets have realized the Nike type boots don't last near as long.
 
My DS waterproofed his boots (2 pairs), just to help keep some of the dirt off. And he wore them everywhere! School was still in session so he wore them to school. The low 1/4s were a bit harder to wear around. He is at a SMC, not USMA and purchased the Bates, but the shiny ones. He actually wore them to every "dress up" occasion the end of his senior year including two proms, awards ceremonies, concerts, and graduation.
 
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