"Highly Recommended Boots"

smj89

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Dec 19, 2015
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Can everyone who has been appointed comment their opinion on this? In the appointee kit it says it's highly recommended to buy boots but everyone from USAFA I've talked to (cadets from Summer Seminar) warned me to not bring them. I'm just confused because I interpret the paperwork as being instructed to bring them. What are you guys doing?
 
The only thing to be am careful about is the regulations for the boots but I'd go ahead and do it. It'd give u a chance to break them in and all. That's what Ima do anyway
 
If you do a forum search you will get so many opinions on this very subject and there are numerous other posts about boots. You are right, the instructions suggest to bring a pair. Many parents on the FB resource page say that their cadets had to get new boots shortly after BCT because they were trashed. The beauty is, YOU get to make the decision on what YOU want to do. I think it is a matter of preference and whether or not you can afford to purchase them up front. USAFA will make sure you have at least two pair (if you do not bring any), which you will pay for anyway out of your cadet account.

My DD will be bringing a pair with her. She purchased the 690 and will break them in prior to I-day. If you wear them, you won't have to carry them. If you don't want to wear them (for fear of being singled out), you will only have to carry them until you put your ABUs on. Either way, having to carry a broken in pair is a lot better than having to walk around with blisters, in my DDHO (dear daughter's humble opinion). :)
 
I will go on record as saying there is virtually no chance your DD/DS will be able to use their boots during basic. I am in direct contact with BCT staff, and this regulation flexes each year - but unless everyone from their BCT flight has lightweights/minimalist boots, there is no chance. It's all about standardization during BCT, down to the side you zip your camelbacks to.

-c/o 2018
 
By 'their boots' you mean anything but the standard USAFA regulation boot(s)??
 
I apologize for not being more specific. It is very likely that they will only be allowed to use their issued BCT boots.

-Nilet (2018)
 
I will go on record as saying there is virtually no chance your DD/DS will be able to use their boots during basic. I am in direct contact with BCT staff, and this regulation flexes each year - but unless everyone from their BCT flight has lightweights/minimalist boots, there is no chance. It's all about standardization during BCT, down to the side you zip your camelbacks to.

-c/o 2018
Nilet, this is copied directly from the appointee instructions:

Footwear
By the time you arrive at the boot issue station on in-processing day, you will have been on your feet for many hours and your feet will be swollen and tired. To ensure a perfect fit and to lower the risk of blisters, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase 1 pair of ABU boots and wear them for 2-4 weeks prior to arrival at USAFA. These boots must meet the following specifications: sage green in color, 8 inches high, have a rubber sole, and a waterproof upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar). The boots must NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. Bellville models 650 (men’s) and F650 (women’s) and 690 (unisex) www.bellevilleboot.com are known to meet these requirements. All incoming cadets will be issued sufficient boots to ensure that they have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots for wear during BCT.

You are also encouraged to bring molded cleats with you to the Academy. Many intramural activities are played outdoors and the use of molded cleats will allow you to maintain your footing. Only molded cleats are authorized. Do not bring screw-in, metal, or single toe cleats as they pose safety hazards to other participants.

This is in direct contrast to what you are saying, so there is no wonder appointees are confused. If cadets will be issued either the 650 or 690, then if they bring 650 or 690, it seems they will be able to wear them, no???
 
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Nilet, this is copied directly from the appointee instructions:

Footwear
By the time you arrive at the boot issue station on in-processing day, you will have been on your feet for many hours and your feet will be swollen and tired. To ensure a perfect fit and to lower the risk of blisters, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you purchase 1 pair of ABU boots and wear them for 2-4 weeks prior to arrival at USAFA. These boots must meet the following specifications: sage green in color, 8 inches high, have a rubber sole, and a waterproof upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar). The boots must NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. Bellville models 650 (men’s) and F650 (women’s) and 690 (unisex) www.bellevilleboot.com are known to meet these requirements. All incoming cadets will be issued sufficient boots to ensure that they have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots for wear during BCT.

You are also encouraged to bring molded cleats with you to the Academy. Many intramural activities are played outdoors and the use of molded cleats will allow you to maintain your footing. Only molded cleats are authorized. Do not bring screw-in, metal, or single toe cleats as they pose safety hazards to other participants.

This is in direct contrast to what you are saying, so there is no wonder appointees are confused. If cadets will be issued either the 650 or 690, then if they bring 650 or 690, it seems they will be able to wear them, no???
I completely understand the confusion, as this is a huge topic of debate every year. To clarify on this specific matter, they WOULD in this case be able to use their boots. In my earlier reply I alluded to lightweight or minimalist boots which are sought after every year. If the appointee is able to provide their own version of the basic issued boots, they will be permitted to use them. HOWEVER, they will still be issued the two pairs of boots, and will pay for them out of their issuing fund.

-Nilet (2018)
 
I will not try to interpret the Appointee Kit other than maybe they were trying to say, "build up your calluses in advance?"

Last year, and I believe this has been practice for several years, you will be issued boots on I-day. Boots you bring will be confiscated (compliant or not) until Parents' Weekend.

FYI- my DD and her the females in her element all prefer the Nike. By reputation the wear a bit faster, but she has not had any issues yet.
 
Now that makes no sense at all if they are going to take their boots after suggesting they purchase them and break them in ahead of time.....
 
Compliant boots will not be confiscated.. I can assure to that

-Nilet (2018)
 
Thank you Nilet. I would hope not as our DS is already wearing his 650s here and there
 
I hope everyone doesn't get too caught up on this whole boot thing - honestly when it comes down to it, the boots are going to be such a small factor when stacked next to the other stresses, that whatever preparation is put in with them will make at best a very small difference. That being said - there's nothing wrong with a little break in.

I am a huge proponent for over preparing physically, and under preparing mentally. If your DS/DD (this goes out to all reading) is super worried about things like boots at this point - please relieve them of this. Help them to enjoy their last few months with their friends/family, and really soak in the remainder of their time at home. I promise that the little things will remain, little, in comparison to the whole experience :)

-Nilet (2018)
 
Just talked to DS about this during spring break. He is working BCT this summer and assured me that what Nilet said is true. They will not be confiscating boots this year. This is a change for this year: they will be able to wear their own boots for BCT, so long as they meet the stated regulations. In times past this wasn't true. But, like everything else, times are a- changin'. Whatever you wear for BCT, plan on them being trashed by the time it's over. Great advice from Nilet on perspective ^^ from someone who's been there and done it.
 
Can everyone who has been appointed comment their opinion on this? In the appointee kit it says it's highly recommended to buy boots but everyone from USAFA I've talked to (cadets from Summer Seminar) warned me to not bring them. I'm just confused because I interpret the paperwork as being instructed to bring them. What are you guys doing?


The Appointee book is different this year. Last year it was NOT "Highly Recommended" to bring boots. This year it does, so I would bring them. Rules have changed overtime, so I would suggest following the recommendations. I did not get my DD boots Last year because it was not highly recommended. Since it is recommended this year I will get them for my DS.
 
honestly when it comes down to it, the boots are going to be such a small factor when stacked next to the other stresses, that whatever preparation is put in with them will make at best a very small difference.
Nilet, your post was very well stated and I certainly agree we should make the best of the time we have left with our appointee. :) In regards to the boots being a small factor, I too agree, but if one is dealing with ill fitting boots and blisters the size of half dollars, it will compound the other stresses and make for loss time if they become severe. I think it is a wise decision and probably one made because of past experience and in that respect, could make a HUGE difference. Perhaps if one's feet are happy, one can focus on the real issues at hand...the breaking down and building up of a fine Air Force officer.
 
The Appointee book is different this year. Last year it was NOT "Highly Recommended" to bring boots. This year it does, so I would bring them. Rules have changed overtime, so I would suggest following the recommendations. I did not get my DD boots Last year because it was not highly recommended. Since it is recommended this year I will get them for my DS.

I would concur with the advice to bring boots or at least know your boot size. When our DS went to get his boots on I Day, he didn't take the time necessary to make sure they fit properly so his boots were a full size too big. Needless to say his feet weren't the most comfortable for 6 weeks. If you don't bring your own boots, please make sure your DS/DD knows their boot size as they are typically different than tennis shoes (ie. tennis shoes might be an 11 while boots might be a 10). He knew his boot size as he does a lot of backpacking, but it is amazing what a little stress does to your recollection........
 
Pfft you know what we should just forget about boots and walk everywhere barefoot for BCT because that would build character and tough calluses. That would make things a lot more simple: no blisters, no worrying about breaking in boots, no having to pay for the boots with our monthly stipend, no having to worry whether the boots we buy would be in regs, etc
 
Nilet, your post was very well stated and I certainly agree we should make the best of the time we have left with our appointee. :) In regards to the boots being a small factor, I too agree, but if one is dealing with ill fitting boots and blisters the size of half dollars, it will compound the other stresses and make for loss time if they become severe. I think it is a wise decision and probably one made because of past experience and in that respect, could make a HUGE difference. Perhaps if one's feet are happy, one can focus on the real issues at hand...the breaking down and building up of a fine Air Force officer.
While I understand this perspective, I don't necessarily agree. Blisters should not be a huge issue unless one has ill fitting boots, because you will not be running 5 miles a day in them from day one. The cadre understand that boots are being broken in for the majority of basics. It's also important to note that sometimes they just happen... After the military heavy portion of the Falcon 50 (marathon ruck around USAFA campus), I had blisters even though I took all possible precautions and had boots that were broken in well. Granted it was 26 miles... but you get my point.
Regardless, do what's best for you. If you don't want to lug around boots on I Day, it might be nice to wait until you are issued some. If you want them broken in, get some beforehand. If you do wait until I Day, I recommend that you take the extra 5 minutes and BE POSITIVE that those boots fit your feet. It will make your life a whole lot easier!
 
Pfft you know what we should just forget about boots and walk everywhere barefoot for BCT because that would build character and tough calluses. That would make things a lot more simple: no blisters, no worrying about breaking in boots, no having to pay for the boots with our monthly stipend, no having to worry whether the boots we buy would be in regs, etc

"Naked and Afraid: AFA edition??"
 
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