Information about boots for 2014 class

tutmom

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Nov 21, 2009
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I am a mom of an AFA appointee for class of 2014 and I called Mr. Richardson about boot information since my son can't make it to orientation. He was really helpful and emailed me the following letter. He also said I was welcome to post the information to the forum for other parent's to use.
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Letter from Mr. Richardson follows:


Good day and congratulations on your acceptance to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Below is all the info you need to ensure you obtain the correct boots for basic training.

Please note: Class Year 2014 cadets are required to have 2 pair of boots.

First off, your best source for finding the boots will be a Military Clothing Sales Store at a local military installation. They will be the most likely to have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines) and they’ll be able to ensure you get a correct fit. You will need to have somebody escort you on base (some one with a military ID) and make sure to take the Letter of Acceptance with you, as this should authorize the purchase (you can verify this by contacting the Clothing Sales Store directly).

If that is not a viable option, the second best place to purchase would be a military surplus store. They will more than likely have acceptable boots (see below for guidelines), and you will be able to try them on here and ensure a correct fit as well.

A third option is to wait for in processing (or appointee orientation if attending) here at the Academy. We will assist in sizing and you are guaranteed to have the correct boots. We will have about 500-700 recruits show up needing boots on in processing day, so you will definitely not be alone if you decide to wait. These boots are much more comfortable and much easier to break in than the boots referenced in the orientation package you received (20 hours a week break in time is extreme for these boots). Bottom line is waiting until in-processing to get the boots will not put you at a disadvantage.

Now, on to what type of boots you need to purchase. While we have certain manufacturers and models we issue – Belleville #650 (www.bellevilleshoe.com), Altama, and Wellco. Remember, you are not restricted to these specific brands. Your best bet would be to look for boots that fit the following guidelines and NOT a specific model or manufacturer.

Boots must:
1. be sage green in color
2. have Gore-Tex (soft waterproof nylon type material) in soles
3. have rubber sole (sometimes referred to as Vibram ® outsole)
4. not have steel/safety toes
5. not have zippers of any kind
6. be 8”-10” high

I also recommend buying/borrowing a pair of boot socks while sizing boots (also available at Military Clothing Sales and most surplus stores); these socks are a bit longer and thicker than ordinary athletic socks and you will be wearing these exclusively with the boots upon entrance to the Academy.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact me at eddie.richardson@usafa.edu or at (719) 333-3017. Good luck and congratulations again on your appointment!
 
My ALO sent me this not too long ago. Thanks for posting. It has some really good information.

Later,

Brian
 
I just wanted to post that my son did not get his boots until In-Processing day and had absolutely no problems doing it that way (i.e. breaking in). He didn't have to worry about getting the right ones or carrying them around with him before they were issued. It is just one less thing to have to worry about in my opinion.
 
Do not buy boots before orientation if its breaking them in that you are worried about.....These are new ABU boots are suede boots and are very comfortable. It doesn't take more than a day i felt like to break them in. You will not get blisters of any sort, because these boots feel amazing....honestly don't stress yourself out about them and just wait for I day
 
Are the boots at Appointee Orientation going to be the same ones as on I-Day? Because if they're the same boots and they're supposed to be so great I would still rather have them early to get used to wearing them...I'm a bit of a klutz sometimes and boots aren't the easiest things to walk in at times.
 
Thanks to all the cadets for the comments.
Mr. Richardson did underscore that the boots are really really easy to wear in and that it is absolutely fine if the appointees wait for I day to get the boots.
To the question about the boots at the orientation: Mr. Richardson will be issuing boots during orientation, so they are the same boots as will be issued at I day.
 
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anyone know how much they cost they said bring cashiers check or MO since they do not take cash or personal checks at orientation. Also I understand the AF bank will be there can you write a personal check to them and get a cashiers check?
 
Last year two pairs were around $160/$170, but I'm sure it varies. Yes, AF Bank will write cahsier's checks.

I would also recommend getting boots early, even though they break in relatively easily. Some people were just not used to wearing boots, and two in my squad during and after basic continually injured their ankles and/or fell while running. Even light running, such as on the t-zo. So if that's you, get some boots at any Air Force base, and they don't have to be the same brand. They issue Wellcos, but many show up in Bellevilles, which turn to a slightly darker color than the Wellcos over time, but no one will bother you about it. After fourth class year many purchase marauders or rocky sv2 spec ops boots (my favorite). I think after wearing better boots, I can see where the issued boots have room for improvement.
 
Breaking them in isn't a problem, getting used to them could be.

I bought a pair at orientation and was issued one pair during basic. The ones we are issued aren't very good. It's all personal preference if you want to buy early.

PDub, is there a list of approved boots we can buy?
 
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You will not get blisters of any sort, because these boots feel amazing....

Hmm, what I noticed was that my boots felt fine all of 1st BCT, but when I got to jack's I got the worst blisters imaginable. In fact, my entire tent went through 3 blister care packs per night! I think this issure happens mostly with girls, though. Also, about a third of the class of 2013 is allergic to the socks they issue, so after basic (if you are allergic), I would recommend buying your own boot socks and washing them yourself. Good Luck,
-Jessica
 
On a somewhat unrelated note, get your own black dress socks for your blues. The ones issued are tight as all get out and near impossible to get on the first few times. I've ripped multiple pairs just trying to put them on.
 
I don't have experience with the ABU boots, but I liked my Bellevilles. They keep trucking pretty well. Mine are a bit scratched up, but still good for field work (the soles are starting to wear though...)
 
This is what the boot and shoe warehouse issues if you get them at inprocessing/orientation, but at about half the price they list on the internet: http://www.wellco.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11&products_id=72

Again, they don't have to be from Wellco, but just look exactly like the Wellco boots.

These are relatively crappy boots - weight, comfort, performance, and durability were the last of manufacturer's criterion. Unfortunately, that's all fourth class cadets are allowed to wear for boots, until after Recognition, then people can wear any ABU boots that are in regs.

What you want to get (after Recognition) is either http://www.uspatriottactical.com/rocky-s2v-special-ops-boot-af-abu-sage-22.html or http://www.uspatriottactical.com/men-s-corcoran-10-sage-marauder-abu-boot.html
 
Last year two pairs were around $160/$170, but I'm sure it varies. Yes, AF Bank will write cahsier's checks.

I would also recommend getting boots early, even though they break in relatively easily. Some people were just not used to wearing boots, and two in my squad during and after basic continually injured their ankles and/or fell while running. Even light running, such as on the t-zo. So if that's you, get some boots at any Air Force base, and they don't have to be the same brand. They issue Wellcos, but many show up in Bellevilles, which turn to a slightly darker color than the Wellcos over time, but no one will bother you about it. After fourth class year many purchase marauders or rocky sv2 spec ops boots (my favorite). I think after wearing better boots, I can see where the issued boots have room for improvement.

I have found that the Wellco boots are about 130 or more each...sounds like AFA is giving a pretty good discount if you get 2 pair for 160? anybody buy some during orientation-if so what was the price-thanks!
 
One pair of boots with socks cost $98.09 (plus 45 cents for the money order).

I believe that if you bought two, it was somewhat cheaper... around $177 maybe.
 
You did not send in your Letter of Acceptance (or at least shouldn't have). Your acceptance form (that you sent back) and Letter of Acceptance are two different things.
 
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