Okay, this is the quote from page 8 of the booklet, Instructions for Candidates Offered Admission, under the heading New Cadet Footwear.
"In mid-March, cadet candidates will be able to download and print a letter from the “2nd Admissible” on the candidate portal authorizing the purchase of one pair of boots, one pair of low quarters (no patent leather), and, for females, one pair of women’s pumps from Army Air Force Exchange System (AAFES) Military Clothing Sales Stores. This will allow prospective cadets to properly prepare and break in their footwear at their leisure before coming to West Point."
Regarding the low-cut black shoes. . ."Candidates should wear one pair of
comfortable, well-fitting, inexpensive, black leather laced shoes with plain toe and rubber heel when reporting to West Point. You will wear these until you are issued
the regulation cadet shoe (military low quarter) from Logistics Support Services Organization. Candidates should also bring/wear any orthotics currently used."
With that in mind, we are going to drive to WP (because we are close) to purchase the boots and shoes so hopefully they will fit. We would have to purchase the inexpensive shoes anyway 'cause unless they were in JROTC, what teen has a pair like that, anyway. Doing that will give him the opportunity to break them in as well as have a "good" pair, the boots 'n shoes he is issued at R-day. Normally, his shoes fall into 3 categories, the good, the bad, and the ugly (which are always his favorites).
Also, the "2nd Admissable Mailings", which is to include the now infamous boot letter, have not been posted on the portal as of a few minutes ago. It is my understanding that ideally we should anticipate receiving a hard-copy via regular mail before the "Admissable Mailings" appear on the portal. It is also my understanding that if your schedule provides that you are going shopping before the boot letter is available, you may receive a copy by emailing your request to Ms. Dalton. (She'll "kill us" if we inundate her just out of curiosity about the letter. I would believe it's simply an authorization to purchase from a military facility.)