Footwear

Raptor Factor

5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 8, 2013
Messages
49
I'm taking an appointee tour next weekend and I was wondering if I would be able to buy combat boots at the academy? Otherwise are there recommendations on a good make and model? I'm going to run once or twice a week in them to get used to them.

Also, I run track and cross country and I was wondering if you can bring your own running shoes to USAFA? I know they issue you shoes but I wear minimalist shoes because of my style of running (no heel drop and little cushion). Maybe for sports/inter-murals if not for PT? Thanks!
 
You could buy boots at the BX or uniform store on base, but honestly it's unnecessary. You'll be issued two pairs on I-Day and they don't really require any time to be broken in. And you'll get used to running in them quickly... the bigger challenge is doing flutter kicks in them :thumb:

As for running shoes, you will not be allowed to wear the ones you bring during basic training - you'll wear your Basic Asics for the BCT intramurals and for PT sessions where PC gear is worn. That said, I recommend you wear them to the Academy for I-Day which will involve a lot of walking and standing around, so you'll want to be comfortable.
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USAFACandidate95
USAFA Class of 2017
 
You won't be allowed to wear them during Basic (though you may be allowed to wear other 'normal' sneakers). Honestly, you'll be in mostly ABUs during Basic, so not the end of the world. During the school year, the Cadet Sight Picture says "Wear of five-fingered shoes ONLY authorized when engaged in AD authorized events." I'm guessing that means you could wear them for intramurals (though not for squadron training sessions--assuming you're even in PT gear for those.)

I actually do wish I'd done some running in boots before coming here. *Most* people end up buying boots at some point--Nikes, Maruanders, and Rockies are all popular. Personally, I have the Rockies, which are a little lighter than the basic boots and (in my opinion) much more comfortable. I like them. You might consider buying a pair of boots if you really want to do some running, but it's definitely not necessary. You won't be able to get them on base; I bought mine on the Internet.

Coming next weekend, eh? That will be a happy day...
 
So when did you buy your new boots? Should I just use the ones issued at basic?
 
I bought them last fall--November. I was a bit late on the bandwagon; mot of the people who bought a new pair after Basic bought them in August (post-Acceptance) or September.
Honestly, unless you know exactly what you want, I'd wait until you get here. Talk to some upperclassmen after Basic, get their scoop on the best boots, and then buy. If you're a halfway decent runner, you're not going to be struggling to keep up with the pack and I don't think you'll "need" the experience of running with boots. The issued ones are heavy, but they do break in fast.
 
Thanks for all the tips! I think I will wait on the boots till after basic. I definitely am excited about my tour next weekend!

I suppose I should have mentioned that the shoes are Nike Free HyperFeels, not toe shoes but just really light weight sock like ones. I have a black pair although they don't make black anymore.
Nike-Free-Hyperfeel-Mens-Running-Shoe-596249_707_A.jpg
 
Unless Raptor Factor has some form of military ID, he won't be able to buy anything fro the BX or Military Clothing Issue. The best he could do would be to give the money to his escort and have him buy them, but escorts don't usually take their escortees out of the Cadet Area.
 
What kind of boots were you thinking of buying, Raptor Factor? I found a military surplus online, but they had a lot of different kinds, so I wasn't sure what to look for. :confused:
 
Unless you have an existing military ID, you can't buy boots at the base uniform issue. Even if you could, I wouldn't recommend it, as the styles they carry and the prices aren't the best.

You're issued two pairs of boots on I-Day, but take my word for it: they're functional, but far from good. Basic Boots aren't comfortable and, worse, they're heavy - two pounds on each foot doesn't sound like a lot, but the extra weight during any sort of exercise adds up fast, particularly leg lifts.

What you really want are Rocky S2Vs. They are excellent, if a little pricey - for $200 you've got some very lightweight, very comfortable boots that'll last you at least three years. I couldn't recommend them higher, really, they're great boots.

As long as the boots fall under the requirements in your appointee packet (if I remember correctly, it's "Waterproof, Sage, and X inches high"), you'll be permitted to wear them during basic.
 
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I've heard good things about the rocky's and I am considering getting them myself.

They are expensive but if you use the code ROTC at checkout you'll get 45% off!

So for ~$115 that's not a bad deal.:smile:
 
Thanks for the advice everybody. I'll definitely not worry about buying them at USAFA on my visit this weekend. The Rocky boots look really nice, do I get the waterproof model or the insulated waterproof model? Do the sizes run a little big or small? Also how about the Nike Special Field boot? A little cheaper and not made in the US but it has really good reviews and is extremely lightweight. Thanks for the discount code too spacetrent!

Also anyone know the situation on running shoes after basic till recognition, and then afterwords? Only issued running shoes or can you wear your own?
 
Actually it's the waterproof insulated model or the vented model? I don't know if I want 400g of insulation during the summer, but USAFA requires a gortex booty or similar.
 
I just checked how much I would spend on the gortex insulated S2Vs with the ROTC coupon and it only saved me $13.80. Is it only for a certain type of the S2Vs?
 
Also anyone know the situation on running shoes after basic till recognition, and then afterwords? Only issued running shoes or can you wear your own?[/QUOTE]
I believe that unless you are on the track and field team and are allowed to bring gear associated with your sport and can keep them in your IC locker, you will not be allowed to wear your personal running shoes until after Recognition when you get your civilian clothes back. Those shoes are considered civilian wear.
 
I believe that unless you are on the track and field team and are allowed to bring gear associated with your sport and can keep them in your IC locker, you will not be allowed to wear your personal running shoes until after Recognition when you get your civilian clothes back. Those shoes are considered civilian wear.

Ok that makes sense, thank you.

The Waterproof Rocky boots only come in insulated models (400g insulation), wouldn't that be too hot in the summer? Otherwise it's non-waterproof vented boots. The Appointee manual specifies waterproof so I might call cadet issue tomorrow.
 
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