Boots and Shoes, Citadel

[Cadet11]

I have been accepted to the Citadel for the Class of 2016. While talking to many alumni and through doing research by myself I found out that I should buy my boots and shoes early in the summer so I can break them in. That way I will have less of a chance of getting blisters during Hell Week. However, the Citadel has yet to issue a packing list and I have a few questions. If anyone could I answer the following question I would greatly appreciate it, especially if you went to the Citadel.

Q1: What type of boots should I buy and where could I buy them?
Q2: What type of dress shoes should I buy and where should I buy them?
Q3: When does the packing list for the Citadel usually get sent to the incoming cadets?

Also, I am from Missouri so if you could list a online site to buy the boots or shoes that would be great.

[Captainfalcon]

http://www.batesfootwear.com/US/en-U...d?dimensions=0

Im also headed there in the fall. I just bought these, ive heard bates are the best.

[ncmom26]

It is recommended that you buy your shoes early and wear them often.

Many cadets recommend Bates brand of military dress oxfords.

My DS will be entering the Citadel in the fall. We have already purchased the following:

2 pairs of dress oxfords (one to wear and one to keep inspection ready)
2 pairs of athletic shoes (one running and one cross training)
1 pair of boots

We ordered the dress oxfords and the boots from

www.militaryboots.com

Also check out this website http://www3.citadel.edu/cfa/list.htm. Although this is NOT an official packing list, it does include items that other cadets/families have found helpful or desireable.

The official packing list will be posted on the Citadel's website probably just after June 1st.

[Flynner77]

On the Bates military boots selection- there are many kinds of boots. I would think at a military college they'd want everyone wearing the same thing- will I be safe just picking any kind of boot? They offer 20 different kinds.

[Flynner77]

Also, You mentioned 2 pairs of athletic shoes: one for running, and cross training. I've ran track all through highschool and never used cross trainers- is their a major difference between the two? Would I be ok getting 2 running shoes?

[CitadelGrad]

As a long time distance runner, I would recommend buying two pairs of running shoes. If you alternate them, you get much more mileage out of them.

[Flynner77]

Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to get 2 pairs of running shoes. My biggest concern is the military boots. Can I buy any pair of military boots? Above they reccomend Bates, but their is multiple different kinds of boots on the Bates website. I would think at a military college everyone would have to wear the same kind of boots. I'm attending CSI and fear if i don't order them soon I will not have time to break them in before I leave-then be at risk for getting blisters in the fall.

[CitadelGrad]

Originally Posted by Flynner77

Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to get 2 pairs of running shoes. My biggest concern is the military boots. Can I buy any pair of military boots? Above they reccomend Bates, but their is multiple different kinds of boots on the Bates website. I would think at a military college everyone would have to wear the same kind of boots. I'm attending CSI and fear if i don't order them soon I will not have time to break them in before I leave-then be at risk for getting blisters in the fall.

Long ago, when I was a cadet, the boots were issued to us by our ROTC detachment. If I were you, I'd just call the commandant's office and ask someone on staff. Nobody will bite your head off. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked.

[ncmom26]

Originally Posted by Flynner77

Thank you for the advice, I'll be sure to get 2 pairs of running shoes. My biggest concern is the military boots. Can I buy any pair of military boots? Above they reccomend Bates, but their is multiple different kinds of boots on the Bates website. I would think at a military college everyone would have to wear the same kind of boots. I'm attending CSI and fear if i don't order them soon I will not have time to break them in before I leave-then be at risk for getting blisters in the fall.

Hi Flynner77,

I don't know much more than you do but saw your post about boots. DS is attending CSI as well and we had the same questions. He purchased a pair of boots for AFROTC and later found that he needed a different color for uniform that the Citadel issues as well. I spoke with his admissions counselor about it and he said not to worry. You can purchase those (the tan ones required for the Citadel) at the student store when you arrive for CSI. The admissions counselor also stated that it really depends on whice branch of ROTC you're in as to how much you will wear the tan boots that are required.

You've probably already gotten the answer to your question but I wanted to add what we had learned as well.

Good luck at CSI, maybe you'll meet DS there.