boots!?!?

S

sarah.carroll17

USMA 2015 Appointee
5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
27
The 2nd Admissable Mailings page is finally up on the portal, and I was surprised to read that there are only three types of boots in the memo. Are we restricted to only these boots? In addition to the number of boots they recommended, I was also surprised at the variety of boots. I had hoped to be able to bring the boots I already have, which are the same style of boots I was issued in Basic Training.

Honestly, I have no plan in deviating from the recommended boots. However, some advice or opinions from cadets may be helpful!
 
Unless West Point's mentality has drastically changed, you are restricted to those boots. I'm sure a cadet can confirm.
 
sarah.carroll17 said:
The 2nd Admissable Mailings page is finally up on the portal, and I was surprised to read that there are only three types of boots in the memo. Are we restricted to only these boots? In addition to the number of boots they recommended, I was also surprised at the variety of boots. I had hoped to be able to bring the boots I already have, which are the same style of boots I was issued in Basic Training.

Honestly, I have no plan in deviating from the recommended boots. However, some advice or opinions from cadets may be helpful!
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I agree with you. I have four pairs of boots that are all standard Army issue but I don't have any of the three listed here.
 
jasondavid92 said:
I agree with you. I have four pairs of boots that are all standard Army issue but I don't have any of the three listed here.
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The issue with that is how quickly things change. The boots we were issued 4 years ago have been supplanted by newer, better boots. So many types of boots are "issued" now it's unreal. USMA is huge on uniformity and they have no doubt put careful thought into the boots you'll be allowed to wear.

What models are approved?
 
Anyone have direct experience with any of the 3 boot options, pros and cons or other thoughts?

  1. Bates M-8 Desert Boot
  2. Khyber Mountain Hybrid Boot
  3. Belleville 310

DS has the Belleville 390, since that model is not on the list he'll have to get something new, curious what others have found about these specific items.

Thanks in advance
 
I've worn the Bellevilles. They're a good boot. Not the lightest boot I've worn, but obviously your choices are limited. Belleville, in my opinion, is one of the better manufacturers. I've not had good luck with Bates. That is merely a personal opinion. I've always been pleased with various Belleville models I've owned.
 
My cadet selected the Bellevilles last year. He thought they were comfortable and easy to break in. He wore them a lot before he went to Beast. Be sure to get them properly fitted.....the size he ended up wearing was several sizes smaller from what he wears in a tennis shoe. Same with the low quarters.....HUGE size difference!
 
Boot?

Last Monday I was doing an overnight at West Point and I was allowed to go to the PX to buy my boots and dress shoes. I bought the Belleville 310 boots and as previously mentioned I was fitted into a boot that was one full size smaller than my running shoes.
 
What type of sock should you wear when getting fitted for your boots?
 
I agree with Scoutpilots opinion about the Belleville/Bates difference, but again that is merely my opinion.

I would buy standard army issue green socks to try on with the boots as well as while breaking them in; it's the only sock's he'll wear with them in uniform, even after he graduates in a few years! I think they run about 12 dollars for three pairs. If you aren't able to buy them when you buy boots (since the memo is technically your "ticket" to buy things while at the PX), you can probably get some FoxRiver socks or other hikers socks such as Thorlos that would be quite similar as long as you don't get super thick wool ones.
 
The Khyber Mountain Hybrid Boot is also made by Belleville and is comparably newer I believe. It's also cheaper :)
 
If you aren't able to buy them when you buy boots (since the memo is technically your "ticket" to buy things while at the PX), you can probably get some FoxRiver socks or other hikers socks such as Thorlos that would be quite similar as long as you don't get super thick wool ones.
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Thank you. I didn't think we were allowed to go to the PX, just the MCSS. I have no idea what the difference is.
 
Thank you. I didn't think we were allowed to go to the PX, just the MCSS. I have no idea what the difference is.
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Generally speaking, the PX (Post Exchange) would be comparable to a mall, while the MCSS (Military Clothing Sales Store) is merely one of the many stores in the mall, loosely put. The PX might have a larger store as an anchor, such as a Walmart, and the other stores in the mall might be clothing, barber, Starbucks, food court, Firestone Tire store, or what have you. MCSS is just the store at the PX for your shoe/boot purchase. YMMV
 
RLTW said:
Generally speaking, the PX (Post Exchange) would be comparable to a mall, while the MCSS (Military Clothing Sales Store) is merely one of the many stores in the mall, loosely put. The PX might have a larger store as an anchor, such as a Walmart, and the other stores in the mall might be clothing, barber, Starbucks, food court, Firestone Tire store, or what have you. MCSS is just the store at the PX for your shoe/boot purchase. YMMV
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True, but the anchor store is the PX. No Walmart on post. By the by, AAFES is trying to get away from the PX/BX monikers and use the name Exchange for all of them.

If anyone us truly having issues with the socks, PM me. I have about 7000 pairs and I'll happily mail you a clean pair to help the cause.
 
scoutpilot said:
True, but the anchor store is the PX. No Walmart on post. By the by, AAFES is trying to get away from the PX/BX monikers and use the name Exchange for all of them.

If anyone us truly having issues with the socks, PM me. I have about 7000 pairs and I'll happily mail you a clean pair to help the cause.
Click to expand...

Will they be signed or unsigned?:biggrin:
 
I raise to three dimes and an unopened piece of gum (I wouldn't eat that if I were you :wink:)
 
I'm doing an overnight visit next week and was wondering when I'll be permitted to head to the PX and purchase boots and low quarters. Is there a specific time during the day where I'll be escorted to the store? Is the PX open on Saturday?

Also, does the PX have all 3 boot models listed in the boot letter? I would like to try on all 3 pairs and get a really good feel for each brand before buying.
 
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