Boots...where to get them?!

clamelken2

5-Year Member
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Nov 24, 2011
Messages
101
Does anyone know where i can get the boots and shoes required by west point in New Jersey? Otherwise my other option is to go up to West Point and buy them from the cadet store. I know you can buy them online, but i would like to try them out in person before i buy.
 
If you are in New Jersey you can probably get them at the Exchange store in McGuire AFB.
 
I live in San Diego... the closest army post is Fort Irwin... a good 3-4 hours away. FML.

Can we go to a NEX or MCEX?
 
I live in San Diego... the closest army post is Fort Irwin... a good 3-4 hours away. FML.

Can we go to a NEX or MCEX?

Go to an Army recruiter's office and ask them where they get their boots. They might have a local source or online. I understand you probably want to go to a store that will let you try them on.
 
Go to an Army recruiter's office and ask them where they get their boots. They might have a local source or online. I understand you probably want to go to a store that will let you try them on.

For that matter try a Marine recruiter as well if their exchange is closer. I'm sure the Marines would be happy to assist Army! :biggrin:
 
3 to 4 hours away? Wow, harsh!

Hehehe.....

Love the sarcasm, haha I guess I really can't compete with you


Go to an Army recruiter's office and ask them where they get their boots. They might have a local source or online. I understand you probably want to go to a store that will let you try them on.

Luckily, my dad is in the Navy so I can use the online AAFES store. I'm considering just using that and ordering from there. If they don't fit I'll send them back and repeat the process.

Has anyone had any experience ordering the boots online?
 
Luckily, my dad is in the Navy so I can use the online AAFES store. I'm considering just using that and ordering from there. If they don't fit I'll send them back and repeat the process.

Has anyone had any experience ordering the boots online?

Any appointee can use the AAFES store. You can't get online, but you call them and they know how to handle appointees. Usually have the boot letter, and will have a list of appointees.

After several wasted trips to PX's, DS ended up getting his boots and ultimately, low quarters via AAFES.

Hint: the boots and low quarters seemed to run true to size on a brannock device (the foot measuring thing in the stores). So rather than a blind shot, it's worth starting with that size. Get someone who knows how to use it, once you ask for help and explain your situation nearly any store shoe person (even Macy's, etc) is normally happy to help.

You can also order from the USMA Cadet store as an appointee, but they may not have the exact models in the boot letter, just an acceptable boot/low quarter.
 
What about surplus stores? There are plenty of those in San Diego.

Depending on the store, Surplus stores can be a good way to check out the boots if your nearest PX does not have them or is too far away.

Usually they will be higher than the AAFES price. On the low quarters it was nominal, but on the boots it was $70-80 difference. One local store did give a discount for appointees, bring your boot letter.

I'm seeing stores setting up Belleville & Bates displays now, and those are the ones which carry the different models like the 310 and M8

DS found the Bates low quarter suggested in the letter to be better made than some of the non-Bates alternatives. (like sold in the cadet store)

Likewise, there are construction differences between the M-8 and the 310. The 310 is a more traditional boot, though still improved over the older 390des.

The M8 (and also the Khyber) are more of a Tennis Shoe construction with molded uppers, etc. DS found noticeable comfort differences and settled on the M8, as did his squaddies.

There are also differences in the sole from a traction perspective, with the M8 and khyber being a more aggressive sole, which helps in the field.

That said, boots are a very individual thing, what works for one may not work for another. And all three are good boots.

Lastly, once past beast all the concern about specific boot models goes away as long as it's one approved for ACU wear. Last year the 2nd pair issued on R-day were contract boots not on the boot letter list. (Though much more like the Belleville 310's)

And even in beast, some companies/squad leaders may not even care, others may make a big deal. Have major blisters with an unauthorized boot and you may get more special attention than you want. And you'll also see/meet cadets who bought boots at the cadet store in beast not on the boot list.

General consensus is that getting the low quarters and breaking them in is more critical than the boots as the new boot construction does not require as much breaking. The low quarters do take some break in, being a hard soled leather shoe. And you'll spend far more time in them early on

There are many old threads on how to fit that are worth searching on.
 
as a currently serving soldier, I think it's important to realize that the style of boot isn't so important as the way it fits the foot. these aren't your nike J's you're buying before you first day of school.

for perspective of how important good boots are:
on my deployment, the dining facility was 3/4 mile away. the little PX on our fob was another 1/4 mile beyond that. figure eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day, that is 1.5 miles per meal. three meals a day. 4.5 miles of walking. just to eat. add in the time spent walking around all the villages or to the motor pool or to meetings, I probably averaged almost 10 miles of walking each day. with several miles of those being in full kit (35lb vest, weapon, 30lb aid bag, 7 full mags of ammo, water) with about 80 extra lbs.

moral of that story, you walk A LOT in the army. and boots are one thing if you don't take the time to see what is best for you, you will pay the price. I see guys after every ruck march coming in with ill fitting boots, and huge blisters.

when you're trying the boots on, make sure they aren't tight. your feet WILL become swollen as you walk, and if your boots fit too tightly, it will begin to cause blisters. Also, make sure the laces on top of the boots fit comfortably. you can create hot spots on the tops of your feet, and even begin to rub the skin raw. When you go try your boots on, don't wear thin athletic socks. wear the exact type of socks you think you'll be wearing the majority of the time in the boot. just cause your thin socks are comfortable, doesn't mean that when you are wearing the green socks or even a heavier sock in the winter will fit properly. Personally, if you don't have any experience with buying boots, go to a sporting goods store that has people in the shoe department to help you with sizing. have them size your feet and discuss proper fit with you.

but don't just buy one pair cause they look cool. that's just unreasonable.
 
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