Buying boots

S

sscott

5-Year Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2013
Messages
12
I have read that it is advisable for new cadets to purchase boots and start breaking them in before Boot Camp. Can a cadet take their letter of appointment to be permitted on base and purchase their boots, or do they have to purchase online? TIA
 
I think there was a thread like this a while back, answers were mixed. However, the current boots are not the leather kind that need to be broken in, so if you don't get boots beforehand you should be OK. I'm sure others will pipe up in a while and give you better information than I can... meanwhile I will try and get the previous thread.
 
sscott said:
I have read that it is advisable for new cadets to purchase boots and start breaking them in before Boot Camp. Can a cadet take their letter of appointment to be permitted on base and purchase their boots, or do they have to purchase online? TIA
Click to expand...

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/showthread.php?t=30978&highlight=boot
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/...ad.php?t=29739
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/...ad.php?t=18584
http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/...t=17021&page=4

That first one links to the following three. Should be plenty of information there for you to digest. Enjoy!
 
Hey!

I was reading through the "Instructions to Appointees" booklet on my portal and it gave not only a description of what an acceptable boot was, but also a website where you can purchase them. The booklet also mentioned that during authorized tours, boots may be purchased on base. I would assume that this means that you cannot get on to base just to buy boots, but would be authorized with a "scheduled day tour." Hope this helped!
 
I am also a c/o 2017 appointee, and the advice I have been given by several current cadets I know (of varying classes) is to bring one pair of boots with you and to have 1-2 pair issued to you! They suggested that I wear what was issued during basic, as it will attract less attention to yourself, and then during the academic year, wear the more comfortable ones that you brought.
 
Thank you all for the replies, they have been very helpful ( and congratulations!)
 
I did not buy boots before BCT and I was fine, just make sure they're not too big when you get them on I-Day.
 
Minimalist Combat Boots

For anyone who may wants combat boots with less of a heel-to-toe "drop", the following link is for new boots that are much lighter and more comfortable(in my own opinion)
the website would be bellevilleboot and the product is TR103 Minimalist Training Boot
 
I was thinking about getting boots to get the feel for them since they will feel different than tennis shoes so hopefully I will be less likely to have shin splints and blisters.

USAFA Appointee 2017
 
Perhaps a current cadet could comment on whether showing up in boots would make you a target for the upper classmen on I-day. When my DD reported two years ago she was specifically told not to wear any clothing (such as an AFA t-shirt) that would draw attention to herself.

We were still on campus late in the afternoon on that I-day with DD's coach. Almost all the parents were gone and we watched doolies struggling, I mean really struggling, to carry all their newly issued equipment to their rooms. Nobody was able to carry it all in one hand and it is a long walk and they were all getting screamed at. The less you have to carry (such as another pair of boots) the better.
 
JMC0759 said:
Perhaps a current cadet could comment on whether showing up in boots would make you a target for the upper classmen on I-day. When my DD reported two years ago she was specifically told not to wear any clothing (such as an AFA t-shirt) that would draw attention to herself.

We were still on campus late in the afternoon on that I-day with DD's coach. Almost all the parents were gone and we watched doolies struggling, I mean really struggling, to carry all their newly issued equipment to their rooms. Nobody was able to carry it all in one hand and it is a long walk and they were all getting screamed at. The less you have to carry (such as another pair of boots) the better.
Click to expand...

Sounds like BMT, but it was rare that anyone was singled out for being in Air Force gear. About 15 in my flight was wearing Air Force gear.
 
New boots??

We were contemplating getting boots for our DS prior to BCT, using the info in the handbook. However, we called the Academy to verify and were told that they are using Wellco boots, (not the Belleville 650, as listed in the Instructions to Appointees). They also stated that the Wellco boots were comfortable and "broken in" the first time the cadet puts them on and that he need not worry about breaking in the boots early.

Does anyone have experience with the Wellco boots?

Thanks!
 
DS bought boots just to get used to running in them. Wore issued for BCT then tossed them and used his own.
 
The issued ones are not the ones I would want for a long time, but they are perfectly comfortable the first time you wear them. I would just run with some ankle weights if you want to get a feel for what it is like to run in them.
 
Get boots if you feel like you'd do better with buying some insoles for them. My daughter bought boots in advance and we fitted them with insoles and she was very glad she did. She was therefore only issued one set on I-Day. She went back to those boots and her insoles during Recognition as well.
 
I'm not sure for other basic squadrons, but Flying Tigers will not allow basics to wear purchased boots. With that being said, I'd highly suggest buying insoles. Life savers for me. I am athletic and those boots are heavy and hurt.
 
tsband said:
We were contemplating getting boots for our DS prior to BCT, using the info in the handbook. However, we called the Academy to verify and were told that they are using Wellco boots, (not the Belleville 650, as listed in the Instructions to Appointees). They also stated that the Wellco boots were comfortable and "broken in" the first time the cadet puts them on and that he need not worry about breaking in the boots early.

Does anyone have experience with the Wellco boots?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

did you get the specific model? i will probably call and verify that it's a different boot than in the handbook
 
boots

I called aweek ago and the model number of the wellco boots look just like the Bellville 650. I do not remember the Wilco model number. They also said you won't be able to get boots as cheap as what they charge. I got a pair of Belleville 650's for $127 delivered.
 
shoes for BCT

Is there any reason to bring or wear running shoes to Iday/ BCT? The "recommended" molded cleats...more useful than running shoes or take in addition to? Can I wear my own running shoes later and have them brought to Parent's Weekend if I don't bring them to BCT?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top