Class of 2020 Boots

runner06

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Mar 22, 2015
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Hey everyone! So I've been appointed to USAFA recently and I was wondering if anyone would like to weigh in on boots: brand, are they allowed during BCT, recommended method to break in, how far to ruck?
Any info will help, thanks!
 
Congratulations on your appointment runner06.

I don't know what kind would be good, but you CANNOT have anything but the basic issued boot during BCT. Now, if you have an AF PX near you and can purchase the basic issue and break them in prior to BCT and then bring them with you. There are also some past threads on here that talk about boots and from what I gather, it can even be squadron specific as to what you are allowed to wear. Try a search for boots on the forum and you can find a couple of threads with some good advice regarding boots at USAFA.
 
So if I can find what they issue at basic, I can get those and break them in? I'll look at some different threads. I am just trying not to get blisters... tooo badly :)
 
The best thing about the issued boots is that if you have any issues with them, you can just exchange them. Can't do that if they are another brand. Over all the boots now days are all pretty good if they fit right, socks can often be a bigger issue.
 
So should I bother with a pair a boots? Maybe to even just get used to them rucking and such? Or should I not and just practice ruck with my running shoes?
 
The appointment document should state which boots are allowed for basic. Having said that, don't overthink things. Run, run and run some more. You'll find that the altitude will be more of a hindrance than running in boots or with a ruck. If you get yourself to the point where you can run (in your running shoes) 5 to 8 miles at a time, you'll be fine.
 
I never trained in boots prior to USAFA, and I didn't regret it. If you do end up getting blisters, there are BCT SMO's (Safety Medical Officers) who have these wonderful little blister kits that pretty much solve the problem. I didn't really get any blisters from the boots, though--they're pretty comfortable, albeit heavy.
 
I would say that should you have a very small or large foot then you might consider investing in boots and sneakers. My DD didn't get her boots issued until the last week of basic because they didn't have any boots her size in stock.

I remember the letter saying if you wear 5 or smaller and 10 or bigger, then you should bring your own. At least I think it's 10, but you will know when you get your own letter with the list of what to being.
 
Afmom2020, will all of that information be in the appointee kit? And when is this information typically given out?

Sorry for so many questions. No one ever tells you what to do AFTER you get in, it's always just pre information
 
Afmom2020, will all of that information be in the appointee kit? And when is this information typically given out?

Sorry for so many questions. No one ever tells you what to do AFTER you get in, it's always just pre information

Yes it was all given to us so don't worry about it for now. I remember that it felt like forever before we got the information, because it's usually in May.

If you have an A personality like me and want to get everything ready now, there are a few threads from last year and the year before that give you an idea of what to have, but honestly you will get everything from USAFA with plenty of time to buy anything you might be missing.
 
For the Class of 2019, we were allowed to bring and wear our own boots if we wanted to. I know of people who wore Nikes for all of Basic. I would not bother bring your own because they will be super dirty and gross after Basic. The Nikes that were worn in Basic were generally pretty beat up at the end. Also, you probably won't be rucking in Basic at all. Just marching and running.
 
For the Class of 2019, we were allowed to bring and wear our own boots if we wanted to. I know of people who wore Nikes for all of Basic. I would not bother bring your own because they will be super dirty and gross after Basic. The Nikes that were worn in Basic were generally pretty beat up at the end. Also, you probably won't be rucking in Basic at all. Just marching and running.

This is squadron dependent. DO NOT COUNT ON THIS.

My DD was in a squadron that did not allow anything but the Basic boots until 2nd semester of doolie year.
 
This is squadron dependent. DO NOT COUNT ON THIS.

My DD was in a squadron that did not allow anything but the Basic boots until 2nd semester of doolie year.
That was Class of 2018. This past summer, I do not know of anyone who was not allowed to wear the boots they brought. My roommate wore her Danners through all of Basic, and I had my parents send my Nikes right after A-Day. However, it is always true that they could change that again for the Class of 2020.
 
That was Class of 2018. This past summer, I do not know of anyone who was not allowed to wear the boots they brought. My roommate wore her Danners through all of Basic, and I had my parents send my Nikes right after A-Day. However, it is always true that they could change that again for the Class of 2020.
The only thing constant in the Air Force is change. :)
 
When my DD received her I-day paperwork it included a list of items a cadet should bring. One optional item was approved boots. My DD did not bring them because we were not even sure what they were (we had not discovered this forum then :)). MY DS wears a size 15 shoe, we will be sending him with boots of his own just in case. The popular brands are Danner and Nike military boots.
 
MD2020, thank you! That is good advice. I am thinking about bringing my own, but I'm going to wait for all of the papers to come first!
 
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