Suggestions for type of boots

amphib76

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2016
Messages
10
So in preparing for Beast, I've been seeking advice from as many alumni as I can. Many have told me to make sure to get, and break in, a pair of boots by the time I leave. Do any Cadets/Soldiers have any suggestions on which kind of Army reg boots are the best? Thanks!
 
You will be instructed to select boots from a specific list when you get your packet. Wait for it. What is approved for normal use at West Point is not the same as what is approved for plebe summer. However, what is approved plebe summer is good beyond summer.
 
You will be instructed to select boots from a specific list when you get your packet. Wait for it. What is approved for normal use at West Point is not the same as what is approved for plebe summer. However, what is approved plebe summer is good beyond summer.

Out of curiosity, when can we expect our packets to start getting here? I'm already knocking things off my check list as it is, and am just curious.
 
"The packet" is all electronic now. You will get something called "directions for candidates offered appointment." There will be a slew of things to take care of...medical, vision, security, banking, etc, etc....among this will also be a list of things to show up with. It won't be until more appointments go out...I'd expect probably you'll get his in March, but no way to know for sure at this point. Try to enjoy your time at home with friends and family....June will be here in the blink of an eye.
 
If you get the choice of boots from last year choose the T8's, the Khybers fall apart and have no ankle support.
 
Really appreciate feedback on the boots, I know how important it must be. Is there somewhere at or near WP where they could try them on?
 
Last edited:
I plan on buying a pair of boots for my own personal use. OK, I plan to use them mainly as a way to get used to wearing them. I will be at WP in the end of March. As a guest, can I buy a pair there? I looked up T8's on the internet and I can buy online. They ranged in price from $120-$150. I also looked up Nike SFB Field AR670-1 Leather Boots (Coyote)

Should I buy a pair to get used to them? I'm not planning on using these boots if I get in (hopefully). I just want to have a pair.
 
I plan on buying a pair of boots for my own personal use. OK, I plan to use them mainly as a way to get used to wearing them. I will be at WP in the end of March. As a guest, can I buy a pair there? I looked up T8's on the internet and I can buy online. They ranged in price from $120-$150. I also looked up Nike SFB Field AR670-1 Leather Boots (Coyote)

Should I buy a pair to get used to them? I'm not planning on using these boots if I get in (hopefully). I just want to have a pair.
I would wait until you get the list. What happens in one part of the Army may not happen at WP. And plebe summer requirements are different than what is approved during the normal year. You will have plenty time to break in your boots once the list comes out. I know you are excited and anxious but save your cash, you will need it for all the little things on the list. If you are at WP, you can go to the WP PX with your letter and buy there (as mom3boys mentioned above).
 
Todays boot construction is very different that years past. The modern foot wear are more like high-top basketball shoes. They really don't need much break-in period. I wouldn't worry about it that much. The list for low quarters and boots will come soon.

Push Hard, Press Forward
 
I think my USMA grad would say that the low quarters are what needed breaking in the most. The boots were comfortable and needed minimal breaking in. If you wear flip flops, sandals, or tennis shoes most often and rarely wear a firm dress shoe, focus on breaking in the low quarters. Just my grad's opinion, YMMV.

Try to go somewhere to try the shoes and boots on---there seemed to be quite a variation in size from what my grad usually wore.
 
I would wait until you get the list. What happens in one part of the Army may not happen at WP. And plebe summer requirements are different than what is approved during the normal year. You will have plenty time to break in your boots once the list comes out. I know you are excited and anxious but save your cash, you will need it for all the little things on the list. If you are at WP, you can go to the WP PX with your letter and buy there (as mom3boys mentioned above).
I am a junior in high school. I have not received a letter and probably won't get that opportunity (hopefully) for at least 9 months
 
The boot letter historically has also allowed you to purchase through AAFES and is fairly painless for those not near large bases. Typically 20-30% less than typical internet prices on approved boots and low quarters.
 
The boot letter historically has also allowed you to purchase through AAFES and is fairly painless for those not near large bases. Typically 20-30% less than typical internet prices on approved boots and low quarters.

We found them cheaper off post. YMMV. If you shop online, search for coupons, you can usually get 5-10% off pretty easily.

For the low quarters, you can order by telephone from the cadet store at WP. They will ship so you can get them broken in early.
 
We found them cheaper off post. YMMV. If you shop online, search for coupons, you can usually get 5-10% off pretty easily.

For the low quarters, you can order by telephone from the cadet store at WP. They will ship so you can get them broken in early.
Interesting, boot letter/AAFES price on Bates low quarters was in the low 80s, and the cheapest internet or local store with 10% cadet discount was over $100. Even bigger difference with Bates/Belleville boots on the 2015 letter.

There are occasionally mfg direct discounts, rocky was very good in this regard for RS students. $60 less than px prices! But never seen that on Bates/Belleville.

With the cadet store make sure you request the specific brand low quarters you want, they sell cheaper DLATS approved ones that most do not care for as much. Super nice people though, its another good option.

AAFES is handy when you can confirm size on post, but they don't stock the exact model. Ex: Most Army posts do not stock the leather batea low quarter. But they do have the same shoe on corfam and was able to nail the fit.

Boots are harder unless near a big post. Rarely doez the boot letter have the current popular boot. (Nike, sv2, etc) Again, AAFES mail order was easy, and if not in the right size they will ship you a return label or you can return an any PX for credit.
 
Back
Top