BCT issued boots - sizing ?

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rkv

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My DS' only outstanding item is Cadet Issue measurements where boot size is the holdup. The nearest Belleville dealer to us is a two and a half hour drive and they don't carry any of the military issued models. However, they are willing to order a pair and assured us that we should simply order my DS' normal shoe size, 11.5 EE, and they would fit properly.

However, Belleville's own website warns:
  • CHECK YOUR SIZE:
    Belleville boots are about 1 to 1½ full sizes larger in fit than your normal shoe size when measuring on a standard Brannock shoe device. The difference depends on the type of boot you choose; soft toe vs. steel toe.
Elsewhere on the web, I've seen statements that Belleville's waterproof models are true to standard sizes and the irregular sizing is with other boot models.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the boot models which will be issued for BCT and whether they are true to standard sizing or not?

Thank you.
 
rkv said:
My DS' only outstanding item is Cadet Issue measurements where boot size is the holdup. The nearest Belleville dealer to us is a two and a half hour drive and they don't carry any of the military issued models. However, they are willing to order a pair and assured us that we should simply order my DS' normal shoe size, 11.5 EE, and they would fit properly.

However, Belleville's own website warns:
  • CHECK YOUR SIZE:
    Belleville boots are about 1 to 1½ full sizes larger in fit than your normal shoe size when measuring on a standard Brannock shoe device. The difference depends on the type of boot you choose; soft toe vs. steel toe.
Elsewhere on the web, I've seen statements that Belleville's waterproof models are true to standard sizes and the irregular sizing is with other boot models.

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the boot models which will be issued for BCT and whether they are true to standard sizing or not?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

Our DS went to a workboot type store (Boot Barn) and tried on workboots to get sizing and it seemed like they were very close. However, PLEASE make sure all DS/DD's confirm the actual fit during clothing issue as they can change sizes before they leave that area. They will feel rushed and pressure to move along but improper fitting boots will make it very uncomfortable for them and it isn't very easy to change once they leave clothing issue. So make sure everything fits properly - especially footwear (boots and tennis shoes).
 
DD had to purchase men's Belleville boots since the recommended women's has been discontinued. She normally wears a 7.5 - 8 women's shoes, which would typically equate to a 5.5 - 6 in men's. She has Belleville size 6 and they fit nicely. So, for DS's, I would suspect they are somewhat true to size.

As KTMDad said, though, during the time the Academy is issuing boots, take the time to ensure a proper fit. Even DD will do this since I believe the style the Academy will be issuing is going to be different than what was recommended in the Appointee instructions.
 
We called Belleville and were assured there were true to size. Got them and they seem to be.
 
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Well, DS worked out with his boots in mulch that was colored red. I have them at a shoe shop now, but am betting they won't come clean, (less red stained).
 
You put down your size on the forms you submit, but once you get to I-Day, they'll COMPLETELY remeasure you and give you whatever clothing you need. The people who issue you the clothing won't even see those forms you submitted. The sizes that you tell USAFA are just so that USAFA has a rough idea of how much of what size to order.

So when you go through the ABU line, they measure your chest, shoulders, waist, etc, and issue you ABUs based on the measurements they just took.

When you go to the shoe warehouse, you'll the person working there what size you think you are, and they'll bring you back a pair of shoes to try on. Try them on and MAKE SURE THEY FIT PERFECTLY. If they don't fit, ask for another size. We were issued one pair on I-Day, and we went back to the shoe warehouse to get another pair right before heading out to Jack's Valley. The one's I got on I-Day didn't fit me the best, so I asked for and got another size the second time going back.
 
It's not worth buying boots before bct. You will be sized on I day and will be issued two pairs of boots. When you finish bct then you can start thinking about investing in a pair of Rockies or Nikes.
 
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