Vegan/Cruelty Free Boots for BCT??

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sktr127

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Hi everyone,

This may be a question where there is no good answer, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knows where to find vegan/leather-free combat boots for BCT? I've searched the internet everywhere and did not find anything useful. All the boots I've found use suede leather and for personal moral and ethical reasons, I really want to avoid this as much as I can.

I am aware that vegan combat boots may not exist, but I just wanted to ask in case anyone knew of anything.
 
I think you might have to accept the leather boot option as I am not sure what you are looking for even exists. Even the brand name boots like Nike and Oakley with nylon panels have leather toe and heel areas for durability and wear as well as comfort. Hate to say this (sort of) but the military is not exactly the area where concern for animal rights has been a major decision factor based on the fact they are training for war where people die.
 
Issue your going to have is that I'm pretty sure your boots have to be Air Force compliant(similiar to AR 670-1 I would guess) for BCT. If someone was making a style of boot that is vegan/cruelty free, I would bet it will not be compliant. Likely the military market for these style of boots is incredibly small. BCT is also not something that you want to try with boots that might not be up to the abuse. Not saying they can't be up to snuff. Just something you have to decide if it is worth risking for yourself.
 
sktr127 said:
Hi everyone,

This may be a question where there is no good answer, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knows where to find vegan/leather-free combat boots for BCT? I've searched the internet everywhere and did not find anything useful. All the boots I've found use suede leather and for personal moral and ethical reasons, I really want to avoid this as much as I can.

I am aware that vegan combat boots may not exist, but I just wanted to ask in case anyone knew of anything.
Click to expand...
Now I am not someone who wears vegan/cruelty free stuff but considering the lack of info that you've found thus far,
if I were searching for something something like this, I'd look for vegan/cruelty free hiking and/or work boots and then contact
those companies/vendors to question them regarding meeting the applicable standards.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Now I am not someone who wears vegan/cruelty free stuff but considering the lack of info that you've found thus far,
if I were searching for something something like this, I'd look for vegan/cruelty free hiking and/or work boots and then contact
those companies/vendors to question them regarding meeting the applicable standards.
Click to expand...
Or simply comply with the “authorized /compliant” boots listed in the report packet.
Otherwise choose to be “that “ new cadet. It will get you noticed and many introductions to upper class cadets will follow.
Pushups may be requested of you as well.
 
I’m not sure about where to find vegan leather boots, but I’ll add that I’ve met plenty of vegetarian and vegan service members, and they’re able to keep to their diet fine while navigating the food scene. Just make sure you mention it when they ask about dietary restrictions, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you. Same for religious dietary restrictions like keeping Kosher or Halal. I’m not sure if the ones I’ve met wear vegan leather combat boots though, I think they just wear the normal issued ones, which do have leather in them…
 
T-37IP said:
Vegan / cruelty free boots? Are you kidding? I am going to say what we are all thinking. You do realize your PRIMARY job in the military is to break things and kill people.
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One would assume that those people did something to deserve being blown up by the US military. I don't think many people, vegan or not, would say we slaughter farm animals because they deserve it... we do it because they taste good. I don't think that having a moral conviction with killing animals, but no moral conviction with killing enemies of the United States are within direct contradiction of one another
 
Be careful...the Oakleys do seem to have an after-taste that suggests they contain pork.

The good news is that all brands become "free range" once your cadet is in Jack's Valley.

...and those boots will go very nicely with those OCPs that have been made from synthetics and coated with chemicals that ensure they will last for at least 1,000 years.
 
It’s fine to have your own standards and morals. Nothing wrong with that. When they conflict with what you are ordered to do in the military is when there is an issue. What are you going to do?

If this is something that would cause you great debate within your own moral wheelhouse, you may want to think really hard about how/if you can reconcile these things within your own person.

There is no greater selfless-service I’ve witnessed in my my boys than what they have signed up for. Especially my one that’s in the fleet. And he has only been there a minute, and not fought in a war. Yet. But, he has given up great personal liberties for the betterment of the ‘team’. Some by choice, and some, not.

No judgement on anyone wanting to stick to their moral choices. Obviously some are easier to manage than others. And maybe vegan boots is only a query here. Not a hard line for OP. BUT…I would tell my own kiddo to really think hard about what is important to them. And if they feel that they can fall into the military way of ‘yes sir/ma’am’ without struggling that they are compromising themselves.

You really don’t have a say in much. Including what shots and medications they put into your body. Vegan? Idk. But make sure this is a good fit before you start this adventure, is what I would say to mine.

As far as vegan boots, I suggest googling. You would probably have better luck there.
 
navy/airforce-hopeful man said:
One would assume that those people did something to deserve being blown up by the US military. I don't think many people, vegan or not, would say we slaughter farm animals because they deserve it... we do it because they taste good. I don't think that having a moral conviction with killing animals, but no moral conviction with killing enemies of the United States are within direct contradiction of one another
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In theory you are correct. However, I hate to say this, but that was spoken like someone who has never been in combat. Remember there are always people in a war zone that don't want to be there and are not responsible for the actions of their leaders and government. Many of them have friends and family living in the US who were lucky enough to be here and escape potentially forced service. At the end of the day the point is that when you are faced with that very harsh reality that you are killing people, no matter where they are from or their beliefs, and they are still humans with families and friends and you have to be able to live with that. Not saying in any way that a vegan can't but it all depends on the moral and ethical compass that person has within themselves. Anyway, good luck with your search for synthetic boots sktr127 but I doubt you will have success there.
 
sktr127 said:
Hi everyone,

This may be a question where there is no good answer, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knows where to find vegan/leather-free combat boots for BCT? I've searched the internet everywhere and did not find anything useful. All the boots I've found use suede leather and for personal moral and ethical reasons, I really want to avoid this as much as I can.

I am aware that vegan combat boots may not exist, but I just wanted to ask in case anyone knew of anything.
Click to expand...
Suede comes from cows. Cows are vegan. Therefore, suede is vegan.
 
navy/airforce-hopeful man said:
One would assume that those people did something to deserve being blown up by the US military. I don't think many people, vegan or not, would say we slaughter farm animals because they deserve it... we do it because they taste good. I don't think that having a moral conviction with killing animals, but no moral conviction with killing enemies of the United States are within direct contradiction of one another
Click to expand...
 

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According to this website, the People's Army of Vietnam wear these boots that appear to be nylon uppers and molded rubber soles.

enemymilitaria.com

PAVN Camouflage Jungle Boots - Enemy Militaria

The modern PAVN wear camouflage. This is their new issue jungle boot.
enemymilitaria.com enemymilitaria.com

Photo-Nov-25-3-07-28-PM.jpg

They may not be on the approved boot list but no animals were harmed in making them.

You will likely get a lot of personal attention.
 
USMCGrunt said:
According to this website, the People's Army of Vietnam wear these boots that appear to be nylon uppers and molded rubber soles.

enemymilitaria.com

PAVN Camouflage Jungle Boots - Enemy Militaria

The modern PAVN wear camouflage. This is their new issue jungle boot.
enemymilitaria.com enemymilitaria.com

View attachment 15600

They may not be on the approved boot list but no animals were harmed in making them.

You will likely get a lot of personal attention.
Click to expand...
May be vegan free, but the Petroleum based rubber soles leave to much of a carbon footprint….
 
sktr127 said:
Hi everyone,

This may be a question where there is no good answer, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knows where to find vegan/leather-free combat boots for BCT? I've searched the internet everywhere and did not find anything useful. All the boots I've found use suede leather and for personal moral and ethical reasons, I really want to avoid this as much as I can.

I am aware that vegan combat boots may not exist, but I just wanted to ask in case anyone knew of anything.
Click to expand...
I found this guidance on boots at the USAFA website. It's on a page full of parent info, so you may not have seen it.

www.usafa.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Effectively communicate and support this new chapter of your cadet’s life! Here are the frequently asked questions (FAQ) from parents.
www.usafa.edu www.usafa.edu
  • Should an appointee purchase specific combat boots prior to arriving?

    ​

    While not mandatory, it is highly recommended that appointees purchase one (1) pair of boots and wear them for 2-4 weeks prior to their arrival at the Academy. The boots must meet the following specifications: coyote brown in color, rubber sole, and 8 – 10” high waterproof upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar material). The boots must NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. There are multiple options available to purchase. A few that meet Academy requirements are: Rocky S2V RKC050, Bellville model C790, NIKE SFB Field 2, 8″ boots (COYOTE) and Danner RIVOT TFX 8″ coyote. All basic cadets will be issued boots at the Academy to ensure that they have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots to wear during Basic Cadet Training.
I quick checked the four boots mentioned and they all seem to have some leather in the uppers. To my casual eye, it looks like the Danner Rivot books have less leather overall.

This might be something you can't get around. I think leather is often used because of its strength and flexibility. It might also be something you would have more ability to research down the road once you have a better sense of the requirements the boots would need to meet.

Best of luck.
 
sktr127 said:
Hi everyone,

This may be a question where there is no good answer, but I just wanted to ask if anyone knows where to find vegan/leather-free combat boots for BCT? I've searched the internet everywhere and did not find anything useful. All the boots I've found use suede leather and for personal moral and ethical reasons, I really want to avoid this as much as I can.

I am aware that vegan combat boots may not exist, but I just wanted to ask in case anyone knew of anything
Click to expand...
I'm not sure if you've found an answer to your question yet but I was able to find a pair of boots that fall inside AFI 36-2903 and the regulation that Full Steam mentioned above. The Under Armour Valsetz tactical boots line seem from the descriptions to be made from synthetic materials and rubber. The descriptions aren't too detailed so I'd suggest reaching out to the manufacturer and confirming whether or not they use leather. I hope this helps and congratulations on receiving an appointment 👍
 
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