Waterproofing required for boots?

Peter2025

Peter2025

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Mar 2, 2021
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Title is pretty straight forward. Just wondering if any current cadets can say whether boots must be waterproofed. I know there are other threads about boots, but I wanted to ask specifically. There is also the option of using a waterproofing spray on boots. Any recommendations/experiences as to whether waterproofing is required?
 
My DS never did any waterproofing. He started with the Nike boots. They were fine. He's since switched to the lighter weight and more comfortable Oakleys. Since "which boots to buy" is a common question among parents, I asked him if he thought the lighter-weight boots would make it through BCT. He said, yes, with maybe the exception of the Assault course. You will get wet on the A-course, and you may get wet on the Obstacle (O-course). It wouldn't hurt to waterproof, but you'll probably be fine if you don't. If you buy lighter-weight boots, perhaps just use the issued boots on those courses while at Jack's Valley?
 
Two schools of thought:

1. Buy waterproof boots and avoid getting in water over the tops. They take much longer to dry out, but it takes more to get water in them.

2. Buy well vented boots that dry out quickly when wet. They are more likely to get water in them, but will dry much faster.

Depending on what you are doing and where, both are valid. Personally, I would not try to make the well vented boots waterproof, as you will likely reduce it's ability to dry quickly.
 
raimius said:
Two schools of thought:

1. Buy waterproof boots and avoid getting in water over the tops. They take much longer to dry out, but it takes more to get water in them.

2. Buy well vented boots that dry out quickly when wet. They are more likely to get water in them, but will dry much faster.

Depending on what you are doing and where, both are valid. Personally, I would not try to make the well vented boots waterproof, as you will likely reduce it's ability to dry quickly.
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Do most wear lightweight boots in the winter? It looks kind of snowy in some pictures. Would a waterproof/Goretex boot be better when it's cold, or is most of the time spent indoors?
 
TigerMomNot said:
Do most wear lightweight boots in the winter? It looks kind of snowy in some pictures. Would a waterproof/Goretex boot be better when it's cold, or is most of the time spent indoors?
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It snows in Colorado, certainly. It really isn't the kind of snow that stays and stays. It melts pretty quickly. Much of the winter is 50 degrees and sunny, interrupted by a snowstorm every so often. The boots will trek in snow, though.
 
No waterproofing treatment. After buying/trying/returning many pairs, DD selected 1 waterproof pair that she took to BCT and left the Nikes at home. After BCT, she requested the Nikes and a replacement pair of athletic shoes ASAP. At winter break, she brought home the USAFA issued pair which were super heavy and appear unworn. She said they took up too much space and she didn't need 3 pairs.
 
TigerMomNot said:
Do most wear lightweight boots in the winter? It looks kind of snowy in some pictures. Would a waterproof/Goretex boot be better when it's cold, or is most of the time spent indoors?
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Most schools days are primarily indoors. Most snow won't soak through boots very easily. It's more a matter of keeping snow from getting in (usually over the top). In that case, gortex or not doesn't matter that much, imo. Insulation will matter more for keeping your feet warm, and most winter boots are waterproof.

In the summer, well vented boots will help keep you from soaking your feet with sweat.
 
DS is going to school in the UP of Michigan. Being an old (I do mean old) infantryman, I stongly advised him not to skimp on footwear (learn from my mistakes). He purchased Lalos for hot weather (great support, excellent drainage, and overall a fantastic boot). I purchased him a pair of Danners for Christmas (waterproof and insulated) - great product (my favorite boot) although they run a size small. Being a native of Colorado Springs (born at the AFA) I can tell you it doesn't snow that much (compared to the UP), I would still recommend at least two pair for different seasons/climates. BTW, I have only had one pair of issue boots that were worth a damm, the rest were marginal lowest bidder boots and it sure felt that way when I wore them.
 
raimius said:
Most schools days are primarily indoors. Most snow won't soak through boots very easily. It's more a matter of keeping snow from getting in (usually over the top). In that case, gortex or not doesn't matter that much, imo. Insulation will matter more for keeping your feet warm, and most winter boots are waterproof.

In the summer, well vented boots will help keep you from soaking your feet with sweat.
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Brotherram said:
DS is going to school in the UP of Michigan. Being an old (I do mean old) infantryman, I stongly advised him not to skimp on footwear (learn from my mistakes). He purchased Lalos for hot weather (great support, excellent drainage, and overall a fantastic boot). I purchased him a pair of Danners for Christmas (waterproof and insulated) - great product (my favorite boot) although they run a size small. Being a native of Colorado Springs (born at the AFA) I can tell you it doesn't snow that much (compared to the UP), I would still recommend at least two pair for different seasons/climates. BTW, I have only had one pair of issue boots that were worth a damm, the rest were marginal lowest bidder boots and it sure felt that way when I wore them.
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This is sincerely very helpful. We live in a mild climate and snow here is very wet. It clings and melts into shoes and clothing.

Your posts have made me realize that the snow in CO is probably powdery so it can be brushed off more easily, and probably not as deep as in MI. DH is from southern MI and has been to the UP on hunting trips, but now he's a weather weenie.
 
Colorado snow depends on the season. In Steamboat, it is powder (except early and late - more moisture content, heavy and wet). Colorado Springs, can also vary - early Fall and Spring snows can be wet (again, high moisture content), mid-winter not as wet, but not quite the champagne powder. UP snow, wet.
 
Peter2025 said:
Title is pretty straight forward. Just wondering if any current cadets can say whether boots must be waterproofed. I know there are other threads about boots, but I wanted to ask specifically. There is also the option of using a waterproofing spray on boots. Any recommendations/experiences as to whether waterproofing is required?
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I don't think you really need to worry about waterproofing. The only things you'd want waterproofing for is some of the courses in JV, and regardless of waterproofing, your boots will likely get water-saturated. That's just part of the courses. :) Personally, I valued the ability to dry out rapidly overnight more than the ability to keep water out.
 
mach01 said:
I don't think you really need to worry about waterproofing. The only things you'd want waterproofing for is some of the courses in JV, and regardless of waterproofing, your boots will likely get water-saturated. That's just part of the courses. :) Personally, I valued the ability to dry out rapidly overnight more than the ability to keep water out.
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Thank you. My biggest concern was that the handbook says they must be waterproofed. I've been told this isn't true though.
 
Brotherram said:
DS is going to school in the UP of Michigan. Being an old (I do mean old) infantryman, I stongly advised him not to skimp on footwear (learn from my mistakes). He purchased Lalos for hot weather (great support, excellent drainage, and overall a fantastic boot). I purchased him a pair of Danners for Christmas (waterproof and insulated) - great product (my favorite boot) although they run a size small. Being a native of Colorado Springs (born at the AFA) I can tell you it doesn't snow that much (compared to the UP), I would still recommend at least two pair for different seasons/climates. BTW, I have only had one pair of issue boots that were worth a damm, the rest were marginal lowest bidder boots and it sure felt that way when I wore them.
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This is incredibly helpful because I am trying to find boots for DS who will be starting ROTC at Tech in the Fall. Is your DS in ROTC?

We've lived in the UP for 7 years now and I am still in search of boots that are made for these winters (Mucks, Bogs, Merrills, Sorels, Rocky's, Cabelas, She hunting boots, Georgia Muddogs2...the progression has been from suburban fashionista to men's boots from the feed and seed store and I am still not happy!) The are: Fashionable but stupid. Not warm enough. Not high enough. Too clunky. Not grippy enough. Not waterproof enough. Not ice hockey rink tested. Do not fit in your snowshoes. Not enough support. Don't dry well, thus reek. Hard to drive in. The list is endless. (I think I'll get my son a boot dryer to take to the dorms!) Boots really should be tested in the UP!
 
My DS just completed his MS I year at Tech. I swear by my Bogs, I also like Sorels. DS bought a pair of waterproof Keens for knocking around the UP - really likes them. He bought them at the Surplus store on main in Houghton (great Carhart selection as well). Tech has a great program - I was the PMS there many moons ago, so I became well aquainted with UP weather. Like I said, I really like the Lalos and Danners (available on GovX website). Make sure your DS is working out, breaking in his boots ahead of time and getting ready to hit the ground running - both physically and academically. Tech is a tough school, but he will get a great education and have a unique experience there. Good Luck.
 
raimius said:
Most schools days are primarily indoors. Most snow won't soak through boots very easily. It's more a matter of keeping snow from getting in (usually over the top). In that case, gortex or not doesn't matter that much, imo. Insulation will matter more for keeping your feet warm, and most winter boots are waterproof.

In the summer, well vented boots will help keep you from soaking your feet with sweat.
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Right now may be a good time to buy a pair of insulated boots at a brick & mortar sporting goods store they usually have some on clearance in the spring.
 
lipton_hot_tea said:
Right now may be a good time to buy a pair of insulated boots at a brick & mortar sporting goods store they usually have some on clearance in the spring.
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For class of 2025, you won't be able to wear anything that is non-uniform until the second half of March-- maybe next spring, but I wouldn't go crazy now. You'll find Colorado isn't that cold for the most part. We have cold snaps in winter, but they don't last too long. Our winters are rather mild for having a reputation for skiing and snow.
 
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