A Few Things I Wish I Knew

P

Pattonsghost

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2023
Messages
72
This is possibly repetitive, but here are a few things that I was confused about and stressed out about. This has to do with people who are appointed, and you will eventually get info from USMA about it
1. You will need a pair of "low quarter" shoes. These are black dress shoes. Eventually USMA will let you know what kind to get. You may have to order them online. Order multiple pairs to get a size that fits. You will be wearing these A LOT during the first half of beast, and you want a good fit. BREAK THEM IN.
2, You will need a pair of boots. USMA will eventually send out a memo telling you the specs of the boots. As with the liw-quarters, you may have to order these online. Get durable boots and break them in, break them in, break them in. Ruck (hike) around in them as much as you can.
3. Show up to beast in your peak physical condition. Seriously.
4. You will need to order and bring extra name tapes (name, U. S. Army) and uniform flag patches
5. You will get a list of things to bring (mandatory and optional). You will also be told the size of bag to bring. You will be moving all of that stuff from your bag to your Army bag very quickly and with someone yelling in your ear. Bring as little "extra" stuff as you can. Put everything else in large zip loc bags to make the move faster and more efficient.
 
2, You will need a pair of boots. USMA will eventually send out a memo telling you the specs of the boots. As with the liw-quarters, you may have to order these online. Get durable boots and break them in, break them in, break them in. Ruck (hike) around in them as much as you can.\
Click to expand...
Garmont NFS are unmatched.
 
Another tip for appointed folks, good socks can make a difference. Low quarters can wear out socks, especially where the Achilles heel is. Thin socks can be great in the summer, but keep in mind you want something with a little durability. Thicker socks might help with getting a blister around your heel and prevent overall friction from unnecessary movement. New cadets will be walking around A LOT in their low quarters throughout beast. Similarly, you want good socks in your boots. Recommend fox river socks (can be too thick) or under armour. Fox River socks got me through Beast, CFT, and CLDT without any blisters. However, thick socks can make your feet sweat a lot. This is where foot powder comes in. I used to put foot powder on my foot, but found out that putting foot powder in the shoe itself and shaking it around does the trick in soaking up moisture. Also helps with lessening the smell of stinky shoes

Definitely agree with Garmont NFS. Garmont Bifida's are great too, if you want more sole stability since the Bifida has a harder sole. When I was going through Beast, the Garmont's were not on the approved list. BUT still a great boot to get once you are finished with Beast
 
My DD, who is now a plebe, got the following boots. And we got the recommendation from a mom on this website whose DD also got these boots. So hopefully they will be on the list this year:

Re low quarters, we had a very hard time finding them. The store at West Point will only let you order one pair, then if it's the wrong size, you have to send it back before getting the next pair. So start early on the low quarters!

My DD used this bag:
 
My DS loves his Garmont boots. The one time he wore the issued ones (because he didnt want to trash his Garmont on the Land Nav course in beast) he rolled his ankle. Dont underestimate the difficult terrain at USMA.
 
I've had my Garmont Bifadas for over two years now and they're incredible. Used them for BEAST, CFT, MIADs, and plenty of military stuff. Don't be afraid to get boots dirty, that's what they're made for. "Approved boots" aren't really a thing, they don't inspect your boots to ensure you have an approved model or anything like that.
 
USMA2026Cadet said:
I've had my Garmont Bifadas for over two years now and they're incredible. Used them for BEAST, CFT, MIADs, and plenty of military stuff. Don't be afraid to get boots dirty, that's what they're made for. "Approved boots" aren't really a thing, they don't inspect your boots to ensure you have an approved model or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Yep. Thats what we told him. These wont be the last pair you buy. Dont be afraid to wear them to the ground. You can buy more, and its not worth a potential injury that can keep you out of action.
 
Pattonsghost said:
You will need a pair of "low quarter" shoes. These are black dress shoes. Eventually USMA will let you know what kind to get. You may have to order them online. Order multiple pairs to get a size that fits. You will be wearing these A LOT during the first half of beast, and you want a good fit. BREAK THEM IN.
Click to expand...
Any specific recommendations for the low quarter shoes or are they all pretty similar?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top