Alternate Navy Approved Boots

N

NVhopeful

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Mar 25, 2021
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Looking to get DS an alternate pair of boots that will be more comfortable to run in. What brands are approved? Do they have to be steel toed if not on ship?
 
This is the exact thing that your son should research. On the face of it, it doesn’t look like there is much, if any, wiggle room. It also could depend on the intent…future Marine and/or NSW/SEAL screening? MIDN don’t do a whole lot of PT in boots (in the grand scheme of things), so not sure if the running is for strict personal convenience or some other reason. Definitely need steel toed boots for summer training in the Fleet. Lastly, understand that if the chain of command allows one MIDN to do it without really good justification, then it’s hard to say no to others, which then sometimes defeats the point of a regulation. But again, I really recommend your son drive this.
 
He is a freshman NROTC at UIUC. The issued boots are tearing his feet apart and he has other socks than the issued ones.
 
Back in the 80's, we filled our (all leather) boots with water and let them sit until the water drained out.
Then we put them on with two pairs of socks and laced them up nice and tight.
Then we marched a good 20 miles (usually through filthy streams so we could get the rest of us wet), complaining the whole way.
It sounds silly, but they fit great after that.

I don't think people do that anymore, so your son's mileage may vary.
 
There is a lot of content out there on what "after market" boots meet regs- and I would recommend that your son research this and find a pair of boots that work for him. I believe there are Nike and Oakley etc options that are light weight and meet regs when a safety boot is not required. I do a lot of back country western big game hunting, and have put a lot of mileage and elevation on boots, and have switched boots a few times (although all the boots that I've had in the last 20yrs have worked pretty well). I can tell you that pretty much no two individuals have the same feet and preference for boots that they find comfortable and provide adequate support. When I was AD, pretty much everyone I ran with got "better" boots than the ones that were issued- I was an 0313 so it didn't matter as much for me, but for the 0311s etc it sure did.
 
Your mid should make himself familiar with the uniform regulations, not only so he can abide by them but so he can eventually hold his subordinates to them. There are rules for what boots can look like, but they do not necessarily need to be the issued Bates brand. I know a few people who own combat boots made by Nike that are supposedly more comfortable. Unless on a Varsity sport, mids do end up PTing in boots and utes often during Plebe Year at workouts. They also might continue if they’re interested in being a Marine. We also wear boots with our working uniform to classes on Thursdays. If you can afford it and your mid wants them, it’s not a bad idea. I’d suggest working with your mid when making this purchase to ensure you get an acceptable pair.
 
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