Best Boots for Beast

[beatnavy19]

Hi, I am currently deciding between the Garmont t8 Bifida and the Khyber II tr550 for Beast Barracks. What are the pros and cons of both boots regarding durability, fit, water resistance, drying, weight and quality?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[Walman888]

Only having experience with the Khyber, DD reports lightweight, very stable, athletic shoe type of boot. Very comfortable. Currently on the second pair and the third pair is now needed. Loves them. $140. In regards to water resistance, it seems as though dryness in the Beast environment would be asking a lot of any boot.

 

[20192023]

Just bought the Garmonts and they feel like sneakers with a little more ankle support, super light as well. The only comparison I have is to the Belleville’s C390 and the Garmonts don’t have as much support compared to the C390. I heard the Khybers were easily broken in but kind of heavy.

 

[beatnavy19]

Thanks for the quick responses! I just read that the Belleville C390's were pretty good as well. Is this true? All information is helpful!

 

[MamaBear4]

My son had the Khybers and the inside part going down the back of the heal disintegrated. They were warranted out and he has the T8’s now. He loved them out of the box.

 

[GA5Fighter]

Hi, I am currently deciding between the Garmont t8 Bifida and the Khyber II tr550 for Beast Barracks. What are the pros and cons of both boots regarding durability, fit, water resistance, drying, weight and quality?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

I’m breaking my Garmont’s in right now, they feel nice and supportive. I went with them after looking at tons of reviews online.

 

[prospective2019]

Thanks for the quick responses! I just read that the Belleville C390's were pretty good as well. Is this true? All information is helpful!

I've got the Belleville FC390's. So far so good, though they run really big (women's 9 in a running shoe, 7.5 in these boots). They are supportive and offer a ton of structure in the ankles.

 

[cptenca]

My son had the Khybers and the inside part going down the back of the heal disintegrated. They were warranted out and he has the T8’s now. He loved them out of the box.

This is my experience as well. Obviously some like the Khybers but you will hear more complaints about their durability. T8s hold up well.

 

[dieselvaden]

Son went for an overnight two weeks ago. The cadet he stayed with solidly recommended the Garmont T8 for Beast, then the Oakley's for after Beast. So, bought the two for him.

 

[GoCubbies]

Son went for an overnight two weeks ago. The cadet he stayed with solidly recommended the Garmont T8 for Beast, then the Oakley's for after Beast. So, bought the two for him.

So I should get 2 pairs of boots for my DD to break in? One set for Beast and another to use once Beast is done?

 

[cptenca]

So I should get 2 pairs of boots for my DD to break in? One set for Beast and another to use once Beast is done?

Solid chance the boots will be trashed at beast and need new ones after. "breaking in" the after beast boots really isn't that important. The new boots really don't require much "breaking in" anyway (wear them a couple times and drive on). She will also get a pair issued. Waiting until after beast will let you decide if she likes the boots she wore at beast or wants to try a different brand including those not authorized during beast. Oakleys and Nikes are options after beast.

 

[GoCubbies]

@cptenca Thank you for the gouge.

 

[Parent of 4]

DS is on his 3rd pair of boots this (plebe) year. Garmont's were great for Beast, Oakley's immediately after Beast (you will need new boots), and now Nike's.. As mentioned above "breaking in" was really only important Pre-Beast..

 

[kd8fdi]

I'm currently a firstie, and I've used both the Khybers and Garmonts. Trust me, the Garmonts are by far the best boots on the boot memo. Everyone shows up with a random assortment of boots, and by the time people are firsties a good half of the class is wearing the Garmonts and no one wears the other two types of boots on the boot list. I used the Khybers for my beast, and they were pretty awful. They also tend to fall apart pretty quickly. From an aesthetic point of view the Khybers also make you look like the Michelin man (not desireable).
Trust me, just go with the Garmonts.

edit: Overall though, don't worry too much about breaking in whatever boots you get. Breaking in your feet is really what you want to do. The boots don't need too much breaking in, but your feet need to become tougher. Blisters are the big problem if anything for New Cadets.

 

[beatnavy19]

I hear the Belleville C390s are comparable to the Garmonts. They are a little heavier but more supportive in the ankle. Can anyone back up that info?

 

[Wishful]

First I want to congratulate all who will be spending this & the next 3 summers at West Point. I know boots are important & there's lots of threads about them but I want to offer my unsolicited thoughts. My DD want to USAFA & didn't break in any boots. Her issued pair were very soft, fit fine & were pretty much useless 8 weeks or so later. But to each his own.
You have about 90 or so days left before you report so my suggestion is to make some positive memories from which you will draw strength from when you will feel down during those long days of Basic:

• Enjoy your Senior year! You only get one so make it special, hang out with friends, you guys will never be able to be this close as you all move on
• Make sure Prom stuff is squared away if you're going
• Get a drivers license if you haven't already
• Update Passport-you may have an opportunity to travel on the Army's dime in Sophomore year & passport has to be more than 1 year or so to expiration
• Plan a visit to or have a long weekend away with a parent(s), sibling, or relative you will miss. It will mean a lot to you soon & probably a lot more to that person(s) as they wonder all day how you're doing & can't call you for several weeks or so..Trust me on this one.
• You know who the troublemakers are. If they show up, you leave. They know which direction their lives are taking & they know yours & Haters gotta hate. It's business now, not personal. You don't want to be explaining anything to the police
• I won't go into the speech about drugs & alcohol-you've heard it a thousand times but know this, every day induction gets closer, those speeches weigh more...because you have more to lose.
• Keep working out & grades up
• I firmly believe the boots will take care of themselves; spend something that is most valuable...your time... with the people you love & who love you while you can. Good Luck!!