Boot Recommendations?

Y

YoitsFly

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Jul 29, 2022
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I found this thread from last year regarding boots at BCT and to wear while at USAFA.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/bct-boot-recommendations.85855/#post-886618

Does anyone have any specific recommendations? I was thinking of getting the Nike SFB Gen 2 8" Leather but Nike running shoes always rub for me so I'm not sure if the boots will be the same (I have never bought boots before).

Also, I saw on USAFA's website that the Academy provides cadets with boots during BCT. Does this mean I don't need to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!
 
Depending on finances and if you want to take a chance, usafa does provide combat boots but DS did not like them and they are good to bring to Jack’s valley as his Oakleys ended up getting ripped there. He replaced them with Nikes and really like them. If you are able to I would suggest finding a brick and mortar store where you can try the diff options to see what is best for you.
 
Ours just got Danner as a gift. Didn't like the issued ones. Started with Nike and now has Danner.
 
Recommend getting boots before I day and breaking them in (i.e. get through the blisters and form calluses). Our cadet liked Oakleys, but Danners and Nike are popular too. The issued boots are supposed to be awful, but serve as a backup at Jack's valley. After BCT, the first pair of Oakleys (somewhat funky at that point) became the training boots and a new pair of Oakleys were gotten for classes, etc. The issued boots have been laid to rest somewhere.
 
YoitsFly said:
I found this thread from last year regarding boots at BCT and to wear while at USAFA.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/bct-boot-recommendations.85855/#post-886618

Does anyone have any specific recommendations? I was thinking of getting the Nike SFB Gen 2 8" Leather but Nike running shoes always rub for me so I'm not sure if the boots will be the same (I have never bought boots before).

Also, I saw on USAFA's website that the Academy provides cadets with boots during BCT. Does this mean I don't need to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
The ones they issue are not good quality and cause blistersand are heavy. Nike are the most popular ones the cadets use. They're heavy duty and light. Cadets can run in them easier. Treat them with a water proof spray so they dont get ruined during BCT, Jack's Valley. Our DS wears his Nike everywhere and saves his issued ones for inspections and for when he's attending a special event. He wore his Nike during BCT and every day since. They're just now breaking down. He said he's going to make them last until after Recognition and then buy a new pair after summer sessions. I've heard a lot of people buy the Oakley brand to wear to classes, but they are not heavy duty for BCT, based on the feedback our DS has received from fellow cadets and upperclassman. There are 2 other popular brands you'll find cadets wearing but I can't remember the names. Be sure to buy the correct color.
 
My DD is class of 25. She bought Salomon’s for BCT and are just now needing to replace for the first time. You might want to hit up a running store after you get your bought a and pick up some different insoles. You will be spending a lot of time on your feet so if you are going to spend money on anything it should be on your footwear.
 
I love my Nike boots. I have the Oakley as well but as mentioned before, they are very lightweight. They feel like pieces of paper with a rubber sole on the bottom.
 
Does anyone wear Rockies? I use them for JROTC and rucking but don't wear them every day.
 
Danner Tachyon all the way, put em through all of basic, A course and all, rucking etc, wear them everyday and they’re still good as new
 
My DD has very small feet (size 5). The only boots that worked well were Under Armour Women's Micro G Valsetz.
 
There are boot recommendations & requirements in the Appointee Handbook. Please refer to that.

This was posted by the USAFA Parent Liaison last year:

COMBAT BOOTS​

By the time you arrive at the boot issue station on in-processing day, you will have been on your feet for many hours and your feet will be swollen and tired. To ensure a perfect fit and lower the risk of blisters, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED you purchase 1 pair of boots and wear them for 2-4 weeks prior to arrival at the Air Force Academy.
They must meet the following specifications:
  • Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP)
  • coyote brown in color
  • 8 - 10 inches high
  • have a rubber sole
  • waterproof upper bootie (Gore-tex or similar)
  • must NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers.
There are many options available out there, some examples:
  • Rocky S2V RKC050
  • Bellville model C790
  • Salomon Guardian CSWP boot
  • Danner RIVOT TFX 8" coyote
All incoming cadets will be issued sufficient boots to ensure that they have two (2) pairs of serviceable boots for wear during BCT. If you purchase boots, wear them when you report for in-processing (I-Day).
 
The Amazon "try before you buy" helped my DD find the ones that fit well. (I think we went through three pairs first.) Then once you find the ones you like, watch Amazon for boots that have been returned without the box. They sell them at 1/2 price, and they are new. And know what the boots look like so you can find your Doolie on webguy during BCT :cool:
 
YoitsFly said:
I found this thread from last year regarding boots at BCT and to wear while at USAFA.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/bct-boot-recommendations.85855/#post-886618

Does anyone have any specific recommendations? I was thinking of getting the Nike SFB Gen 2 8" Leather but Nike running shoes always rub for me so I'm not sure if the boots will be the same (I have never bought boots before).

Also, I saw on USAFA's website that the Academy provides cadets with boots during BCT. Does this mean I don't need to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I have Rockies coming in today, I will let you know how they feel! I have heard good things about them from past Cadets.
 
YoitsFly said:
I found this thread from last year regarding boots at BCT and to wear while at USAFA.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/bct-boot-recommendations.85855/#post-886618

Does anyone have any specific recommendations? I was thinking of getting the Nike SFB Gen 2 8" Leather but Nike running shoes always rub for me so I'm not sure if the boots will be the same (I have never bought boots before).

Also, I saw on USAFA's website that the Academy provides cadets with boots during BCT. Does this mean I don't need to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
When it comes to shoes, it's a personal choice. What works for one does not necessarily work for others. As far as should your DS/DD bring his/her own, my DS did. During BCT, each basic cadet will be issued one pair. As someone has stated, it's recommended to bring an extra pair. What your DS/DD wants to use during Jack is again up to the personal individual.
 
YoitsFly said:
I found this thread from last year regarding boots at BCT and to wear while at USAFA.

https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/bct-boot-recommendations.85855/#post-886618

Does anyone have any specific recommendations? I was thinking of getting the Nike SFB Gen 2 8" Leather but Nike running shoes always rub for me so I'm not sure if the boots will be the same (I have never bought boots before).

Also, I saw on USAFA's website that the Academy provides cadets with boots during BCT. Does this mean I don't need to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
It’s very important that you try on different brands and sizes. I tried the Nike, Oakley, Danner and settled with Belleville. I am an 11 but size 10 of Belleville fits best. Ordered all thru Amazon and sent back the ones that did not fit.
 
I wore Garmont T-8's for my pretty much my whole prep-year, and this year up to this point. They're a good middle ground between the light-weight nature of the Nike's and the durability of the Rocky's. I had a pair of Nike's but they got torn up pretty quick.
 
My DS got a pair of Salomon Guardians a few weeks ahead of entering USAFA Prep last year. He's been in them all year and loves them. This is a kid who rarely wore hiking boots let alone 'tactical footwear' (preferred sneakers and crocs most of the time), so I was very curious how he would do in boots full time. He never tried the lighter weight Nike's or Oakley's, so I can't offer a true comparison or feedback there.

The Salomon's are definitely boots and not 'sneaker-like' and from a structural and comfort standpoint DS has had ZERO issues with them. I think he will get another pair if/when these age out, which I'm thinking could be a few years down the line.

1678976141818.png
 
dsparent79 said:
My DS got a pair of Salomon Guardians a few weeks ahead of entering USAFA Prep last year. He's been in them all year and loves them. This is a kid who rarely wore hiking boots let alone 'tactical footwear' (preferred sneakers and crocs most of the time), so I was very curious how he would do in boots full time. He never tried the lighter weight Nike's or Oakley's, so I can't offer a true comparison or feedback there.

The Salomon's are definitely boots and not 'sneaker-like' and from a structural and comfort standpoint DS has had ZERO issues with them. I think he will get another pair if/when these age out, which I'm thinking could be a few years down the line.

View attachment 13688
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Do you know whether that is the T8 NFS or T8 Bifida ?
 
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