Boot sizing?

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WPDAD2026

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Feb 5, 2022
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When ordering boots for the break-in period, should my DS order half size up to allow for thicker socks and swelling in summer heat? Or same size as running shoes which already have a little wiggle room? Thanks for your help.
 
I think your best option is to go to a PX and try them on. All boots fit differently, some (like the Belleville's I got) are a size to a size and a half larger than my actual shoe size. Others run small. If I ordered them at my actual shoe size they would've been way too small. You should try a pair on before you order them online.
 
Your best bet is to order 2-3 sizes and send back the ones that don't fit.
If you travel to the PX/NEX, it is never certain that they will have the size or type of boot you need.
Ordering online is the way to go.
 
WPDAD2026 said:
When ordering boots for the break-in period, should my DS order half size up to allow for thicker socks and swelling in summer heat? Or same size as running shoes which already have a little wiggle room? Thanks for your help.
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Ummm... boots? Help a mom out. What boots? Why? and WHERE are you getting this info? hahaha I thought that they issue them everything they need. What is my son NOT telling me? lol
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
Ummm... boots? Help a mom out. What boots? Why? and WHERE are you getting this info? hahaha I thought that they issue them everything they need. What is my son NOT telling me? lol
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They will issue them boots but it's a good idea to get a pair now and break them in before R-day. Be forewarned, they are not cheap but a well fitting pair of boots will save a lot of pain during beast. Also a good idea to get a pair of the low quarters and get used to wearing them. They spend a lot of time in them the first half of beast. The boots just need to be AR 670-1 compliant. Do a search on boots on this forum and you'll get all of the info you will need and more. It is a popular topic.
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
Ummm... boots? Help a mom out. What boots? Why? and WHERE are you getting this info? hahaha I thought that they issue them everything they need. What is my son NOT telling me? lol
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There is a notorious "Boot Letter"--it makes detailed suggestions on which low quarters (the black shoes that lace, like oxfords) and the Army boots. Have your kid look in the portal for the memo. Are you on the Facebook West Point Moms page or the Official Facebook Class of 2026 page. Let's go Mom of 3 Great Kids...step up your game for the next 4 1/2 years--so you can figure out how to get your kid home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all about A Day and Plebe Parent Weekend and everything!!!!!
 
DrMom said:
Your best bet is to order 2-3 sizes and send back the ones that don't fit.
If you travel to the PX/NEX, it is never certain that they will have the size or type of boot you need.
Ordering online is the way to go.
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This is what I do. I order 12,12.5 (if available) and 13. My size always varies between those three depending on the boot.
 
MomOf3GreatKids said:
Ummm... boots? Help a mom out. What boots? Why? and WHERE are you getting this info? hahaha I thought that they issue them everything they need. What is my son NOT telling me? lol
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The regulation for the boots was released in a boot letter in the portal, and it states:

6. MANDATORY 8”-10” BOOT PURCHASE: The boots must be compliant with Department of Army Pamphlet 670-1 (26 January 2021). The boots must be between 8 to 10 inches in height and made of coyote-colored, flesh-side out, cattlehide leather with a plain toe and a soling system matching the color of the coyote upper materials. Rubber and polyether polyurethane are the only outsole materials that are authorized. The soling materials will not exceed 2 inches in height when measured from the bottom of the outsole and will not extend up the back of the heel or boot or over the top of the toe. The exterior of the boot upper will not contain mesh but will be constructed of all leather or a combination of leather and non-mesh fabric. The combat leather boot is made of leather with a deep lug tread sole made of vulcanized rubber, a removable cushioned insert, a closed-loop speed lace system, and a leather padded collar. A vulcanized rubber sole is the only outsole material that currently meets the need for durability and traction on surfaces. Other materials that may be of a lighter weight may have significant problems in these areas. Prices vary by retailer. It is recommended you go to an authorized AAFES to ensure you are compliant with regulations.
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I personally got the Garmont T8 Bifida from Amazon. I got the same size I wore normally, but a half size down from athletic sneakers. If you want, you can see some of the items (recommended and mandatory) from 2018.
 

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Please note that boot sizes usually run big, a few of my friends ordered their size and had to go down about .5 to 1 size down from normal.
 
Sizes differ among the different manufacturers. I love Danners, but they always run a size small. Lalos are GREAT - but expensive. I concur with others who recommend ordering several different boots in different sizes and find the one that fits. Taking care of your feet is absolutely critical - do not go "cheap" or get a pair of boots that are just "OK". Break your boots in right and toughen your feet up by rucking - there is a big difference between athletic shoe feet and boot feet. Just because you can run 6 miles in athletic shoes doesn't mean you'll be able ruck six miles in boots.
 
Also, don't blindly buy what everyone else recommends. Fitting is essential. DS was disappointed the most recommended boots hurt the top of his feet or felt weird at the bottom. He fitted Garmont Falcon from an AF/Army exchange and was happy with it. We also looked at this store, they have good stock of brands and sizes.

The Nation's Largest OCP Uniform and Military Boot Retailer - US Patriot Tactical

US Patriot Tactical is your one-stop-shop for US Army and Air Force uniforms, military boots, tactical gear, and accessories.
www.uspatriottactical.com www.uspatriottactical.com
 
Equally important as the boots are the socks and, for some, shoe inserts. A good quality sock such as Darn Tough will make a huge difference. I actually wear two pairs of socks with my boots: A very thin pair with a thick wool sock over top. I also wear a shoe insert (Superfeet Green) as I have narrow heals. All of these help prevent blisters. Folks might say that two pairs in the summer will be hot. Where I am, the temperature is well over 100 for three months of the year and tops out at about 125 for a week or two. Hot feet are better that blistered heels. By the way, I wear Garmont T8s and log about 10 miles a day in them.
 
DrMom said:
There is a notorious "Boot Letter"--it makes detailed suggestions on which low quarters (the black shoes that lace, like oxfords) and the Army boots. Have your kid look in the portal for the memo. Are you on the Facebook West Point Moms page or the Official Facebook Class of 2026 page. Let's go Mom of 3 Great Kids...step up your game for the next 4 1/2 years--so you can figure out how to get your kid home for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all about A Day and Plebe Parent Weekend and everything!!!!!
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HAHA! Yes, ma'am! I will step up my game! Thanks so much for all the help. You all experienced parents on here really are worth a million bucks!
 
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