Class of 2025 - Boots before I-Day

Mort867

Mort867

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I've been reading through the Class of 2024 Appointee Booklet while waiting for this year's to be released and am looking at the suggestion to break-in combat boots well before I-Day begins. What type/brand of boots are issued at USAFA during BCT? I've read that the Nike's are pretty popular and will have the opportunity to try several on before purchasing them, but would like to know what's issued before getting a break-in pair.
 
Did you also search last year's threads? I just remember seeing lots of conversation around "boots" about this same time last year - though I'm not sure if recommendations have changed. If you search "boots" in USAFA you'll see them - if you revive one I'm sure others will add their most recent feedback. And congratulations!
 
Poster2025 said:
Did you also search last year's threads? I just remember seeing lots of conversation around "boots" about this same time last year - though I'm not sure if recommendations have changed. If you search "boots" in USAFA you'll see them - if you revive one I'm sure others will add their most recent feedback. And congratulations!
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I have searched through the posts from last year, but couldn't find a definitive answer about what boots are issued.
 
Do it old school and....scroll! You will be looking at early 2020-June 2020 threads, and annually from around March - June. There are alot of really good threads on all things inprocessing and fourth year related.

Last cycle is when the boots changed from the green to coyote brown. I would wait until the Class of 2025 Appointee Book comes out AND....join the Class of 2025 facebook page and watch for announcements from the Parent Liasion - not someone with an opinion - the PARENT LIASON or OFFICIAL announcement/posts. Last year, boot info was BEFORE the appointee book came out.

My advice: You will get familiar with brands like Nike, Rocky, Danner.....I suggest buying several and there is variance even between the same boot ordered multiple times. Wow did I have to keep up with returns! You can also ask for a military discount and specifically if a USAFA appointee can also get the military discount. My DD chose one pair Nike (not waterproof and lighter) and one pair Rockys that she took to BCT. After BCT, she requested I mail the Nikes for school use. At xmas, she brought home the issued boots since she had too many. I highly suggest having a replacement sneaker/running shoe as well - she also requested a 2nd pair be mailed.

Start ordering as soon as the information comes out, vendors will run out. Time your workouts so that you are doing a light walk in them at first, then build up to running. DO NOT run until you get a blister. It will just set you back. Again, start early and very light and then build up. You can also start buying all things blister related to have handy.
 
My son ended up with the Reebok Fusion Max boot after Beast Barracks (UMSA '24). He ordered and tried on multiple brands and sizes when he first got the Boot Memo from West Point. All were returned for one reason or another. He reported for Beast with a pair of Garmont T8's which were on the "approved" list he received once he accepted his appointment. He did say that some New Cadets showed up with boots that were not on the approved list with absolutely no issue from the cadre. Once Beast was over, he wanted the Reebok's sent to him immediately and he has commented that they are much more comfortable for Garrison Duty (classes, etc.). He too, brought his issue boots home for Christmas and little bro has taken them over for camping, hiking, etc. He has held onto his Garmont's for field training.
 
HCopter said:
Last cycle is when the boots changed from the green to coyote brown. I would wait until the Class of 2025 Appointee Book comes out AND....join the Class of 2025 facebook page and watch for announcements from the Parent Liasion - not someone with an opinion - the PARENT LIASON or OFFICIAL announcement/posts. Last year, boot info was BEFORE the appointee book came out.
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Do you know when the facebook page is usually created?
 
This is my definitive answer as a doolie who went through basic last summer:

1. Color must be coyote brown
2. They do NOT need to be waterproof (we were issued cheap clunky waterproof boots for the assault course)
3. Get LIGHT boots. At USAFA, we are not the Army, you will not be doing 10 mile rucks or hard field training. Your calfs will thank you as you go up and down 6 flights of stairs.
4. So here are my recommendations: Nike SFB Gen 2, Danner Tachyons, Oakley Light Assault Boot 2 and Garmont T8 NFS
5. Don't worry too much about it, spend ~100-175 on a pair and make sure to do at least a few hikes before I-day.
6. You don't have to run in your boots, we didn't do that during basic and you'll probably just get blisters.
 
GordonF2025 said:
The Facebook page is already up. Look for USAFA class of 2025 parents. There was a post about boots and shoes last week
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I saw the parents group. I was wondering if appointees should join that group, or if there is usually a different group created.
 
Our DD (who is a Doolie) initially got the Rocky's for BCT because she felt they gave her greater support. Once BCT ended, she went to the Nike's. When she came home for Xmas break she ordered the Oakley's -- said they are worn by many there, and they love them.
 
Candidate_Dad said:
Our DD (who is a Doolie) initially got the Rocky's for BCT because she felt they gave her greater support. Once BCT ended, she went to the Nike's. When she came home for Xmas break she ordered the Oakley's -- said they are worn by many there, and they love them.
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Are these the ones she ordered? Did she end up liking? Thanks
 

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LTBob87 said:
If those are the boots, they are $120 at AAFES (clothing sales). At least that I was I am seeing online.
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When I go to base I'll check out how much, since I definitely need to buy mine soon to break them in.
 
My DD liked the Solomans and they held up great over the summer. We also got inserts for them from the local running company. Def spend some money on quality boots if you can afford it, your feet will thank you during all the marching and standing throughout the summer.
 
My DD has very small feet - size 5 women's (3 men's). There are few lightweight options out there.
She likes the Under Armour MicroG Valsetz. They say OCP authorized but they do not say waterproof upper. Will this be a problem? Any advice appreciated!!
 
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