"Highly Recommended Boots"

Belleville cancelled my order for ABU 650 because it has been discontinued.
Reading Belleville's Sizing info below, should I order a size 8 if my son normally wears a 9?
  • CHECK YOUR SIZE:
    Belleville boots are about 1 to 1½ full sizes larger in fit than your normal shoe size when measuring on a standard Brannock shoe device. The difference depends on the type of boot you choose; soft toe vs. steel toe.
 
I ordered Rocky C4T Trainer Military Duty Boot SAGE GREEN [WIDTH:WIDE, size:9 for my DS from http://www.armynavyplus.com/ last week. He wears size 9.5 tennis shoe & this Rocky boot fits nicely, very lightweight. He wore it & walked around the house several hours last weekend. He said it felt alright. After his varsity tennis season is over in May, he'll run in the boot until I Day. Shipping is free and the armynavyplus has a store in our town so return is free too if they don't fit.
 
IF and ONCE they are allowed later in their time there, they will want Nike Sage Green boots, however they may not be permitted at BCT. Plus the boots at BCT get a pretty good beating.
 
My DS wears a size 15 tennis shoe. We ordered a 15N and they fit perfectly (Belleville 690)
 
DS is currently a C2C and he says there is no need to buy boots before coming. The boots they issue do not need breaking in and the paperwork suggesting you bring your own just hasn't ever been updated. Said the same thing when he got his BFE 3 years ago. Hope this helps.
 
afmom17 said:
DS is currently a C2C and he says there is no need to buy boots before coming. The boots they issue do not need breaking in and the paperwork suggesting you bring your own just hasn't ever been updated. Said the same thing when he got his BFE 3 years ago. Hope this helps.
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My DD is C4C and her appointee book was different than my DS (class of 2020). In her book it was suggested. This year it has been upgraded to "Highly Recommended" in all caps and bold lettering. So it looks like that changes the recommendation for class of 2020.
 
I, again, will agree with the post above in saying that there is *no need* for your DS/DD to bring boots. If they want to - fine - but as much as people think the boot issue is an end game, I think 99% of cadets will attest to the fact that it wasn't, and was just another thing they had to carry or wear around on I-day.. Which sucks..to be frank..

And I know that many of the parents have been pointing to the change in the appointee booklet, however there are many of us who will either be on the BCT staff on this forum, or in my case, are roommates or closely associated with the sources who will be training your sons/daughters.

-Nilet (2018)
 
MD2020 said:
My DS wears a size 15 tennis shoe. We ordered a 15N and they fit perfectly (Belleville 690)
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wondering if your son typically wears a Narrow shoe? trying to decide if my daughter should order medium or narrow.
 
gusman said:
wondering if your son typically wears a Narrow shoe? trying to decide if my daughter should order medium or narrow.
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Gusman, my DD wears a 9 Regular/Med woman's shoe and the Belleville 690 boot size that fits her is a 6.5 Wide. She tried on a 6.5 regular/med and and it was too tight.
 
The Military Clothing Sales shop on our base carries Belleville boots, but not any of the recommended ones - 650 or 690. They have about 6 styles with only a couple that are soft toe (not steel toe). Do you think, as long as it is the same manufacturer (Belleville) and not steel-toed, the sizing should be the same? I would really prefer we have a good idea of the correct size before paying $150 or so. She insists she wants to get a pair to start wearing, if nothing else, to get used to boots versus other shoes.
 
Capri120 said:
The Military Clothing Sales shop on our base carries Belleville boots, but not any of the recommended ones - 650 or 690. They have about 6 styles with only a couple that are soft toe (not steel toe). Do you think, as long as it is the same manufacturer (Belleville) and not steel-toed, the sizing should be the same? I would really prefer we have a good idea of the correct size before paying $150 or so. She insists she wants to get a pair to start wearing, if nothing else, to get used to boots versus other shoes.
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I sent you a PM.
 
For everyone concerned about types of boots, running in boots, breaking them in, blisters, and whatever else I would like to provide some suggestions. I appreciate your concerns but this isn't as big an issue as many are making it out to be. As noted in some of the 30+ posts above, today's boots are infinitely more comfortable than years ago. They are built more like athletic shoes and are much lighter in weight. Further, any leader responsible for onboarding civilians had better plan on a phased plan to allow the students time to become accustomed to wearing boots. I would hope the AFA has enough experience to build a Program of Instruction that accounts for this.

So let me move to my main point: I urge everyone that will be going into the military (and wearing boots) to learn proper foot preparation and care. Check out any hiking/ camping book at the library or talk to a Boy Scout. Proper socks, toenail care, how to handle blisters, etc. Learn these techniques and you will not have any issues with the boots.

If you want to get a jump on toughening your feet you can go buy ANY darn military boot and start hiking, running, exercising, etc. Don't worry about the type or model number if the purpose is to get a jump on building up your feet and getting used to running in them. Heck, go to Sears and get a pair of workboots - they will do the same thing for you.
 
Good suggestion USMCGrunt.
DD has hunting boots she wears for deer & turkey season as well as when she wants to go wander around in the woods. So, maybe I should just tell her to go running in those, since they are heavier than the military ones.
 
gusman said:
wondering if your son typically wears a Narrow shoe? trying to decide if my daughter should order medium or narrow.
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My son normally wears a regular shoe. However in timberland boots he wears a narrow so I just went with that :)
 
Capri120 said:
Good suggestion USMCGrunt.
DD has hunting boots she wears for deer & turkey season as well as when she wants to go wander around in the woods. So, maybe I should just tell her to go running in those, since they are heavier than the military ones.
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Great idea. It is always better to over prepare. Good luck everyone!
 
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