Propper Combat Boots

[JDB]

JDB.... any backpack recommendations?

We bought DS a Swiss Gear Scan Smart backpack that was about 44 inches (HxWxD) in overall size. DS could not get everything he wanted into the back pack. We found a matching Swiss Gear duffel bag that was 45" in overall size (which really is still fairly small for what fit into it) and bought it. The layout of the duffel bag allowed him to pack everything in zip locks, and they all fit into the duffel with some effort...except his boots. The boots sat on top of the duffel, and he could carry the duffel by its hand straps or sling it off his shoulder by its long strap. He said the duffel worked great for him.

Like I said in my earlier post, there were CC's that showed up with duffels that were obviously larger than 45 inches. I can't say how those individuals were treated by the Cadre, but at minimum, those individuals had to carry that extra weight all day. Also, the goal on "R" Day is to not stand out; the nail that sticks out get hammered.
There was a handful of poor souls who brought rolling bags. Don't be that Cadet Candidate!

 

[Cdkd]

My plebe son likes Garmont T8. The above info from JDB is very accurate. You can try the boots at nearest PX or base then purchase online or the Cadet Store online. I found the price at Cadet store is $20 less than Amazon. We have to purchase a 2nd pair because the first pair was so dirty from the Beast summer. My DS uses the old pair for training/rucking. WP issued one pair of boots I think the brand is DLATS but not very comfortable. Be careful of the Bates/low quarters, many plebes paid too much attention to the boots and not the low quarters. After the first day of Beast/R day many of them developed moderate to severe blisters. The low quarters Bates at WP PX is about $40 less than online or Cadet Store. Obviously we purchased a new pair of low quarters for him on the A day at the PX. If you receive appointment, I am glad to send you the bag that my plebe used for the R day. You can use as back pack or carry on.

 

[wp24]

Just a quick reply to the entire thread that will help/ give some insight. I will probably be cadre for the cadet candidates coming in for the class of '23. The boots your DS or DD get does not matter as long as they are AR670-1 compliant, because they are technically still in uniform. I understand the criticism with the idea that details matter (I completed air assault), but it is more important for a new cadet to have boots that do not give them blister or issues with their boots during beast. From what I remember in beast is that we did not get the issued boots until a few weeks into beast, so you have to bring your own. I recommend that you buy garment T8s or the Nike combat boots in COYOTE BROWN. Also, socks matter almost as much as the boots you get, I recommend Fox Rivers. Lastly, buy the nice low quarters, they will be wearing those a lot during Beast. I hoped this help, because I notice that this is a question every year.

 

[cptenca]

Character is what you do when no one is looking. Follow the rules or don't.

 

[emwvmi01]

A few responses on boots
1. If you don't get/can't afford boots it is no big deal and you won't be at a disadvantage. A lot of myths exists from the days when Army issue boots were lower quality and not gender specific. Since the conversion to the desert boots in 2005, even Army issue boots can really be worn without significant break in. I say that having worn them for 13 years now, multiple deployments and lots of foot marching. So if you end up taking what is thrown in your duffel/laundry bag on your first day at a SA/SMC/ROTC you will be fine. The biggest issue that people have with boots and blisters is that the average 18 year old isn't used to wearing them after a life in tennis shoes/flip flops. I come out this having some pretty nasty blisters back during my first year or two of ruck marching. After 9 years in a light infantry division my feet were conditioned enough that I really needed little/to no break in on boots and I could knock out a 4-6 miler without issue.
2. In the absence of orders I think WP24 has it right go with the next higher intent which is AR/DA PAM 670-1.
3. Something I would consider is to always keep in mind that using the gear issued gives you a good idea of what your Soldiers are using/wearing. I have a few quirks that I have picked up in 21 years but as a LT I was always skeptical of the "Geardos" who had to have the latest cool guy stuff. Issued boots, socks, assault packs etc are all going to be just fine and you'll probably make captain regardless Your Soldiers will see you doing the same thing and even better they won't feel the pressure to go get some high speed crap that they can't afford.

 

[shock-n-awe]

Just a quick reply to the entire thread that will help/ give some insight. I will probably be cadre for the cadet candidates coming in for the class of '23. The boots your DS or DD get does not matter as long as they are AR670-1 compliant, because they are technically still in uniform. I understand the criticism with the idea that details matter (I completed air assault), but it is more important for a new cadet to have boots that do not give them blister or issues with their boots during beast. From what I remember in beast is that we did not get the issued boots until a few weeks into beast, so you have to bring your own. I recommend that you buy garment T8s or the Nike combat boots in COYOTE BROWN. Also, socks matter almost as much as the boots you get, I recommend Fox Rivers. Lastly, buy the nice low quarters, they will be wearing those a lot during Beast. I hoped this help, because I notice that this is a question every year.

While I appreciate some of your sympathetic and mostly good advice to incoming CC’s regarding socks, bates low quarters, and quality boots, I question your outspoken disregard and recommendation for CC’s to also disregard written requirements. If your opinion is that the boot letter will not be enforced and is irrelevant, you should take your case to your chain of command and get it changed to simply AR670-1 compliant boots are allowed before telling your future soldiers to not comply. I discussed the attention to detail previously, and now this advice from potential cadre to not follow orders blows my mind. It’s probably not a big deal though right....
Leading by example is not cliche, and your subordinates follow your example.

 

[Stark]

During SLE 2018 my squad's sergeant highly recommended the Belleville Khybers (they are specifically authorized for WP, and I saw them for sale at the Cadet Store), and I myself have a pair and can say they are the most comfortable combat boots I've ever had. Watch out for the color though, desert tan (ACU) will soon be out of regs, coyote brown is the OCP/AR670-1 compliant version.

 

[NavyHoops]

As great as it is to read all these future Cadets and Parents are now scratching their heads... this is truely an individual choice. What one person finds great, another may not. The great part... boots have come a very long ways in the last 10-15 years and are so much better. If it’s possible, try them on with good socks, try on every pair you can, walk in them a lot when you do. If you are ordering online, hopefully you order a few pairs and start to narrow them down. It makes for lots of credit card charges and post office drop offs, but worth it. Once you start to narrow down brand/model then you can start to right size it. I will leave the compliance to policy to those familiar with USMA.

 

[USMCGrunt]

+1 NavyHoops. We have come a long way from the options I had 38 years ago (exactly one choice). Any boot option today is better than these were!

 

[shock-n-awe]

+1 NavyHoops. We have come a long way from the options I had 38 years ago (exactly one choice). Any boot option today is better than these were!

Yes, kiwi was king!
You maybe got to wear jungle boots as another option if your company allowed it during my time , but I digress.

 

[Walman888]

During SLE 2018 my squad's sergeant highly recommended the Belleville Khybers (they are specifically authorized for WP, and I saw them for sale at the Cadet Store), and I myself have a pair and can say they are the most comfortable combat boots I've ever had. Watch out for the color though, desert tan (ACU) will soon be out of regs, coyote brown is the OCP/AR670-1 compliant version.

Strongly agree.