Purchasing Boots On-Post

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wp0524

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Mar 21, 2016
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So I have ordered three pairs of boots, and none of them seems to fit quite right. I'll be driving in the vicinity of Fort Hood this weekend, and was hoping to go to one of the stores there so I can actually try on the boots. As an accepted candidate, am I allowed onto the base for this purpose, and, if so, what ID / paperwork do I need to show to gain access? I've heard some things about the "USMA Acceptance Letter," is this referring to the leather folder containing the appointment or something else? Advice would be much appreciated.
 
Find contact information for the post exchange at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/

Give them a call and they should tell you that you need to provide id, acceptance letter and boot letter to access the base (might be a specific gate you need to got to) and shop at the exchange. You could also confirm what boots and low Q's they stock.
 
The vistors center can be a pain (crowded, slow) to get a pass if they are still requring them. You'll need proof of vehicle registration, insurance, and, of course, a driver license. A cell phone photo of the window sticker will usually suffice for proof of registration.

Try off post. You'd be surprised sometimes that the prices are better. It's been a few years, but we went on Fort Hood for the same purpose. I knew what the boot prices were at online retailers, but was concerned about fit. The prices were higher at clothing and sales. Bought the same boots cheaper, including Texas sales tax, just outside the gate.
 
My DS also had trouble with the boots. He settled on a pair slightly large. We did end up buying them at a US Patriot store outside of Ft Bragg because we were told cheaper. Our experience getting on Ft Bragg, NC, my DS had his "shoe letter" which states permission. You will still need the usual, ID, car registration and proof of insurance. (then they made our picture and gave us a year long Pass). However, the low quarter shoes required in the letter is what is causing more problems with sizing for my DS and we have found you can only get them at the on-base store or order online in our area. We are now on our third return by mail. They are running big for my DS. @wp0524
 
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Also, for my DS, (the slightly large T 8 Bifida boot) he tried to break in his boots by climbing Kings Mtn in NC and is still satisfied with the size and boot.
 
sa2021 said:
Also, for my DS, (the slightly large T 8 Bifida boot) he tried to break in his boots by climbing Kings Mtn in NC and is still satisfied with the size and boot.
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This is the same issue I was having. The heel feels a little loose, but I don't know how much of a problem that will cause. Other than that, I absolutely love the T-8. If I go down another half size, the toe will probably be too short.
 
wp0524 said:
This is the same issue I was having. The heel feels a little loose, but I don't know how much of a problem that will cause. Other than that, I absolutely love the T-8. If I go down another half size, the toe will probably be too short.
Click to expand...

Same for my DS, he went down a size, it fit tighter, walked around the neighborhood but the toe was too short for comfort. Not sure if insoles would help with fit? (which I believe is allowed from another post) My DS seems to be fine with the slightly larger now after climbing on a rainy muddy mtn.
 
sa2021 said:
Same for my DS, he went down a size, it fit tighter, walked around the neighborhood but the toe was too short for comfort. Not sure if insoles would help with fit? (which I believe is allowed from another post) My DS seems to be fine with the slightly larger now after climbing on a rainy muddy mtn.
Click to expand...
I tried an insole, but it was too tight against the top of my foot. I also tried using a heel liner, but the adhesive wouldn't stick well to the material of the boot.
 
ebbinns said:
Find contact information for the post exchange at https://www.shopmyexchange.com/

Give them a call and they should tell you that you need to provide id, acceptance letter and boot letter to access the base (might be a specific gate you need to got to) and shop at the exchange. You could also confirm what boots and low Q's they stock.
Click to expand...

What exactly is the acceptance letter? The leather-bound folder with the certificate of appointment in it?
 
DD waiting for second pair to arrive, first pair was too big. Also having a tough time finding sizes in stock, hope this next pair fits.
It was mentioned by a 2019 parent at a founders day dinner that the boy scouts would wear a second pair of thin socks under regular socks to prevent blisters by allowing any movement of the foot to occur between the socks instead of the foot and boot, is this allowed?
I know from wearing work boots for over thirty years that the fit is critical and If the new cadets are going to be running in them its even more important.
 
Enthalpy said:
DD waiting for second pair to arrive, first pair was too big. Also having a tough time finding sizes in stock, hope this next pair fits.
It was mentioned by a 2019 parent at a founders day dinner that the boy scouts would wear a second pair of thin socks under regular socks to prevent blisters by allowing any movement of the foot to occur between the socks instead of the foot and boot, is this allowed?
I know from wearing work boots for over thirty years that the fit is critical and If the new cadets are going to be running in them its even more important.
Click to expand...
Cadets don't run in boots. That's where the quality pair of running shoes comes in.
 
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