Question about Boots Upon I-Day + BCT?

Velocity

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Hello, '23er here for USAFA.

This probably has been asked a couple of times now (I've seen this question asked a few years back), but what's the deal if the boots that we bring to I-Day happen to fall apart during BCT?

I bought the Nike SFB Field, and apparently, they do have some issues with durability and may wear out during Jackson's Valley. I've seen some answers in the past where they say that they will be giving us issued boots for us to use (and also states that in the appointee booklet), but I've also heard from others (current cadets at USAFA) where they said that you will need to buy another pair of your own if the boots that you brought happen falls apart.

For the most part, I'm sticking true to what I read in the appointee booklet, but if anyone has a solid answer, please let me know. Just want to make sure. Thank you!
 
Hello, '23er here for USAFA.

This probably has been asked a couple of times now (I've seen this question asked a few years back), but what's the deal if the boots that we bring to I-Day happen to fall apart during BCT?

I bought the Nike SFB Field, and apparently, they do have some issues with durability and may wear out during Jackson's Valley. I've seen some answers in the past where they say that they will be giving us issued boots for us to use (and also states that in the appointee booklet), but I've also heard from others (current cadets at USAFA) where they said that you will need to buy another pair of your own if the boots that you brought happen falls apart.

For the most part, I'm sticking true to what I read in the appointee booklet, but if anyone has a solid answer, please let me know. Just want to make sure. Thank you!

Following the recommendations in the appointee booklet is a stellar plan ;).

USAFA will want to make sure you have two pairs of boots for BCT - if you bring a pair, a second will be issued - if you do not bring any, two pairs will be issued. I know that the cadre has made sure that other issued items have been replaced during BCT as required, so would assume that boots would be treated the same (they will want to make sure your feet are taken care of).
 
Don't be confused between the words "issued" and "buy." AFA will "issue" you a second pair since you'll wear your broken-in pair on I-day. But they charge you for the second pair boots through payroll deduction so some people say you're "buying" a second pair. Either way, they know what to do. Now go running!
 
Hello, '23er here for USAFA.

This probably has been asked a couple of times now (I've seen this question asked a few years back), but what's the deal if the boots that we bring to I-Day happen to fall apart during BCT?

I bought the Nike SFB Field, and apparently, they do have some issues with durability and may wear out during Jackson's Valley. I've seen some answers in the past where they say that they will be giving us issued boots for us to use (and also states that in the appointee booklet), but I've also heard from others (current cadets at USAFA) where they said that you will need to buy another pair of your own if the boots that you brought happen falls apart.

For the most part, I'm sticking true to what I read in the appointee booklet, but if anyone has a solid answer, please let me know. Just want to make sure. Thank you!
I current use those boots and I wouldn't recommend them for marching and outdoor activities. Also, if C/O 23 receives OCP's instead of ABU's you will need to change boots due to color.
 
If you are looking for a boot recommendation I am a fan of the Danner Tanicus. I wear them daily and they hold up well enough that I went backpacking with them and they held up to the abuse.
 
Hello, '23er here for USAFA.

This probably has been asked a couple of times now (I've seen this question asked a few years back), but what's the deal if the boots that we bring to I-Day happen to fall apart during BCT?

I bought the Nike SFB Field, and apparently, they do have some issues with durability and may wear out during Jackson's Valley. I've seen some answers in the past where they say that they will be giving us issued boots for us to use (and also states that in the appointee booklet), but I've also heard from others (current cadets at USAFA) where they said that you will need to buy another pair of your own if the boots that you brought happen falls apart.

For the most part, I'm sticking true to what I read in the appointee booklet, but if anyone has a solid answer, please let me know. Just want to make sure. Thank you!
I current use those boots and I wouldn't recommend them for marching and outdoor activities. Also, if C/O 23 receives OCP's instead of ABU's you will need to change boots due to color.

The Class of 2023 Appointee Booklet states that we need to bring ABU boots, not OCP ones
 
What boots does everyone recommend? I have heard good ones about these (Garmont T8) and they are a pretty good price: https://uspatriottactical.com/garmont-t8-bifida-boots-sage-closeout/

only problem is that they are final sale, so I will have to find somewhere to try them on and find the right size before purchasing
Like I said above I recommend the Danner Tanicus boots they are durrable and super comfortable. I have also heard great things about rockys, lowas, and merrel MOABs. Remember that you will probably be wearing these boots most days and marching/ walking around in them so you want them to be comfortable. My boots are the only thing I wear day to day that I bought/ weren't issued to me because I wanted the extra comfort that the boots I was issued in BMT don't provide.
 
What boots does everyone recommend? I have heard good ones about these (Garmont T8) and they are a pretty good price: https://uspatriottactical.com/garmont-t8-bifida-boots-sage-closeout/

only problem is that they are final sale, so I will have to find somewhere to try them on and find the right size before purchasing
Bought those for DS along with a pair of the Nikes a couple weeks ago. The Nikes are quite a bit lighter, but the Garmot's feel more sturdy and IMHO a nicer feeling boot. I'm not sure which he will be taking with him yet, but the other pair will be coming on parents weekend to give him another option.
 
I went with the Belleville 690’s as recommended in the Appointee Booklet. I tried to get some at the local AFB, but they have already phased out the ABU’s. The ones I ordered were not the right size but Belleville has a great return policy and I will be getting the correct size soon. They are very sturdy boots and IMHO, I recommend them to everyone. Talking to a C3C and C4C at the academy, one loves the Nike boots and the other tried to steer me away so I guess it’s a personal opinion on the Nikes (and any boot really). Can’t go wrong with the Belleville’s though.
 
We purchased a pair of Belleville 690's for DS to break in before BCT. He received an issued pair on I-Day and wore both during BCT. We then brought a pair of the Nike's to him on A-Day. He was so happy to have a lighter set of boots but was glad he had the heavier Belleville's for BCT.
 
We purchased a pair of Belleville 690's for DS to break in before BCT. He received an issued pair on I-Day and wore both during BCT. We then brought a pair of the Nike's to him on A-Day. He was so happy to have a lighter set of boots but was glad he had the heavier Belleville's for BCT.
Was there a reason he liked the heavier boots for basic? I would think lighter boots would be nicer for all the running and flutter kicks. But I know nothing [emoji23]
 
We purchased a pair of Belleville 690's for DS to break in before BCT. He received an issued pair on I-Day and wore both during BCT. We then brought a pair of the Nike's to him on A-Day. He was so happy to have a lighter set of boots but was glad he had the heavier Belleville's for BCT.
Was there a reason he liked the heavier boots for basic? I would think lighter boots would be nicer for all the running and flutter kicks. But I know nothing [emoji23]
They held up better, especially in Jack's Valley.
 
We purchased a pair of Belleville 690's for DS to break in before BCT. He received an issued pair on I-Day and wore both during BCT. We then brought a pair of the Nike's to him on A-Day. He was so happy to have a lighter set of boots but was glad he had the heavier Belleville's for BCT.
Was there a reason he liked the heavier boots for basic? I would think lighter boots would be nicer for all the running and flutter kicks. But I know nothing [emoji23]

My DS preferred his heavier Danner boots for BCT and other "field" training exercises as he felt the they provided better support and water protection - they are still in great shape.

He usually wears his Nike boots for classroom days and activities on the Tzo. He wore his Nike boots during recognition and quickly replaced them as they were "trashed" during the event (I don't know if there is a story involved, but I'm not going to ask).

As a Colorado girl, you shouldn't be fighting the same altitude challenges as those from the coasts... ;)
 
If you are visiting campus for the appointee tour, can you buy a pair of boots while on base? I can't find any local stores in our area and the 690's seem to be on closeout at many online stores and have limited sizes.
 
As a recommendation for everyone getting boots, I highly suggest waterproofing them even if the manufacturer says they are waterproof it is usually spotty at best.
 
Because the ABUs have been phased out it is tough to find anything. Tried to get a pair of Danner's but couldnt find anything in DSs size. Ordered he Nike SFB and the Belleville 690 for him to try. Wish there was someplace in/near CT to try some on...
 
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