Question regarding 2024 boot list

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Curiousandreading

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Oct 10, 2019
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My DD just accepted her appointment! Woohoo! However, now I am confused. We have zero military background. Do we order all the shoes on the boot list, or just a select few to break in ahead of time? I know this is a complete newbie question, but we are trying to learn quickly.
Thanks!
 
I went through Beast 10 years ago but we were required to show up with one pair of boots broken in and one pair of low quarters. We were then issued our second pair of each. I do not know what the current guidance is. However, on boots, go Garmont. Her feet will thank you.
 
Believe that is still the guidance and most posters agree Garmont NFS or T-8s.
 
First congrats to her! I remember last year some had issues getting boots due to supply issues so when more knowledgeable posters post, I recommend you buy early, as in forthwith. See if you can find more info using the search function "boots" in the USMA forum; it's a yearly topic-Good luck!
 
Agree on Garmont either model and Bates low quarters. You need one pair of low quarters and one pair of boots. Break them in and be generous with moleskin.

And congratulations.
 
Kind of building off of this, anyone have any watch recommendations?
 
My DS went with Garmont T-8 boots and Bates low quarters (the durashock model). He broke them in at home and had very few feet issues at WP....except when his feet got soaked from the rain. He also went to Fleet Feet and got fitted for a proper running shoe. He went with a Casio G Shock watch and has loved it. Just make sure you don’t buy a smart watch. Can’t have one during Beast, but you can during the school year.
 
Current Plebe here, I went into Beast with a pair of Belleville Khyber II‘s, Brooks running shoes (find a company you like), and low quarters, all broken in.
 
Very important to try on multiple size boots and low quarters. DS ordered and returned (online stores with free returns/exchanges) several pairs until he found good fit. I posted this on another thread but appropriate here.

Good socks and underwear are highly recommend. Issued dress socks and underwear are not good. Below are what DS took to beast last year and had no issues with blisters or chafing.

Dress socks for low quarters-black cushion type sock rather than thin dress sock.
Hanes Men's ComfortBlend Max Cushion Crew Socks 6-Pack, Black Shoe Size: 6-12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRBTPHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_-T9tEbT7PD1B8

Boot socks
Fox River Men's Wick Dry Maximum Mid Calf Military Sock, 3 Pack (Black, Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XP75BYN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_W79tEb2CBT2XE

Underwear-No logo dri-fit type (nocotton) boxer brief with 6” inseam to not show past PT shorts. Very hard to find without some type of logo on the waistband. DS found some all black ones at Target with barely visibly logo and he said they were fine. As last resort, logos can be blacked out with laundry proof marker.
 
okboomer said:
Believe that is still the guidance and most posters agree Garmont NFS or T-8s.
Click to expand...

If it is your first time wearing heavy loads while walking or walking a lot i recommend the T-8 bifidas. The t-8's have more padding(or thicker sole) to absorb impact while rucking than NFS's. The NFS variety does allow you to run a lot easier though.

Garmont's (at least for me) don't require much break-in(T-8 and NFS). The Bate's low quarters do require that break-in time.
 
From what my older DS told me, when I asked him as we start to prepare for my USMA '24 Cadet Candidate, the Cadre are not concerned about waistband brand names on your black underwear - it's inevitable that they are going to have something. They just don't want huge Adidas, Nike, or UnderArmor logos all over your under garments and visible while you're in your PT shorts. Thus, he instructed us not to worry about "blacking out" the waistband brand name. Am considering having DS pack one pair of smiley face boxers, just in case he feels as if he's not getting enough attention from the Cadre.
 
jwoody28 said:
My DS went with Garmont T-8 boots and Bates low quarters (the durashock model). He broke them in at home and had very few feet issues at WP....except when his feet got soaked from the rain. He also went to Fleet Feet and got fitted for a proper running shoe. He went with a Casio G Shock watch and has loved it. Just make sure you don’t buy a smart watch. Can’t have one during Beast, but you can during the school year.
Click to expand...
I reccomend Fleet Feet!!!!! They are the best and have the best shoe/insert combinations.
 
TB_Rays said:
Kind of building off of this, anyone have any watch recommendations?
Click to expand...
(C/O ‘23) I got a G-Shock, it was a little expensive at $100, but I still use it to this day. Held up great during Beast, and still works perfectly.
 
My DS '21 got a $45-$50 G Shock, wears it to this day in any field related scenarios. He judged his on how well the back-light works in the dark. Some are hard to read even with the back-light. All back-lights are not created equal, even with G Shocks.
 
G-Shock watches are great - Timex makes a model called an Ironman which are very comparable to the G-Shock. I have had very good luck with Ironman watches over the years.
As stated, a good back-light is key, as well as the ability to read the watch in bright sunlight. A silent alarm (one that can be set to vibrate) is also a nice feature. You will find several reasons to use this alarm in your Cadet and military career.
 
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