Shoe Color

Joined
Jun 18, 2020
Messages
82
In the logging in instructions the regulation says that running shoes must be “predominantly white” in color but that any stripes/trim must be blue, gray or silver. I have really good running sneakers that are mostly white but they are part of a USA-themed line that has blue trim and a red check mark for the patriotic theme….Would the red be a problem even the shoe is still mainly white? Not sure how strict the shoe policy is.
 
Following the rules, blending in, and staying under the radar when you need to is a key part of being a successful maritime officer. As such, it is hit on pretty heavy at KP. Doing what you're supposed to do, nothing more, nothing less is a big part of indoc, and life in the regiment.

Wear whatever shoes you want, just be prepared to catch hell for if you didn't follow instructions, when you're on your face you might have the realization that "eh, maybe blue and white shoes would have been a better choice."
 
In the logging in instructions the regulation says that running shoes must be “predominantly white” in color but that any stripes/trim must be blue, gray or silver. I have really good running sneakers that are mostly white but they are part of a USA-themed line that has blue trim and a red check mark for the patriotic theme….Would the red be a problem even the shoe is still mainly white? Not sure how strict the shoe policy is.
Many of the incoming students have had trouble finding good, 100 percent white running shoes. We’ve all been posting about it on the parent Facebook page for weeks lol. My son’s are predominantly white, but have a few accent colors. They are the best for his feet, per the running store we took him to, so we’re sticking with these.

Post a pic of your shoes here if you want and I can tell you how I think they compare to some of your classmates’ choices (or just consider if you think the red check is really noticeable). You don’t want to get noticed, as was discussed above.
 
As a SA grad and now USMMA parent, I can say that the personal clothing item checklist is a pet peeve of mine. If they want you to have it, and care about uniformity -- just issue it. So why don't they? I can only assume the reasons are that USMMA is a small school and cannot justify stockpiling inventory of all the sizes (but what about USCGA?), as a DOT funded entity - there just isn't money for it (yet students/parents get an invoice for things each year), and USMMA mids are not on payroll and should have options on what they purchase to better fit individual budgets.

An improvement would simply be to curate a list of acceptable makes/models. It is my understanding that other SA do this for advance purchase of combat boots ahead of BCT/Indoc. A simple Amazon shopping list for males and a separate for females. Armed with a list, parents can source them from anywhere.

USMMA does make a computer kit - why not a personal garment kit and push that through the NEX?

At the end of the day, foot ware has one of the largest impact on the mid's ability to perform PT. Either open it up and don't care about the color or provide what you find acceptable via list or supply. Don't rely on members of the parent's club who often only have second hand knowledge to visually approve your purchase.

If we want to stand behind the idea of "attention to detail", and that mids will be expected to have this awareness in the engine room or on the bridge, then be specific. If we want to teach them that everything is gray - then keep the status quo.
 
As a SA grad and now USMMA parent, I can say that the personal clothing item checklist is a pet peeve of mine. If they want you to have it, and care about uniformity -- just issue it. So why don't they? I can only assume the reasons are that USMMA is a small school and cannot justify stockpiling inventory of all the sizes (but what about USCGA?), as a DOT funded entity - there just isn't money for it (yet students/parents get an invoice for things each year), and USMMA mids are not on payroll and should have options on what they purchase to better fit individual budgets.

An improvement would simply be to curate a list of acceptable makes/models. It is my understanding that other SA do this for advance purchase of combat boots ahead of BCT/Indoc. A simple Amazon shopping list for males and a separate for females. Armed with a list, parents can source them from anywhere.

USMMA does make a computer kit - why not a personal garment kit and push that through the NEX?

At the end of the day, foot ware has one of the largest impact on the mid's ability to perform PT. Either open it up and don't care about the color or provide what you find acceptable via list or supply. Don't rely on members of the parent's club who often only have second hand knowledge to visually approve your purchase.

If we want to stand behind the idea of "attention to detail", and that mids will be expected to have this awareness in the engine room or on the bridge, then be specific. If we want to teach them that everything is gray - then keep the status quo.
I would have loved an Amazon list! I guess models may change too often for that. I have my fingers crossed that everything we bought is fine. And, if not, hopefully my son is used to my yelling at him and can take whatever may come his way over his wardrobe selections.
 
Pro tip. Do the best job you can getting the things on the list but don’t freak out. If you are having a hard time finding something that exactly matches the description, others are too. No matter what you do there will be yelling. It will be loud, frequent, and probably won’t kill them.
 
They don't want crazy neon sneakers. Does not have to been all white. Son had blue brooks sneakers at INDOC and there was no issue.
 
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