Sock Supply Chain Supervisor - Need Your Opinions

[CoffeeMama]

Hello Wise People of the Forum ...

Since I have been relegated by my USMA CC to support crew and am eager to overachieve in my diminished, yet important role as Sock Supply Chain Supervisor ... any wisdom you would be willing to share regarding the ideal number of pairs of socks in each of the below categories would be greatly appreciated.

My goal is to hit the sweet spot and not cross the threshold into "too many socks" purchased such that tiny little bag she plans to take to R Day will only be filled with socks.

Many thanks in advance!

Boot Socks
Black Dress Socks
White PT Socks

 

[MDMomma]

Fox River socks are the best, hands down. Nothing compares. DS started with cheap ones for beast and said he didn't need the expensive ones, but then requested them in a letter during beast. His feet were torn up due to the heavy rains he had while he was in the field training and sleeping outside.

Definitely get mole skin and Gold Bond foot powder in addition to Fox River socks. I don't recall how many mine had of each...I think he went with what was on the packing list because he didn't want to get in trouble for packing too much.

 

[NavyHoops]

Hey this is an important role! I can still remember coming home every summer for a week or two and I would always go back with new t shirts, underwear, dress socks, boot socks. Basketball always gave us nice athletic socks. I think it was my mom’s way of feeling like she was taking care of. Plus it was nice to have nice new stuff! Socks are some critical stuff in the field!

 

[USMAZoo98]

One ziplock bag of PT socks. One ziplock bag of boot socks. The right socks (black) can be used for both boots and dress shoes. The default is almost always to pack more than are actually needed. Remember that they will also be issued a lot of socks for these purposes. I tried to warn my wife not to send our son off to Beast with all of the extra "stuff/junk" that the mom's forums proclaimed were necessary. She told me I didn't know what I was talking about (I graduated from West Point, which means I went through Beast).

 

[CoffeeMama]

One ziplock bag of PT socks. One ziplock bag of boot socks. The right socks (black) can be used for both boots and dress shoes. The default is almost always to pack more than are actually needed. Remember that they will also be issued a lot of socks for these purposes. I tried to warn my wife not to send our son off to Beast with all of the extra "stuff/junk" that the mom's forums proclaimed were necessary. She told me I didn't know what I was talking about (I graduated from West Point, which means I went through Beast).

Thank you! This is helpful ... we will see how many pair SHE can cram in one ziplock. I appreciate your comment about the extra stuff/junk very much ... staying away from that temptation is #westpointmomgoals !

 

[better_together_2027]

One ziplock bag of PT socks. One ziplock bag of boot socks. The right socks (black) can be used for both boots and dress shoes. The default is almost always to pack more than are actually needed. Remember that they will also be issued a lot of socks for these purposes. I tried to warn my wife not to send our son off to Beast with all of the extra "stuff/junk" that the mom's forums proclaimed were necessary. She told me I didn't know what I was talking about (I graduated from West Point, which means I went through Beast).

Thank you for your tips.@USMAZoo98 I wonder how many socks for PT, boot, and dress shoes? (ex. 45 boot socks, 10 black for dress shoes, 30 PT socks. Is it OK? or too much? ) Could you recommend any dress shoes as well?

 

[USMAZoo98]

Thank you for your tips.@USMAZoo98 I wonder how many socks for PT, boot, and dress shoes? (ex. 45 boot socks, 10 black for dress shoes, 30 PT socks. Is it OK? or too much? ) Could you recommend any dress shoes as well?

My son packed about 6 pairs of PT socks, 6 pairs of boot socks, and a couple pairs of formal dress socks (not the crazy numbers you shared here). If you can get 45 pairs of socks in a ziplock bag, you should write a book on space planning and packing. As for dress shoes, the best bet is to order from the cadet store or AAFES. The most common dress shoes are Bates.

 

[better_together_2027]

My son packed about 6 pairs of PT socks, 6 pairs of boot socks, and a couple pairs of formal dress socks (not the crazy numbers you shared here). If you can get 45 pairs of socks in a ziplock bag, you should write a book on space planning and packing. As for dress shoes, the best bet is to order from the cadet store or AAFES. The most common dress shoes are Bates.

I was wondering if there was an opportunity to wash DS socks, and from your comments I found out that the opportunity is given. Among many articles, I read that DS should bring more socks and underwear, and I also read that DS should not bring too much itemes. I wanted to know what the best balance was, and it was a great help for you share me. It is a valuable advice. thank you.

 

[CoffeeMama]

This is good stuff ... I now know where the "too many socks" threshold is! Thank you.

@better_together_2027 - if the Bates don't work for your DS's feet, try the Altama Uniform Oxfords. They are on the approved list, look almost exactly the same and are a bit more comfortable. The cadet store doesn't have them, but you can order from The Original Footwear Company and they have a military discount with the Appointment Letter (also free shipping/low cost return shipping)

Uniform Oxford

MADE IN THE USA! A full dress uniform shoe in full grain, polishable leather with a sturdy and durable platform. Berry Compliant.

originalfootwear.com

 

[USMAZoo98]

I was wondering if there was an opportunity to wash DS socks, and from your comments I found out that the opportunity is given. Among many articles, I read that DS should bring more socks and underwear, and I also read that DS should not bring too much itemes. I wanted to know what the best balance was, and it was a great help for you share me. It is a valuable advice. thank you.

Just keep in mind that if your son just packed exactly what is on the packing list, he would have enough to get through Beast because they issue everything cadets need. Anything outside of the stated packing list is more for comfort and quality, not necessity. For underwear, you should consider moisture wicking and boxer briefs. They will get issued tight whites I believe. How much to bring will also be dictated by what kind of bag or suitcase your son takes. I would actually recommend against a big suitcase as it is just something cumbersome your son will have to carry around on R-Day.

 

[DrMom]

Honestly, there is a packing list. Stick to the packing list.
Also DO NOT splurge on Darn Tough Socks...save that expense for Ranger School in four years.

There are coupons all the time for Fox River Socks but really, unnecessary....and sports socks that are black also make great socks for under the low quarters.

Socks Mom, do not over think this. Also are you on the West Point Moms Facebook page? We LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about socks, even more than what to wear to the dinner for PPW (ever heard of Palazzo pants? My oh my, just say 'no') and also compression underwear.

No kidding. Join us.

 

[better_together_2027]

This is good stuff ... I now know where the "too many socks" threshold is! Thank you.

@better_together_2027 - if the Bates don't work for your DS's feet, try the Altama Uniform Oxfords. They are on the approved list, look almost exactly the same and are a bit more comfortable. The cadet store doesn't have them, but you can order from The Original Footwear Company and they have a military discount with the Appointment Letter (also free shipping/low cost return shipping)

Uniform Oxford

MADE IN THE USA! A full dress uniform shoe in full grain, polishable leather with a sturdy and durable platform. Berry Compliant.

originalfootwear.com

Thank you very much!

 

[better_together_2027]

Just keep in mind that if your son just packed exactly what is on the packing list, he would have enough to get through Beast because they issue everything cadets need. Anything outside of the stated packing list is more for comfort and quality, not necessity. For underwear, you should consider moisture wicking and boxer briefs. They will get issued tight whites I believe. How much to bring will also be dictated by what kind of bag or suitcase your son takes. I would actually recommend against a big suitcase as it is just something cumbersome your son will have to carry around on R-Day.

I don't have the packing list yet. Thank you for the INFOs.

 

[better_together_2027]

Honestly, there is a packing list. Stick to the packing list.
Also DO NOT splurge on Darn Tough Socks...save that expense for Ranger School in four years.

There are coupons all the time for Fox River Socks but really, unnecessary....and sports socks that are black also make great socks for under the low quarters.

Socks Mom, do not over think this. Also are you on the West Point Moms Facebook page? We LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about socks, even more than what to wear to the dinner for PPW (ever heard of Palazzo pants? My oh my, just say 'no') and also compression underwear.

No kidding. Join us.

Thank you. I will join soon.

 

[CoffeeMama]

Honestly, there is a packing list. Stick to the packing list.
Also DO NOT splurge on Darn Tough Socks...save that expense for Ranger School in four years.

There are coupons all the time for Fox River Socks but really, unnecessary....and sports socks that are black also make great socks for under the low quarters.

Socks Mom, do not over think this. Also are you on the West Point Moms Facebook page? We LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about socks, even more than what to wear to the dinner for PPW (ever heard of Palazzo pants? My oh my, just say 'no') and also compression underwear.

No kidding. Join us.

Oh my goodness ... I'll get myself on over there to discuss socks, palazzo pants and compression undies! I appreciate you!

 

[DrMom]

Oh my goodness ... I'll get myself on over there to discuss socks, palazzo pants and compression undies! I appreciate you!

Really, it would be best if we never mentioned the palazzo pants...but we will talk about packing everything for R-Day in BIG ZIPLOCK Baggies...or kid can move from the home bag to the West Point bag while be yelled at without dropping anything! Welcome!