Water Proof Boots

[Odin]

I have been researching boots in order to find a pair I like before BCT, but I am confused as to if a water-proof boot is required for BCT. The 2028 handbook says "These boots must meet the following specifications: coyote brown in color, have a rubber sole no greater than 2 inches in height, and a waterproof upper bootie (Gore-Tex or similar). The boots MUST NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. There are many options available out there, but Rocky S2V RKC050, Bellville model C790, Salomon Guardian CSWP boots and Danner RIVOT TFX 8” Previous posts recommend the Nike SFB Field 2 8" and I was going to order these however these are not advertised as water proof. Can anyone here give clarification on the issue?

 

[snarfly]

Follow the instructions in the appointee handbook. Try on different suggested models, and similar models to find the pair that works and fits you best. While there's no such thing as water proof (you will be crawling through water, and water will inevitably get in from the top of the boots, and other areas) you do want some sort of water resistance so you're not squishing with the first few steps in a puddle. Nikes are a huge hit among cadets and airmen alike, but save those for the academic year when you won't be going through the rigors of BCT, Jack's Valley, A-course, on the daily.

 

[NLS3]

I have been researching boots in order to find a pair I like before BCT, but I am confused as to if a water-proof boot is required for BCT. The 2028 handbook says "These boots must meet the following specifications: coyote brown in color, have a rubber sole no greater than 2 inches in height, and a waterproof upper bootie (Gore-Tex or similar). The boots MUST NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. There are many options available out there, but Rocky S2V RKC050, Bellville model C790, Salomon Guardian CSWP boots and Danner RIVOT TFX 8” Previous posts recommend the Nike SFB Field 2 8" and I was going to order these however these are not advertised as water proof. Can anyone here give clarification on the issue?

I have been researching this as well. Multiple cadets have gone with Nike to BCT. I will be using them as well.

 

[joker]

I have been researching boots in order to find a pair I like before BCT, but I am confused as to if a water-proof boot is required for BCT. The 2028 handbook says "These boots must meet the following specifications: coyote brown in color, have a rubber sole no greater than 2 inches in height, and a waterproof upper bootie (Gore-Tex or similar). The boots MUST NOT have steel or safety toes, or zippers. There are many options available out there, but Rocky S2V RKC050, Bellville model C790, Salomon Guardian CSWP boots and Danner RIVOT TFX 8” Previous posts recommend the Nike SFB Field 2 8" and I was going to order these however these are not advertised as water proof. Can anyone here give clarification on the issue?

I am in the process of finding boots too. From reading on this forum, it seems like most agree not to worry about getting waterproof boots. I think the general consensus is that waterproof boots actually do more harm than good because you can't stop boots from filling with water in Jack's Valley, and instead the waterproofing keeps water in so the boots stay wet longer.

Follow the instructions in the appointee handbook. Try on different suggested models, and similar models to find the pair that works and fits you best. While there's no such thing as water proof (you will be crawling through water, and water will inevitably get in from the top of the boots, and other areas) you do want some sort of water resistance so you're not squishing with the first few steps in a puddle. Nikes are a huge hit among cadets and airmen alike, but save those for the academic year when you won't be going through the rigors of BCT, Jack's Valley, A-course, on the daily.

It seemed like you thought waterproofing was not necessary in this post. Has your opinion changed?

 

[snarfly]

Follow the instructions in the appointee handbook. Try on different suggested models, and similar models to find the pair that works and fits you best. While there's no such thing as water proof (you will be crawling through water, and water will inevitably get in from the top of the boots, and other areas) you do want some sort of water resistance so you're not squishing with the first few steps in a puddle. Nikes are a huge hit among cadets and airmen alike, but save those for the academic year when you won't be going through the rigors of BCT, Jack's Valley, A-course, on the daily.

I am in the process of finding boots too. From reading on this forum, it seems like most agree not to worry about getting waterproof boots. I think the general consensus is that waterproof boots actually do more harm than good because you can't stop boots from filling with water in Jack's Valley, and instead the waterproofing keeps water in so the boots stay wet longer.


It seemed like you thought waterproofing was not necessary in this post. Has your opinion changed?

Nope, my opinion hasn't changed as I never said waterproofing is not necessary. In fact, I said water will seep in anyway in both quotes, and fact remains that quick drying (as the result of water seeping in) is important.

That's exactly what I thought too! If you're crawling through water, there's no way water won't get in through the top, and maybe even the tongues of the boots. So by that thought, it seems to me that it's far more important for them to be quick dry than anything else, unless you're ok with wearing the issued bricks while waiting for yours to dry.



We went to USAFA BX to look for boots figuring they should have their own regs, or something that's in regs, right? Nope. They had some Belleville ultralights, and the Rocky C050s. That's it. (They had 2 other models that were steel toed.) My appointee tried on several options, including the Oakleys (ordered from Amazon using their try for 7 days free option) and Rocky C050 and C072. Oakleys were very lightweight comfy and dries fast, but zero support. Heels flopped around, and nothing in terms of ankle support. They dry super fast though. The Rocky were far more cushiony, offer more foot, heel, and ankle support. They are heavy (will definitely need breaking in, and adjusting to) and because they are supportive, they're thicker, and won't dry quickly. I've come to realize there's no such thing as the perfect boot. Get what you need to get you through BCT, and worry about other boots later when regs are more relaxed after BCT.

One thing I really like about Rocky boots over other brands is the soles are stitched on. I've seen some Amazon reviews about the Bellevilles and Oakleys' soles busting apart, and not making it through BCTs, so that may be something to consider.

 

[joker]

Nope, my opinion hasn't changed as I never said waterproofing is not necessary. In fact, I said water will seep in anyway in both quotes, and fact remains that quick drying (as the result of water seeping in) is important.

ah ok. Thanks for clarifying

 

[Walking Tall]

I am in the process of finding boots too. From reading on this forum, it seems like most agree not to worry about getting waterproof boots. I think the general consensus is that waterproof boots actually do more harm than good because you can't stop boots from filling with water in Jack's Valley, and instead the waterproofing keeps water in so the boots stay wet longer.


It seemed like you thought waterproofing was not necessary in this post. Has your opinion changed?

The Cadre told DS to use the issue boots during the water course and save the one he wore (and broken in) during I-Day for the rest of Jacks Valley.

 

[WildBlueFather]

We bought the Garmont 670 boots as they fit our DD quite nicely. Her feet are pretty flat and the boots have a relatively straight last, so they feel really good in her opinion. Plus they're really light in weight, so that's a plus as well. The lace eyelets are all metal, which should be pretty durable in the long run. Overall she's very happy and has been wearing them around the house to break them in.

https://www.uspatriottactical.com/garmont-t8-nfs-670-tactical-boots-with-ortholite-insoles

 

[jrpoint21]

I talked to some cadets and they told me not to get the waterproof boots as they are unnecessarily heavy.

 

[bmstankiewicz]

I talked to some cadets and they told me not to get the waterproof boots as they are unnecessarily heavy.

It's not that they're heavy, they're just unnecessary. The only difference between the waterproof boots and your standard boot is just a thin Gortex lining, that's about it. The only time the Gortex might come in handy is in the winter walking through snow/slush. You're much better off wearing boots without the Gortex and good wool socks.

 

[raimius]

Wool socks are money...

 

[AF Roots]

DS had the older version of these. Just bought this pair for my nephew who is going to the Prep School….20% discount

MQC Force Tactical

Tough and dependable. On Duty or off. The MQC 3 Tactical boot is legendary Merrell performance made especially for servicemen and women on patrol. Featurin

www.merrell.com

 

[gsowner2]

Highly recommend the Garmont NFS. Recommended to me by a USMA AOG + ARMY ROTC cadets at prep school and they have been awesome. Would look into those.