Where to buy boots/Recommendations

J

jlmz215

Class of 2026
Joined
Feb 4, 2022
Messages
25
So I need to get a pair of boots for beast. First off- any recommendations? Which boots work for you? Secondly, where can I buy them/try them on? Everyone is saying to try them on because different boots will fit different people
 
I just went to an army exchange today. On the document "Authorized Footwear for the Class of 2026" they told us to go on https://www.shopmyexchange.com/findastore to find a local store. I was near Ft. Belvoir and they had a military clothing shop where you can buy uniforms and shoes on. I tried on and bought the belleville men's c333 boots because someone who worked there recommended it (feels more like a sneaker). It was very comfortable when I tried walking/running with them. Definitely recommend trying them on. I got the boots that were completely comfortable with no pain in the heels/ankles areas.

//TMI notes: I tried calling the number the website provided but it was a operator that directs to other numbers that weren't the ones for military boots - only general shoes.. so there wasn't a number I could find easily (but it is different for each place). Once I reached the address I had to go to a specific visitor center to get a visitors pass because I don't have military identification or a sponsor (?). It took a while to figure out where to go. It was in express px and in a military uniform store. Once I was at the register to purchase it, I did not need to show documents that West Point provided. Mens to womens is 2 sizes down. I'm planning to buy non shiny low quarters and coyote fox river socks online since it wasn't available at my location (I tried the shiny low quarters to make sure the size was right though).

//pt.2 - I purchased garmont t8s a couple of months ago online but it wasn't the right fit since the metal parts were digging into my ankles (and it was very likely the wrong size and width for me).

I might update once I wear the shoes more and I'm able to be sure.
 
Or if you don’t live near a post, order online from Amazon or Patriot Tactical. Order two or three pairs and return the ones that don’t fit.
 
crumblethunder187 said:
I just went to an army exchange today. On the document "Authorized Footwear for the Class of 2026" they told us to go on https://www.shopmyexchange.com/findastore to find a local store. I was near Ft. Belvoir and they had a military clothing shop where you can buy uniforms and shoes on. I tried on and bought the belleville men's c333 boots because someone who worked there recommended it (feels more like a sneaker). It was very comfortable when I tried walking/running with them. Definitely recommend trying them on. I got the boots that were completely comfortable with no pain in the heels/ankles areas.

//TMI notes: I tried calling the number the website provided but it was a operator that directs to other numbers that weren't the ones for military boots - only general shoes.. so there wasn't a number I could find easily (but it is different for each place). Once I reached the address I had to go to a specific visitor center to get a visitors pass because I don't have military identification or a sponsor (?). It took a while to figure out where to go. It was in express px and in a military uniform store. Once I was at the register to purchase it, I did not need to show documents that West Point provided. Mens to womens is 2 sizes down. I'm planning to buy non shiny low quarters and coyote fox river socks online since it wasn't available at my location (I tried the shiny low quarters to make sure the size was right though).

//pt.2 - I purchased garmont t8s a couple of months ago online but it wasn't the right fit since the metal parts were digging into my ankles (and it was very likely the wrong size and width for me).

I might update once I wear the shoes more and I'm able to be sure.
Click to expand...

How did you get on base?
 
“Which boots” is very personal, like “what brand of car” or “which running shoes”.
Try them all on. Then break them in. Anticipate going through a pair in Beast. Only buy one pair now, make sure you do like them over a couple weeks, then get a second pair.
Don’t forget quality socks.
 
UHBlackhawk said:
“Which boots” is very personal, like “what brand of car” or “which running shoes”.
Try them all on. Then break them in. Anticipate going through a pair in Beast. Only buy one pair now, make sure you do like them over a couple weeks, then get a second pair.
Don’t forget quality socks.
Click to expand...
What constitutes a quality sock? Do you have any personal recommendations? Thanks!
 
Under Armor Tactical socks.
Fox River.
Several other good brands out there. If you search this forum you will probably find a thread.
Look for tough material, moisture wicking fabric, and padding.
 
Having a hard time finding boots for my DD! She has a small foot and will require at least a size 4 in men’s boots. Any recommendations?
 
USAFAmomc/o2026 said:
Having a hard time finding boots for my DD! She has a small foot and will require at least a size 4 in men’s boots. Any recommendations?
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Hi- I too have very small feet. I wear a woman’s 5 and I buy my boots from the AAFES online store. I usually get a Mens 4 and it fits fine (but I do wear very thick socks and use shoe inserts for more comfort). You can also order boots from Amazon and have her try them on - Amazon probably ships faster and has a better return policy than AAFES. Good luck to your DS!
 
My son took both his boots and Bates low quarters to a running store and got inserts for both. He said that made a huge difference for him. Strangely, they took different size inserts. 🤷‍♀️ He could have lived with the boots how they came, but the low quarters needed better support than what they came with.
 
We just bought Garmont NFS 670 Boots for our son today for BCT. Tried several pairs on and he loved these. He said they feel more supportive than the others, better toe and side foot protection, extremely light, and fit like sneakers. Definitely recommend them.
 
USAFAmomc/o2026 said:
Having a hard time finding boots for my DD! She has a small foot and will require at least a size 4 in men’s boots. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
Everyone's foot is different. Having said that, my DD had luck with the Belleville FC320. They are sized for females (the "F" indicates female). Unfortunately, it's a trial and error thing. Good luck!
 
Hello! I have a few quick questions: Is it mandatory to wear an approved brand such as Fox River socks for BEAST or will more generic brands suffice?
I also saw that low quarters must not be "patent leather". Does this mean that glossy dress shoes will be required?
 
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Do not show up with Corframs. Those are the shiny shoes that have artificial plastic to make them shiny. It's hard to find the leather low quarters nowadays so just shop around and make sure that they aren't shiny when you get them because they have to be leather and you'll shine them during Beast. You'll get issued green boot socks during Beast which will probably be enough to wear for general use and I'd recommend saving the Fox River socks for big rucks and stuff. You can wear literally any socks you want in ACUs as long as they are black, brown, or green with no logos.
 
DS ordered his low quarters from Cadet store at WP. We checked at local army post exchange but they only carried the shiny shoes. They advised ordering from WP.
 
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