Boots

lforlaur3n · 03-15-2008, 08:27 PM

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone has bought boots yet. In the memo that you get from USMA it gives you the list of places you can buy boots, but the closest base to me is still 3-4 hours away. I tried to contact the catalouge people, but the first number I called was unsure about what I needed and the contacts that were listed haven't gotten back to me (it's been about 2 weeks). I have a close neighbor who is in the reserves and said he could help me order them if I needed. Has anyone else had this problem? I want to get them ASAP so I can break them in. Also is one brand better then another (I know Belleville, Welco, Mcrae were listed)?

Prolouge · 03-15-2008, 08:39 PM

I heard Belleville was an excellent boot manufactoring company , you could possibly order them online at: Belleville Shoe Manufacturing Company: military steel toe footwear and desert combat boots

mom3boys · 03-15-2008, 08:51 PM

If you order from the company you pay retail, which is significantly higher. You can order them, but you need to call an 800 number that the listed places will give you when you call them. Also, most places don't carry boots and low quarters...we have to go to an Army base for boots and an Air Force base for low quarters.

wpmom2011 · 03-15-2008, 09:00 PM

The AF base exchange should also have the boots.

Only get what's on the approved list, otherwise they will reissue the correct boot/shoe when you arrive for R-Day. Also, even though it states you'll need two pair of each, I suggest you get only one of each and be issued the second pairs on R-Day (or shortly after). There is a local podiatry school that comes to measure the cadets for the appropriate size.

While you're at the base/post exchange buy the standard issue boot/shoe socks, too.

good student · 03-16-2008, 12:39 PM

I had to drive 3 hours to get the boots too. I ended up getting the Bellevilles, because the lady there recommended those. They first day I wore them I went for a 1 mile jog in them and got some blisters, they're pretty uncomfortable at first.

*edit* Oh yeah, and I would avoid ordering them because you might order the wrong size. When I went there I was wearing a size 10 sneaker and I ended up getting a size 7.5.

Ann · 03-16-2008, 01:13 PM

":Also is one brand better then another (I know Belleville, Welco, Mcrae were listed)?"

The "issue" boots are all made to the same specifications so there should not be too much difference between them. My son has been very happy with his McRae issue boots - no blisters at all.
I have not seen the boot letter this year, but if "commercial" boots are authorised for plebes then there may be some differences between those boots.

usservicemom · 03-16-2008, 01:40 PM

good student,

You will not be running in your boots at West Point. No need to run in them at home. Maybe a cadet can explain better here, but as I understand it you will be wearing the boots in the field on ruck marches, never on runs. Break in your running shoes by running and break in your boots by going on gradually longer brisk walks. Perhaps West Point has sent you instructions on how to break in your footwear?

requiem · 03-16-2008, 01:58 PM

I called around for boots today, and hopefully this should help anyone living in/around the Los Angeles area. LA AFB, March AFB, and Vandenberg AFB are all backordered on ACU boots. Fort Irwin is the closest place where you can get the boots, but they only carry the patent-leather low quarters. You can get the low quarters at LA and Vandenberg, March is only carrying patent leather ones. Fort Irwin is about 37 miles northeast of Barstow.

mfs542000 · 03-23-2008, 11:51 PM

Not sure how to answer where to get your boots.....i picked a pair of low quarters and a pair of boots up on my admissions visit to school. As far as what type of boots to get, dont become overly concerned on whether you're getting the commercial or the issue boot, as long as you have a boot made by one of the listed manufacturers that is comfortable you'll be fine. As far as different models, they have different feels, so find one that feels good. Remember you'll be wearing these for 6 different road marches and something that seems as minor as a little discomfort will be mighty sore after 12 miles, so you want them to be comfy. Good luck and enjoy the rest of your time before coming here.

mom3boys · 03-24-2008, 05:28 AM

We chased all over Atlanta for boots and low quarters...were able to determine size by trying on what they had (which was similar, but not the right thing) and will order on the internet...finding them has not been an easy process!

ScreamingEagle · 03-24-2008, 03:05 PM

In my experience, the Belleville 390 DES is a great boot, really cant be beat. I think retail they run about $115, at the PX they're like $95. Absolutely superior boot to most other things I've worn. The sizing remains about the same as my normal shoe, which is big (the Wellco's I got issued before Iraq were 10.5, what I need, but fit about 2 sizes too big). Back in the days of BDUs I wore Wellco's, and they're also a quality boot maker. As said before, dont get all wrapped up about 'commercial' versus 'issue,' the Army cant get itself straight on what is authorized, so if you go with one from the list and stay away from the Oakleys, Danners, and any boot that generally looks like a sneaker, you'll be good.
Also, break in your boots as best you can, but some people are going to get blisters no matter how well you break them in, it's just the way it goes.

thurl · 03-30-2008, 09:52 AM

My son bought his boots at the WP store and they highly recommended the Belleville 390 DES. You can order them on line. Just Google Belleville.

T

mom3boys · 03-30-2008, 10:47 AM

If you "just google belleville" you'll pay significantly more...if you get the number of the AAFS exchange from a post, you will get the same price as the "boot letter." If you have an appointment, the AAFS has you in the data base. They look you up and then you just place your order. They said it would take a few weeks to ship. Son tried on several boots at the local bases and realized he wanted the Belleville...no one around here had his size in stock...ditto the low quarters.

thurl · 03-30-2008, 01:11 PM

Sorry Mom didn't mean to make it sound like the price was the same if you buy direct from Belleville. Just wanted to give everyone a chance to see what they are buying. We found that the price of the Belleville boot was ~ 95 at the WP store like screaming eagle stated. About 20 dollars more that the letter states. I think there is an alternate boot about 74 like the letter states.

mom3boys · 03-30-2008, 02:29 PM

We opted to get son the $95 dollar one as well....feet are a good investment!