<p>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.</p>