<p>I ordered my black combat boots the other day off the web. They meet the academy issue specs and i figured id be better off getting them now to them in during the winter months when i canjust wear them with pants. I belive they are bates brand. After weraing them for about 6 hours i developed blisters on my heels, more on one than the other. Is this to be expected while breaking in new boots? or is it a problem with either the boot fit or size?</p>
<p>definitely expected, just keep wearing them to build up callouses</p>
<p>If they feel tight and constricting, then they may be too small. Otherwise, ditto to CPM.</p>
<p>how'd you find out the boot specs for this year? just curious, i havent found anythin out bout it yet. appointee kit comes this month tho :)</p>
<p>I don't know the other brands, but the correct BDU/flight certified boots from Belleville are Model 700s.</p>
<p>Make sure they fit alright with moderately thick socks on. Guys: wear some baggy pants and wear the boots to break them in. I went to school in mine for about 2 months (and recieved a few compliments, lol) and ran a total of about 20 miles in them. After that, they fit better than a new pair of sneakers. Don't get too excessive! Blisters and hot spots are common for the first few days (about 2 weeks in my case, but that was one odd piece in one boot).</p>
<p>Does anyone know if they are changing to ABUs for BCT? If so the boot is the green suede not the black boot for BDUs.</p>
<p>we will be issued abu's and bdu's.</p>
<p>Is the Bates BDU/model #3135?</p>
<p>can I bring sneakers? I mean sneakers just seem to be a bit more convinient for anything requiring physical activity rather than boots..</p>
<p>haha, that made me chuckle =p</p>
<p>Word of advice as you break-in your new boots: mole-skin. It's a type of band-aid you put over blisters. Usually sold in pharmacies, near the band-aids or first aid kits. </p>
<p>When your blisters come from breaking in the boots (and if your running in them, they will come!), cut a square of moleskin and put it over your blister to protect it and cushion it.<br>
Second advice: have your parents send you some in your first care package at Beast.</p>
<p>You'll actually be issued some moleskin when inprocessing. My boots fit well enough that I never had to use mine, but others insist it works wonders. </p>
<p>During BCT, there will be a cadet SMO (safety/medical officer) who'll come around every night to make sure you and your feet are doing alright. If you do manage to run out of moleskin, you could easily get some more from them.</p>
<p>PS, bullet, Basics cannot receive care packages, only letters.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info. I stand corrected.</p>
<p>I am thinkin to wait until orientation to get my boots just to make sure I am getting the right model and size, plus by that time track will be about over and can be all blistered up...</p>
<p>Yes, definitely take the time to get boots that fit well! Each size comes in regular, wide, and narrow, IIRC. Boots that don't fit=unneccessary pain and suffering (possibly medical issues too).</p>
<p>Ah yes, I'd forgotten about that. The regular size '11 boots I asked for felt a little tight, so I tried on a pair of 11 wides and they fit great. Don't be afraid to request as many different pairs as you need. Finding a pair of boots that fits comfortably is important, seeing as you'll be wearing them for almost all of BCT and into the academic year.</p>
<p>Ah yes, how many pairs of boots did we go through PETKO?</p>
<p>I think it was only three. :)</p>
<p>This Is airforce16 dad. Ya know the one he is always talking bad about. Combat boots/Jump boots are tricky. I wouldn't order them over the Internet since there is no way to properly size or fit them. I served five years in the Army with two separate combat tours and my boots were my lifeline. After you get your boots, wear them once a day for a week. (about two hours) Then put them on lace them as tight as you can and take a shower with them on. After your shower take a leisurely walk to stretch them out. Take them off and let them dry out naturally(no heat). Now wear them every day for a week.(a couple of hours) Throw on a spit shine and your done. The only time I ever got blisters was with my very first set in Boot. Drill Sergeant taught this routine and never had a problem with new boots since.</p>