<p>Candidates this year will be issued the new Infantry Combat Boot vice the
old "all leather" combat boot issued in previous years. Candidates were
sent a letter from USMA that explained that the Infantry Combat boot is the
boot of choice, but if it is not available, the all leather combat boot is
an authorized substitute. I have spoken to the Military Clothing and Sales
representatives and they assure me that the Infantry Combat Boot is
available to order if a store is out of your candidate's size. The new boot
provides more foot protection from the elements and reduces injuries.</p>
<p>Dolores L. Salvatore
Parents Club Coordinator
Public Affairs Office
845-938-5650
<a href="mailto:yd2883@usma.edu">yd2883@usma.edu</a></p>
<p>If you can't find the newer Boot at the local base I discovered today that you can call the AAFES folks using their 1-800 number on their website. They seemed familiar with what WP said in their letter about the required footwear and we were able to buy the new boots over the phone. Takes about two weeks to receive. Now I need to return the two pair of all leather ones back to March Air Base. :)</p>
<p>what?! no polishing? i don't think that can be true. I've seen one of my classmates wearing the ones you guys will get and think they have to still be polished.</p>
<p>Yea, I talked to a Lt. Col, and he said that they still had to be polished. </p>
<p>On another note, I went on my first ruck march today. It was definitely the most excruciating thing I'd ever done. I had about 40 pounds on, plus boots and utilities. I only went three miles, but by the time I was done, I felt more tired than when I'd run 5.</p>
<p>marines4me...
Just curious, because I bought my ICB's two days ago: how long did it take you to break yours in? Or, if your ruck march was their maiden voyage, how did your feet take it?
Oh, and if anyone has some good advice on how to get the varnish off the Oxford's, I'm all ears. I've tried acetone (which worked somewhat) and a wire brush (which quickly lost its bristles--it was a very old brush) but I have thus sofar been unsuccessful...</p>
<p>Hey Hastellion. I am a cadet at The Citadel right now so I can give you all the little tricks that you want to know regarding shining/polishing. To get the varnish off you are gonna want to put shaving cream on them.Let tham sit for about an hour and then run the toes under very hot water and scrub with a washcloth or something of the sort. You may have to do this a couple of times. Personally, I would just put it on the toes though because for some reason the sides of the shoe shine up much easier. If I were you though, I wouldn't start polishing them until we report because I've heard rumors that we aren't supposed to. If you have any other questions ask away.</p>
<p>Opps. Thanks, Adam. Oh, and I wanted to mention that my ICB's also say "Belleville" on the sides. But I haven't the first clue what company made them! As for the low-quarters, they look, um, kinda still shiny? I guess I could put on a little kiwi before R-Day and pretend it's varnish...I know what you mean, tho, 'cause I know some squad leaders like to make everyone scrub off the varnish together.</p>
<p>Are you transferring from the Citadel to WP? Is that kind of like ROTC?</p>
<p>Hastellion, that was the first time I'd worn my boots. At first, they felt really comfortable. I bought a size 4 Wide rather than the size 4 regular, 'cause with the regulars my foot felt SO incredibly cramped (I had two pairs of socks on). By the end of the ruck, though, my feet were really starting to hurt. It wasn't on the sides or top, but more like the pads of my feet. I had blisters on the bottom of my little toe and that part under my big toe. I talked to a guy at an Army-Navy surplus store who'd been in the Infantry for 20 years, and he said generally it's better to get the shoes to be pretty tight on the sides, especially the Oxfords. The Oxfords I ended up getting were much more uncomfortable than I'd normally wear, but the guy said they fit right and I'd appreciate it later.</p>
<p>Anyways, the boots do feel pretty comfortable, it's just going to take my feet some getting used to. I plan to go on another ruck this week, probably on Sunday. I'd highly suggest doing it if you haven't yet.</p>
<p>Giving away my age by knowing that tune. At the risk of sounding preachy, there are three main points we teach our scouts about hiking boots. Most of our scouts rarely walk very far and most have lived in cotton socks, athletic shoes or slip on shoes. They usually ignore our advice on their first hike since they don't believe it's a big deal. They are more attentive the second hike.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Get a boot that fits properly. Not too tight, not too loose. Measure the fit wearing the socks you will wear with the boots. There should be between one half and one inch extra space at the toe. </p></li>
<li><p>Wear proper socks. I don't know what latitude you will have at USMA regarding socks. Ideally, a pair of light weight liner socks should be worn under a heavier "wicking" sock ( usually a blend of synthetic and/or wool). Never cotton !!!! I highly recommend the liner sock during breakin even if you can't wear liners at USMA.</p></li>
<li><p>Properly lace your boots. A well fitted boot that is improperly tied will give you blisters and fail to support your ankle. The boot needs to be snug at the base, less snug around the boot pivot point, and then snug again about the pivot point. Read some online articles about hiking boots.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>We just called AAFES to exchange 1 pair of boots for the correct size. The price was less than the $105.55 that we paid earlier. When I asked why, I was told that they are now on sale for $93.00. Made my day!</p>