<p>I was looking into getting my boots and low quaters for a while now. I have seen the list of bases I can get them, but the closest is a 3 hour drive there. I hear that I can get the boots and shoes from the PX at West Point. I dont plan on doing an internet order, as I love to research the different brands and try them all on to find the one that suits me best. Should I wait until my visit on 27 March?</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.altama.com/Tp1/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=3358[/url]”>http://www.altama.com/Tp1/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=3358</a>
Tan Desert 8" EXOSpeed Boot
They look very comfortable. Are they the high-tech variety though?</p>
<p>We just visited West Point on January 31st and my son was able to get his boots and shoes at that time. I highly recommend trying them on in person as he actually took a 1/2 size smaller than his usual shoes. Also, we ended up getting the boot that was a little more expensive than the standard issue. There happened to be a dad in the store who had just returned from Iraq himself and he highly recommended the more expensive boot. It’s an individual decision, but at least you can see the difference in person if you get them at West Point. Good Luck.</p>
<p>Inhibitor: If you plan to drive to your nearest post you may want to phone and see if they have what you want in stock before you make the trip. Two years ago, we drove 2.5 hours to the nearest post only to find they did not have the low quarters in stock (WP stocks leather low quarters, most post stores do not) - but it did help my son to try the corfam (shiny) low quarters on so that he knew which size to order online. We still had to return a pair before we hit the right size…</p>
<p>The choice of boots is personal. My son loves the issue boots (he got through Beast without a single blister). We bought a pair of Belleville 390’s (highly recommended by many) and they are still sitting in their box…</p>
<p>those altimas are not kosher for plebes/new cadets</p>
<p>you could probably get away with them as a plebe but not as a new cadet…also oakley makes a better boot, if you are going to drop that kind of money (which I plan on buying myself once I get enough of it)</p>
<p>It is a good idea to buy your boots and shoes at the PX, since you’re going to be there anyway. While you’re at it, buy the appropriate socks to try them on with and you’ll have them when you’re breaking them in. Definitely only buy what’s on the approved list. The last thing you need is to get there on R-day and have to be reissued boots/shoes. </p>
<p>Be careful with the fit, too. Take your time and make sure there’s room for your feet to swell, but not enough room for the boot to rub. Suggest trying them on in the late afternoon. If a boot fits, but there’s a spot that keeps rubbing, ask for a different pair, or then order it online. Don’t assume that the boot will “break-in”.</p>
<p>Are cadets allowed to wear two pairs of socks? As an avid hiker, I’ve found that wearing two pair (absorbent socks outside, “wicking” ones against your skin) really help reduce blisters. NEVER “settle” for a pair of boots that isn’t right for you. There is nothing more miserable than having to go another 10-20 miles per day carrying a heavy pack, with feet covered in blisters.</p>
<p>I’m not sure what is “allowed”, but last year we were told by more experienced parents that sock liners were okay. When my d was having big problems with blisters during Beast, I sent up ladies non-ridge/patterned black trouser socks. As far as I know, that wasn’t a problem.</p>
<p>Boot socks will be issued.</p>
<p>I have done alot of backpacking with Boy Scouts, so I understand the value of properly fitted boots. I was told by my good friend, currently stationed at FT HOOD, that </p>
<p>“Socks…these are extremely important. If you can buy your own do so. Issued socks suck. Go buy Thorlo Boot Socks - Moderate Cushion with THOR•LON® and X-STATIC® for wear with your boots. Green, tan, and black are authorized by DOA but the USMA might have more restriction. They cost $10-18 a pair depending on where you go but they mean the world to your feet. Make sure you buy a pair and wear those before you buy your boots to get the perfect fitted boot. Thorlo also makes physical training socks in moderate cushion which are nice but not near as important as the socks you wear with your boots.”</p>
<p>Hey guys, a word for the wise:</p>
<p>Buy the boots and low quarters they tell you to. You won’t be able to wear any type of high speed boot until Yuk Year. The first thing an upperclassman will do when he/she sees you in those Oakleys or EXOs is tell you to take them off, then have a nice little PT session. </p>
<p>Additionally, make sure you don’t buy the shiny low quarters. Those are an upperclass privilege as well.</p>
<p>Finally, you’re much more likely to get foot problems/blisters from your low quarters as opposed to your boots. Just make sure your boots aren’t too small, and that your low quarters don’t slip. Bring plenty of bandaids, too.</p>
<p>inhibitor: the boots you posted weren’t black. Aren’t you required to get the shiny black ones? You cannot polish the ones you posted, which I thought was a future activity you would be participating in.</p>
<p>The Army (and USMA) is no longer authorized the black boot – no more polishing!!!</p>
<p>how cool is that?? whatever will the plebes do to pass the time? = )</p>
<p>They still spend plenty of time polishing the black leather low quarters! </p>
<p>Once your candidates have accepted their appointments, the boot letter (on the candidate login page) will explain exactly which boots and shoes (low quarters) to get. There will also be a list of AAFES stores that carry the low quarters. AAFES stores on Air Force bases still carry the leather low quarters - at least they did last year. We had one pair mailed to my son after he tried on the shiny ones at our local Army post. </p>
<p>It is your choice whether to get one or two pairs of the low quarters and the boots, but the candidate appointees will be fit by podiatrists on or soon after R-Day. My son is happier with the pair of boots and low quarters he bought after that fitting. They can only wear the brand and style boots specified in the boot letter. They also will be “noticed” during beast if they are not wearing the issued green boot socks. </p>
<p>We are hikers, too, and firmly believe in good liner socks. My son took liner socks, but in the flurry of R-Day, somehow they did not get transferred to his Army duffle. He saw New Cadets using the issued black low quarter socks as liners. He was happy with the issued boot socks and did not need the liners. </p>
<p>Pack liners, blister bandaids, mole skin, and first aid tape in that toothbrush/personal ditty bag. Even the best “broken in” feet can get blisters on those long ruck marches. The medics will take care of you - and all blisters should be reported to them - but yours can be backups if moleskin gets scarce in the field. </p>
<p>Transfer of personal belongings happens fast on R-Day. It is best if there is very little to transfer to that big duffle they will carry most of the day. My son had just his boots and two ziploc bags of stuff to transfer and only one ziploc bag and his boots got into that duffle!</p>
<p>usservicemom et al: thanks for the great advice, insight, information, past experiences…etc. etc. all of us newbies have so many questions…thank you thank you thank you…in advance! :~)</p>
<p>Keep in mind that the new cadets will be issued a ton of stuff that first day. Taking one pair of boots (he/she will be wearing the low quarters when reporting) and having the second pairs of each issued may make his/her ruck easier to carry for awhile.</p>
<p>Absolutely pack your personals in zip lock bags. You can pack so much in them, squish out the air, and then seal. Plus, your unmentionables will not be scattered all over during the transfer from luggage/bag to ruck.</p>
<p>In post #1 inhibitor asked: “Should I wait until my visit on 27 March?”</p>
<p>inhibitor, you will have plenty of time (3 months) to get used to your boots and low quarters if you wait and buy them at West Point when you visit on March 27. The leather low quarters can be hard to find - it may be easier to just get them there. </p>
<p>Enjoy your visit! Try to see the museum if you have time.</p>