New boots dilemma (goes against PS.com recommendations)

[Sign me up]

For starters, I'm an 18X Candidate looking to toughen up my feet before leaving for Basic. This thread talks about my experience with my first pair of boots and my experience with them thus far:



I've read (and been told) so much about boots. New boots should be broken in before long road marches, always treat the boots with mink (or another) oil and saddle soap to soften the leather, eliminate friction and moisture to reduce blisters, etc.

I went to the Army Surplus store today and tried talking to the guy there. He didn't really know anything about heel/toe cups, arch supports, boot inserts, and soles. I was asking him all tons of questions and realized I wasn't getting anywhere....

So I decided to try on some different types of boots, with 2 pairs of socks on each foot. The first sock (against my skin) was the standard brown Army Issue sock, followed by a second layer wool sock to help reduce the friction between the boot and my foot.

I told him I wanted the standard boot the Army gave out so I could make sure I was within regulations. He suggested I try on some Belleville boots.

Now, since I have never tried on a boot in my life, I asked him what they should feel like. He told me they should feel comfortable, and shouldn't have any annoyances that you wouldn't want to deal with after a long road march (chafing, etc.).

My normal shoe size is 10.5. I tried on some 10.5 boots, but the front was VERY tight around the top part of the toe knuckles. I didn't want this to be annoying and hurt later on, so I tried on some size 11 boots and they seemed to fit fine.

However, those 11's almost feel like clown feet. My heel constantly slides (not much, but enough to notice) on each step, however I never got a hot spot. Granted, I only walked a mile, but I felt like I could go on forever.

Is this normal? Is the boot supposed to be that comfortable/big? I want to toughen my feet, but while I'm walking it doesn't really feel like it's working them. I don't want to keep using these boots, only to find out that boots are supposed to chafe against your foot and maintain a tight fit.

I don't feel like they are stiff at all, and I don't feel like I need to use any oils to soften them up either.

What's the deal here? These things feel great. Did the owner fit me wrong? Or do you really need to walk a long distance to notice hot spots? The only thing I can think of is that I've worn hiking boots (in replace of sneakers) all my life, so maybe I'm used to the comfort of a boot-like shoe.

[bricklayer]

My suggestion from my own experience would be to pick a boot and ruck till you wear them out. Your blisters will be nice and calaced by that time. By the time your ready for a new pair it will not matter, you will have leather feet!

[Sign me up]

But see that's my point. I don't feel like it's toughening my feet at all because they feel so comfortable. Maybe they are strengthening anyway?

I'll go for a long march tomorrow and see what I feel like. If I don't get any hot spots then there's something wrong. I'll post my results.

[Warrior-Mentor]

Bellville's (suede leather) don't generally need the same treatment as the black boots. The softer leather makes them easier to break in as well.

There's no magic answer. Ruck at the pace and distance (minimum 8 miles in under 2 hours) and you'll know if they're right.

Keep training it takes time to develop the experience and learn what things should feel like.

Cast or tab,
JM

[Sign me up]

Thank you Warrior-Mentor.

Cast or tab.

[Books]

Part of the reason so many guys take the cups out of the toes and heels is because it is an attempt to get the boot to fit as well as possible as soon as possible and the existing boot isn't "cooperating." If your heel is sliding around in the heel cup already and it is noticeable after one mile, you might be in for a suprise after 8 with some weight on your back.

Do you have more or less than a thumb width of room in front of your toes? If you have more, then the boot might be too big. If your heels are slopping around, your boots might be too big. If, when you lace them up, the eyelets come real close together, you might have boots that are too big.

Like most folks, I burned through many pairs of boots learning which was the right combo for me. You'll figure it out too. Or not.

Have fun.

Books

[The Reaper]

My suggestion from my own experience would be to pick a boot and ruck till you wear them out. Your blisters will be nice and calaced by that time. By the time your ready for a new pair it will not matter, you will have leather feet!

My suggestion to you is that you stop offering advice when you have not done anything yet. Maybe after SFAS, if you get that far, you will have the knowledge to provide INFORMED opinions to others. Till then, I recommend that you focus on what you know.

SMU:

You have not walked far enough yet to determine your fit and wear pattern. Lace them up and go for a six mile or so walk. Add a ruck, if you feel up to it. Try to make 15:00 miles or better. Stop and check your feet at least hourly. If you get a hot spot, take care of it and turn around to head home by the shortest route while going easy on your feet. Your feet will swell when rucking, so slightly larger boots is not necessarily a bad thing. You will not be bringing any socks to SFAS but Socks, Wool, Cushion Sole, so I would not be wearing anything exotic or other than the above.

I suspect that the Army will issue you boots and give you plenty of break in time before you have to worry about it.

Best of luck.

TR

[bricklayer]

My suggestion to you is that you stop offering advice when you have not done anything yet. Maybe after SFAS, if you get that far, you will have the knowledge to provide INFORMED opinions to others. Till then, I recommend that you focus on what you know.

TR
Roger, out

[crash]

Now, since I have never tried on a boot in my life, I asked him what they should feel like. He told me they should feel comfortable, and shouldn't have any annoyances that you wouldn't want to deal with after a long road march (chafing, etc.).

My normal shoe size is 10.5. I tried on some 10.5 boots, but the front was VERY tight around the top part of the toe knuckles. I didn't want this to be annoying and hurt later on, so I tried on some size 11 boots and they seemed to fit fine.

However, those 11's almost feel like clown feet. My heel constantly slides (not much, but enough to notice) on each step, however I never got a hot spot. Granted, I only walked a mile, but I felt like I could go on forever.

Is this normal? Is the boot supposed to be that comfortable/big? I want to toughen my feet, but while I'm walking it doesn't really feel like it's working them. I don't want to keep using these boots, only to find out that boots are supposed to chafe against your foot and maintain a tight fit.



Boots are one of those things where you just have to see what works for you. Look at what others have done listen to their advice but keep in mind what works for one doesn't work for all.

I have the same problem with finding a boot that fits me good, I'm different sizes in different boots/shoes, usually between a 9.5 and 10.5. What I found to work is a wide size boot, where the 10.5 felt small but the 11 felt too big. So you might want to try a wide size boot.

As for them feeling like clown shoes if you've never worn that type of boot, or any boot before they are going to feel awkward. Just like anything new, but theirs awkward and then theirs uncomfortable.

Good luck, I hate looking for new boots shoes..

[gottaTRI]

I've done a good job keeping my feet from blistering by not wearing socks while in garrison and wiping down my feet with alcohol several times a day. They're not too pretty, but they hold up well.

[Team Sergeant]

Listen up ladies!

The next "Candidate" offering advice on these boards is going to be looking for another board to post on.

Is that clear?

What part of "The Reapers" post did you gents not understand?

If I were a Candidate, worring about a blister or two I sure as hell don't want advice from those that have not yet walked the walk.

If you feel the need to hold hands and sing go else where.

Team Sergeant

(Books is an exception in this case.)

[CSB]

Boots are one of those things where you just have to see what works for you. Look at what others have done listen to their advice but keep in mind what works for one doesn't work for all.


Us older guys who have been through many pairs of boots under all kinds of terrain know that, hell yes, it is very individualized. Here is the only advice I'll give, based upon my real world experience from Basic - AIT - NCO School - OCS - Ranger - SF - AASLT - EIB - Korea, Somalia, Honduras, etc.:

Once you find out what works for you, DON'T CHANGE IT for "the big one."

I can't tell you how many times soldiers who have a decent pair of well worn-in boots, with plain OD green wool socks, and miles of rucking under their soles, will get stupid before a big march. Whether it's Camp Mackall back to Ft. Bragg, or 25 miles over Soya-San mountain, or even a EIB/EFMB course, some idiot will tell that soldier the night before "the big one" that the key to an easy foot march is [blah] [blah], where [blah] [blah] might be: "wear two pairs of socks," or "wear cotton socks under the wool socks," or "rub your feet with Preparation H to reduce swelling," or "tape your toes together."

I GUARANTEE you that the idiot soldier who has never tried that technique before in his life and who starts "the big one" by following his buddy's advice will be wimpering, whining, falling out, and probably in the follow truck within 10 miles of starting.

Boots and road marches are like sex, while there are some basic rules and techniques, you will have to learn what works best for your particular situation and based on your configuration. Of course, the rule also applies: "if it hurts, you probably aren't doing it right."

[Sign me up]

Haha, I love that post CSB :) Very smart.

I appreciate everyone's advice. I think I might have lucked out with the comfort factor as it is right now. But that's no reason to stop trying different things.

I'll be experimenting with different boot/sock/insole combinations to find the best gear for me. Improvement is always a goal.

-SMU


P.S. Wasn't able to dedicate 2+ hours to the road march today. Will do that tomorrow morning and aim toward 8+ miles. I'll see how my feet hold up.

[Sign me up]

APOLOGY: I've been recently informed that my intro to this thread is wrong. I am indeed NOT an 18x candidate, as I currently hold no 18x contract.

I am in the final stages of enlistment with my recruiter, and will be holding a contract sometime next week (if schedule holds up). My preparation for the 18x program has started way before my sign-up date, so I say "18x" to show my current plan.

No secrets here. Again, I apologize for mis-representing myself. This shall all become the truth in due time.

-SMU

[Scimitar]

Boots and road marches are like sex, while there are some basic rules and techniques, you will have to learn what works best for your particular situation and based on your configuration. Of course, the rule also applies: "if it hurts, you probably aren't doing it right."

LMAO, :D I had to tell my wife that one. :munchin

She wasn't impressed. ;)

[crash]

Us older guys who have been through many pairs of boots under all kinds of terrain know that, hell yes, it is very individualized.
"


I certainly didn't mean to insult anyones intelligence here, I know all the BTDT's know this. Just thought maybe he hadn't learned that yet.
I'll go back to lerking in the medical section.