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Old 04-05-2004, 14:06   #1
D9 (RIP)
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Belleville vs. Wellco

After hearing that they are interchangeably issuing the Belleville 700 and Wellco VCL-ICB, I noticed that the market price of these two boots differs dramatically ($88 for the Wellco, $120 for the Belleville). I would've thought, as they are issuing them interchangeably, that they are about the same boot. Is there a material difference in the quality of these boots? Anyone have experience with both that may be able to comment? Thanks.
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Old 04-05-2004, 14:36   #2
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D9,


I can only comment on the Wellco's and I LOVE them, they are probably some of the most comfortable boots I have put on. I wish I would have had them when I was in the Navy, Navy issue boots are NOT good for your "dawgs" that is for sure.

Jason
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Old 04-05-2004, 14:45   #3
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Quote:
Originally posted by shadowflyer
I can only comment on the Wellco's and I LOVE them, they are probably some of the most comfortable boots I have put on. I wish I would have had them when I was in the Navy, Navy issue boots are NOT good for your "dawgs" that is for sure.
Agreed on the Wellcos. I've got a pair of the jungles w/ Tuffkushion and they are very comfortable. I'm just wondering if there's anything special about the Bellevilles that justifies the price differential. Thanks.
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Old 04-05-2004, 15:04   #4
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Scott:

There was a discussion about this over on Lightfighter. You may want to check that out.

As for the interchangability and price difference, they both have a contract to produce boots for the Army. The price difference is pretty much in line from what I have been told with the boot that is issued to the USMC now. From what I have gathered over on LF the Wellco is better constructed than the Belleville.

Makes things clear as mud huh?

You know how I feel about my VCL-ICB's. The Tuff-cushion soles is the way to go.
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Old 04-05-2004, 15:57   #5
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When I found out I was deploying to Iraq, I went out and bought a pair of Wellcos that resembles the Belleville Air Force Desert Flyers boots, but with the tuffcusion sole. A few weeks later, I was issued a pair of Bellevilles, similar to the brown suede USMC boots that go with their spiffy new marpat uniforms. They have a sole just like the tuffcusion sole. Both boots are very comfortable. The Bellevilles where issued about a half size too big (easily solved problem with thick socks). I wear the Wellcos because they look cooler LOL, and I paid for them, I might as well get all they are worth out of them. I hope the Wellcos will hold up through a Afghanistan deployment if I ever go there.
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Old 04-05-2004, 16:12   #6
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pbr:

Could you compare the stitching and such on the two boots and post an overview?

Thanks
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Old 04-06-2004, 03:35   #7
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Ive seen a few Soldiers in my company that went to Afghanistan with the Belleville AF Desert Flyers boot that had the stiching on the heel blown out. It didnt allow sand or anything to get in the boot though. I havent put my boots through anything near the extreme conditions of Afghanistan, so I dont think I could give a very good comparison. I will take a closer look at the Belleville s and the Wellcos though and compare the stiching.
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Old 04-06-2004, 07:03   #8
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I had heard/read there was a stitching problem on the Belleville's that was why I posed the question. You answered it.

Thank you.
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Old 04-22-2004, 13:41   #9
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I just got my tan Wellco ICBs today...they feel pretty damn good already.

Except for the left foot....or maybe that's the two broken toes
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Old 04-22-2004, 20:31   #10
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QS:

Did yours come with the Tuff-Cushion or the Panama soles?
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Old 04-23-2004, 07:54   #11
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I got the Tuffkushions. I ordered them direct from Wellco...
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Old 04-24-2004, 11:24   #12
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I've got the Belleville 790s. Nice mid-sole like tuffkushions, very rugged sole that haven't broken down like the crappy issue desert boots, and relatively cool (temperature-wise).
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Old 05-08-2004, 13:47   #13
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I was wondering if either of these boots are regulation for SFAS?

I am starting rucking but have no source of army issue out here where I live. The local "Army-Navy" only sells korean knockoff jungle boots. Therefore I will have to travel to find a pair.

Also not to hi-jack but should I use an ALICE pack with or without a frame?

I have search this on the web and two differnt related SF sites but could not come up with concrete answers.

Thanks in advance-

ccrn

Edit: Corrected for spelling.

Last edited by ccrn; 05-08-2004 at 21:52.
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Old 05-08-2004, 14:21   #14
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1.) Yes. The Wellco VCL-ICB's are initial issue boots now for all IADT students.

2.) With Frame. (Its ALICE as opposed to Allison)
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Old 05-08-2004, 14:31   #15
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Quote:
Originally posted by Ghostrider
I've got the Belleville 790s. Nice mid-sole like tuffkushions, very rugged sole that haven't broken down like the crappy issue desert boots, and relatively cool (temperature-wise).
I also have Wellco Jungle boots that have been doing very well.
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