This is a valuable lesson in "some things once done, can't be undone"--a concept often lost on the digital media generation.

Basic Issue
 

CIF at many Basic Training Posts seems to be full of sick individuals who enjoy giving young soldiers poor fitting shoes and boots. My experience was receiving size 10.5 running shoes and size 10W boots. I was recently fitted by a professional, and I am more like a size 13 all around, although size 11.5W boots fit nicely. After purchasing the new footwear, I have been relieved of all shin splint problems.

My point... The boots issued to you in basic are not the only boots you can take to SFAS. Clothing and Sales in the PX will sell nice new Basic Issue Boots in the size you actually need. I am currently breaking mine in with a few 8 mile rucks per week.

Thanks for the post! I will indeed use this advice for my advantage as I am right now suffering a mild inflammation in my plantar fascia. When I walk it feels like I am stepping on dozens of lego blocks.

The MCSS will also sell you plenty of boots that are not issued or authorized for wear at SFAS.

How about saving the advice till you have actually been accepted and successfully completed SFAS?

TR

There is no longer a specific list of boots that are authorized for wear at SFAS. As long as they fall within AR 670-1 standards, they are acceptable for wear. Of course, this could change again at any time. As far as I know this change was made recently because I had two different packing lists given to me within 3 months. Majority of the guys in my class of 07-12 wore the Rocky C4 trainers and Nike SFBs.

Either way, a good set of insoles go a long way for issued boots if you don't have flat feet. I have really high arches. So, I bought a set of Sole brand insoles that are capable of being custom molded after a short amount of time in the oven. Made my issued boots feel like a completely different boot. Did the same for my Nike SFBs and I had no feet issues at SFAS until the last couple of days of team week.

Great Info
 

Great topic, thanks OP.

I bought John Vonhof's "Fixing Your Feet" several months ago. 358 pages of excellent material on everything from foot and footwear basics and fit, injury/blister prevention techniques and ongoing injury treatment. Also provides great resources for follow up.

New Boot Reg?
 

Can anyone else verify Scamilton's above statement. I hear this from my recruiter, I hear this here, I've almost accepted it as truth. I intend to bring one set of issue boots and one set of Danners, if we are allowed non-issue boots.

I just completed the June Class 09-12 and I brought one pair of Nikes one pair of Rocky Sv2's and one issued pair. Both the Nikes and Rockies were allowed.

Also class 09-12. As long are your boots can be worn with an Army uniform they are allowed. I wore Nikes the whole time.

I'm surprised the nike's held up in sfas. I have two pairs of bellevilles and a pair of oakleys but I don't like the oakleys.