Authorized vs Unauthorized Boots!

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 01:24:45 -0400

For over a month, I walked around an active duty post in the same pair of boots. I get back to my unit (national guard) and within minutes I hear "your boots are not authorized! Didn't you get that email?!" Well I did get the email and my boots are in fact authorized. My issue is this: if I expect my soldiers to be out at the range all weekend marching around with gear, then I expect they be able to take care of their feet and wear boots that won't cause blisters or unnecessary discomfort. Our soldiers are our greatest asset. If they want to buy boots that will help them perform at their peak levels, then so be it! I understand our army is getting away from the war mindset and becoming more garrison but does that mean we shouldn't allow soldiers to wear comfortable boots?

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Aug 26 at 2014 1:28 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 01:28:08 -0400

I am quite sure that in the whole list of authorized boots there is something comfortable for all. From what I have seen/heard about the unauthorized boots is that they are made of synthetic material and this is why they are not authorized. SSG Robert Burns SFC Michael Hasbun SSG V. Michelle Woods Can you please help me out and make sure what I said is correct as I am just a Marine and only have like three pairs of boots on my approved list.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 1:42 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 01:42:11 -0400

I have never personally seen a detailed list of boots that are authorized or not. All I've ever seen is a description that's written in one of those formats that I, myself, find a little challenging to decipher.

I have a pair of Blackhawk boots that I paid $179 for and they were worth every penny. I can't wear them when I fly, but you can bet your butt I wear them all day everyday on the ground. When you're flying you're even more limited and I have yet to find a pair of flight approved boots that are incredibly comfortable. I've heard that there's a list of flight approved boots, but I have yet to find it. (If anyone can provide a link or point me in a direction that would be GREAT! My feet would appreciate it!)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 2:16 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 02:16:01 -0400

The boots are authorized because they have already gone through the ringer for safety/protection testing, etc. I'm not talking about protection against stepping on a land mine either. Those boots you want to buy outside of the authorized list, those that have not been approved, the military can't guarantee your safety in them. It's sort of like an insurance policy. If they are approved and on the list of approved, your covered. If not, you're putting yourself at risk. If you find a pair of boots that are comfortable and the majority agree, bring it up to your COC and see if they'll get approved. The worst thing Command will say is No.