Posted on Feb 2, 2016
SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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Clothing allowance for JE is not that high, I got $153 in my first year. This year it was way better, I'll be able to get a new pair of OCPs and a pair of boots. However, I've seen boots over $200, that's way more than half my allowance.

How much do you spend on boots? How much is too much? Does a "good cheap" boot exist?
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Responses: 21
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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You only get one set of feet. Cheap boots will jack them up (as well as your ankles, knees, and hips).

Your gear is an investment. Now boots are a "consumable" (you do have to replace them every so often), but good boots get replaced less often than cheap boots, by a significant factor.

Using made up math... Buy $90 cheap boots 1 every year. Buy $200 good boots 1 every 3 years. Which is the better investment?
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
9 y
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS good point, will have it in consideration.
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SN Greg Wright
SN Greg Wright
9 y
SGT(P) (Join to see) Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS Couldn't agree more. Footwear is the one area you should never hold back on. Get as expensive as you can afford, but be sure you're buying quality, and not a name or fashion.
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SPC Computer/Detection Systems Repairer
SPC (Join to see)
9 y
more expensive does not always mean more durability... ive heard of people buying a "nice" pair of boots for 200 something and they were trash at the end of one year. I myself have been using the basic style of boots for the past 5 years and have had no problems there. It all comes down to personal preference.
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MAJ Multifunctional Logistician
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As a general rule, you should never skimp on things directly between you and the ground. That includes boots/shoes, mattresses and tires. Each of those can make your life as smooth as exlax or make you question every decision you have ever made.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
9 y
MAJ (Join to see) great reference with exlax, hahaha. I need new tires too, there's no transportation allowance.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
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Edited 9 y ago
SGT(P) (Join to see) The most expensive pair of boot I ever bought were Materhorns back in the black boot day. I paid around $200 for them (can't remember the exact price it was over 22 years ago). They were some awesome cold weather boots. When we switched to the tan boots, I always bought Oakley's for around $130. If you sign up on their military/police web site (standardissue.com) they are about $30-$50 cheaper than at a store.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
9 y
SGM Steve Wettstein thanks for the reference!!! Definitely will give it a look.
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SGM Steve Wettstein
SGM Steve Wettstein
9 y
SGT(P) (Join to see) - Antonio, I always go by the motto "you get what you pay for". Take care of your feet and they will take care of you.
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG Warren Swan
9 y
SGM Steve Wettstein - Thanks for bringing up Matterhorns.....many nights with Mink Oil to "shine them"........
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
I want to say Marines were issued the Matterhorns back in the Gen Krulak days. They replaced one of our sets (think it was the all leather). They were a solid pair of boots.
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