How much is too much to spend on boots?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:17:03 -0500

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?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Feb 2 at 2016 10:20 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:20:55 -0500

It's my understanding that your clothing allowance is to be used to replaced "issued items". This means the gear they gave you at initial issue which I think does not include boots from 5.11 or other places. Now of course, you are able to go out and buy these boots as long as they fall under the proper regulation but the cost for these boots are on you. At least that is my understanding.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 2 at 2016 10:22 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:22:57 -0500

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?

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Feb 2 at 2016 10:44 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:44:29 -0500

As with anything, you get what you pay for, so use your money wisely. To that end, no matter what you spend, make sure what you choose to buy is not prohibited footwear. I bought a pair of Rocky C4s (love 'em), that I learned after the fact were prohibited--I guess it melts or something--so I had to take the hit on that. Live & learn.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 2 at 2016 10:55 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 10:55:27 -0500

I will tell you to not go cheap on foot care. That begins with socks so make sure you get quality socks. I am preferential to Thorlo socks but there are plenty of quality types available at the PX. With boots, take your time and get a pair that feels good. Talk to your fellow Soldiers to see what they prefer and also make sure the style is allowed by AR 670-1. I bought a pair of Oakley boots in 2008 while in Iraq and loved how they felt. I ordered the same kind and size in 2012 prior to my deployment to Afghanistan and they did not feel the same. So, I also recommend that you do not mail order some and make sure you try them on with the socks you intend to wear. I will tell you that while it may seem costly, your feet and you will appreciate the investment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 11:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 11:04:24 -0500

Unless you have already been issued OCP, or plan on getting out before the wear date, I suggest you use the allowance on the new uniform.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Feb 2 at 2016 11:10 AM

CSM Michael Poll — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 11:10:14 -0500

I guess if you do not want to spend the money, the basic Army Issue boot is always an option.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 11:11 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 11:11:07 -0500

I purchase my boots from this company as they give back to the military community. Just my two cents. The boots are comfortable and have lasted.

http://www.bootcampaign.org/‎

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 12:05 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:05:24 -0500

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 12:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:21:56 -0500

I'm a reservist and I don't get a clothing allowance. I have to spend my own $$$ on uniforms and boots. Your feet are worth the money. Basic issue boots are crap. That's what they are, basic. No comfort at all. I try to stay under $150 when buying boots.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Feb 2 at 2016 12:26 PM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:26:14 -0500

That would depend on the individual. I honestly don't think there is such a thing as a good boot just because they cost more. Pretty much all work the same after months of wear and tare.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 12:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 12:31:08 -0500

If you current boots are in serviceable condition but just not comfortable a more cost effective route to go is getting a pair of customized insoles. Runners World near Fort Carson for example can map out your feet and provide you with insoles that make a world of difference for a price ranging from 30-75 dollars.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Feb 2 at 2016 1:19 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 13:19:14 -0500

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 1:34 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 13:34:53 -0500

As a supply specialist in a military police unit, I don't see you strapping on 130lbs of gear and doing a 25 mile forced road march any time soon. I have a pair of $120 Bellevilles that work just fine. Spend $120 and then take the insoles out and replace them with $10 insoles you like. Poof...great boots and if you cut the insoles properly, they are perfect for YOUR feet. Don't spend $200 on a pair of boots unless you are going to spend a lot of time walking in them under heavy loads.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 3:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:31:56 -0500

Everyone has pretty much summed it up well. Take care of your "dogs". I will not own another pair of boots other than Rockys(2SV's). I've tried many different brands and styles, but the Rockys by far are the best for me. They are around 170-180 price range.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Feb 2 at 2016 3:56 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 15:56:51 -0500

My squadron issued us boots because we had to use safety toe boots. Boots for personal use? Well I spent about 120 on mine that I use for hiking, shoveling snow, airsoft, and other outdoor use.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Feb 2 at 2016 6:33 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 18:33:56 -0500

I've been around for some time and in some very odd places so tacking care of my dogs have been a priority for me. That been said I never spent an eye and a limb for footware. There are some realy good options for less than $150.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 2 at 2016 9:27 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 21:27:37 -0500

My favorite boots have been Garmonts, they run between 130-150. Little bit pricey over the boots you get in Clothing and Sales but worth it to me. Removing an ounce off your feet is like taking 10 lbs off your back.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 6:38 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 06:38:44 -0500

Nothing is to expensive for your feet. I suppose it matters how comfortable you want to be. I have spent $395 on boots before (Whites) and never regretted it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 10:12 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 10:12:44 -0500

I use my feet more than anything else for transport in the Army. Comfortable boots that provide support and comfort are a priority. I wouldn't skimp on my footwear. Miserable feet = miserable soldier = poor performance.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 10:59 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 10:59:38 -0500

Us desk jockey's in the Air Force mostly stick to the Nike SFBs. Lightweight and comfortable.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 12 at 2016 4:40 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 16:40:24 -0500

You know, how much are your feet worth? That's how much you should spend on them.