I’ve heard about the boots in the army, should I wear two pairs of socks?

2019-06-09T18:55:40-04:00

Someone told me to wear two pairs of socks when wearing the boots because it’s ruff on the skin. Should I wear one pair of white socks and one pair of black socks or just two pair of white socks . Also should I get a size and a half down in boots or just a size down ?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 7:14 PM

2019-06-09T19:14:48-04:00

1) wear boots that fit your feet.
2) wearing 2 pairs of socks cause friction, which cause blisters
boots take time to break in, a good pair of socks is all you need

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 7:16 PM

2019-06-09T19:16:40-04:00

You wear the boots that were sized to your feet. Go ahead and wear additional pairs at the same time.....and then enjoy popping all those blisters. Seriously, if you wear the proper sized boots, with the proper military issued socks, you will have no problems with your feet.

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Jun 9 at 2019 7:28 PM

2019-06-09T19:28:37-04:00

Johnathon Greer I've been in the military a long time. I've never worn two pairs of socks with my combat boots. I agree with those who've responded here that you need to wear the boots that fit your feet. If you get blisters, chances are the boots do not fit correctly and are rubbing on your feet as you walk. You foot powder to keep your feet dry and change your socks often if you're going to walking around in them all day. Hope that helps you out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 7:37 PM

2019-06-09T19:37:33-04:00

First, all boots need to be broken in and there will always be a period of blisters when you start wearing them on forced marches.
Second, you can replace the insoles to make them more comfortable and if you do a lot of rucking then think about a set of custom arches.
Third, the size of the boot depends on how your feet feel at the end of they day when you've been walking around and your feet expands. You should go slightly bigger to accommodate your feet expanding, but just a little. Too much room in the shoe can cause chafing and rubbing or other discomforts. (Remember blisters = friction, sweat/moisture, and heat.) Going smaller isn't a good idea.
Fourth, keep your feet dry by powdering your feet before a road march, then change your socks periodically, and after the road march before you go to bed apply some kind of moisturizer to your dry feet. Also treat all blisters, and peels. If you have to do another march the next day then mole skin helps. Note there is also anti-blister/rash cream you can buy to minimize blisters and heat rashes on other parts of your body.

The two sock thing is something I heard of, but it was a combination of a thin sock (like a dress sock) underneath a thicker wool sock. The idea was the thinner sock would absorb the sweat from your feet and the thicker sock would add more cushioning. Keep in mind if you use white socks they are probably made from cotton which is not good for marching in. I believe the army was also moving away from cotton tee-shirts as well and headed for dry wick shirts.

Food for thought, in my days the infantry was full of hard asses who believed in toughening your feet with calluses and we would do short marches in boots without socks. Hah!

Anyway I wouldn't fret too much or place much value in scuttlebutt talk, your DI or DS will square you away. If you think your feet is only your problem during a road march you are in for a big surprise. I remember the first time I had chaffing in my groin area and the skin was so tender it cracked. After awhile it burned. I remember seeing people in my unit after the road march walking around like penguins. Haha, those were the days.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 9 at 2019 8:43 PM

2019-06-09T20:43:46-04:00

Get boots that fit. For the vast majority of people whose boots fit; blisters and hot spots come from asking more of their feet in day, than they have in a week.

My suggestion: Start walking
_Find someone else who wants to walk for fitness, always have a partner.
_Wear something on your head that will protect you from sunburn on your scalp, but that you can soak in water if you feel hot (evaporative cooling). If you feel dizzy stop, take a drink, and call someone to pick you up and take you home.
_Don't forget to hydrate. Drink at least 1/2 quart before you step off, and 1/2 quart every break.
_Start walking six days a week, with a 25lb pack with a frame. Add 10 lbs per week until you match your 50% of your body weight.
_Start with whatever distance you can comfortably do now, plus 0.5-1 miles. Add 0.5-1 miles per week until you get to 12 miles. If you can't find a buddy to go this distance, or walk a 1-2 mile loop where there are constantly people, or someone to check in with when you finish each loop.
_When you start, walk for 10 minutes, then stop and adjust your pack. Thereafter walk 55 minutes and then take a break for 5 minutes.
_Change socks every break.
_At first, don't worry about pace, but try to get down to 12-15 minutes per mile.

This will not make you an "force marching infantry God of War," but it will put you way ahead of the curve of most of your buddies in boot camp. They'll teach you the rest in boot camp.

Response by SSgt Robert Matlock made Jun 9 at 2019 9:58 PM

2019-06-09T21:58:26-04:00

After a short break in period my combat boots fit like I was born wearing them. When I went through basic we ran in our combat boots. I tighten them after the initial break in to keep them from slipping. The socks they gave me were thick and comfortable. I have a 30 year old pair of jungle boots I wore to Desert Storm, still the most comfortable pair of footwear I own.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 9 at 2019 11:01 PM

2019-06-09T23:01:41-04:00

I once tried wearing the cotton socks meant for my low quarters when I did not have clean, issued, wool cushion foot socks.

Proper, issued socks worked well for me.

Along those lines, I have filled my boots with water in the evening. Dumping the water and wearing those boots all the next day assures you of well fitted boots.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2019 11:46 PM

2019-06-09T23:46:37-04:00

Never, ever wear 2 pairs of socks. It was a technique back in the day, and the drill sergeants made me and my platoon do it in basic. It messed my feet up bad.
The Army boot socks they issue are not bad nowadays. If you dont like them there are great brands out there like fox river, darn tough, point 6, smart wool. You have to pick which ones work best for you. Different construction and materials do better in different environments. If you are prone to blisters I use dr scholl's blister band aids. They are way better than mole skin. You will have to figure out what is best your your feet through trial and error.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 10 at 2019 1:26 AM

2019-06-10T01:26:31-04:00

Back when we had these, maybe. The issued boots now are much better. Get them sized properly and wear the issued socks. You'll be taught how to care for your feet. Powder, changing socks, etc. someone else mentioned walking before you get your Basic Training. That too.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2019 8:17 AM

2019-06-10T08:17:29-04:00

I've tried the 2 pair even with thin light black socks didn't work. Right size broken in boots with foot powder ect work the best. Don't worry your DS will square you away with everything.

g. Socks .
(1) Tan, green, or black, tan; cushion sole (worn only with boots ) (see para 18–26a).
Since no one else has brought it to your attention and you will learn soon.

White or black socks with no logo for Pt clothing.
b. Commanders may authorize wear of commercial running shoes with calf-length or ankle-length, plain white or black socks (no logos). If worn, ankle-length socks must cover the entire ankle bone and calf-length socks will end at the middle point between the ankle and the knee. Shoes must accommodate all five toes in one compartment. Those shoes that feature five separate, individual compartments for the toes detract from a professional military image and are prohibited for wear with the IPFU or when conducting physical training in a military formation.

Response by SSgt Robert Matlock made Jun 10 at 2019 6:26 PM

2019-06-10T18:26:13-04:00

Response by SPC Ted Ronayne made Aug 3 at 2019 8:52 PM

2019-08-03T20:52:39-04:00

You will be issued boots in reception. Make sure they fit!!! The contractors will be fitting boots for 150+ people so it's an assembly line... Just like everything else in the army, you've got to look out for yourself because no one else will (no one is gonna check up on you after you get your boots to make sure they fit right, that's your job)

You will be issued green calf length socks. Those are the only socks you will be authorized to wear with your boots. You will not have white socks, and you will be only allowed to wear black socks with the PT uniform.

However, as I'm newly out of basic, I will give you personal advice, which my battle buddies experienced and my drill Sergeants gave us pointers on...

Do not wear two pairs of socks with your boots!!! At all!!! The added friction and lack of air circulation will give you blisters and make your life hell. Your feet will become sweaty, and if you've never worn boots regularly the friction between your feet and leather will be a rough experience. If you wear two pairs of socks, it will make those two problems much worse. Foot care is easily one of the most important things to learn in basic training and your army career. Your feet will carry you everywhere, so if you don't take care of them, you won't be able to function as a soldier.

Good luck!