Have you stopped wearing your Nike or Rocky C4 boots?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 04:43:46 -0400

We all got the memo that these and others were not authorized. How are you enforcing it? It starts with us as leaders to stop wearing them so that the Soldiers know we uphold and follow the standard.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 13 at 2014 10:08 AM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 10:08:50 -0400

I have actually spoken to store owners about boots that were not authorized for wear. For most they are on top of the regs. They do keep Nike, Rocky C4s and other unauthorized boots around for people who are not in the military or for those Soldiers who want them for hunting, etc. As leaders we just need to remind them or show them the new regs and simply tell them that they cannot wear them. Any issues and you bring them in for counseling and so forth.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 3:15 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:15:05 -0400

Yes Sir,
I did stop wearing the Nike boots! My opinion on this is if you want to be a good leader you can not pick and chose the rules you want to follow.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 3:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:36:06 -0400

I strongly recommend to my guys to buy from clothing and sales when possible. They generally know what is authorized if you simply ask. I think the rule is going to be tough to enforce unless boots are checked at formation because most of the time I'm not looking at boots unless I see something grossly wrong that I can't miss...filthy, large logos..etc. but I will do what I can to ensure the reg is followed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 3:56 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 15:56:09 -0400

I for one will not enforce this and I still wear my nike boots. The army is behind the times with uniforms. The ACU worked out so great that no one is SOF even used it. The same with boots. The demand for better boots has been around for a long time. The Army relaxed on it and the private sector did their part and made the boots we needed. Just with a uniform you cant just use one boot for everything. An aggressive boot trend will get destroyed in garrison and a garrison boot can't hack the woods for the most part. I understand the enforcement of the standard but I am not going to worry about this. If I am questioned as a leader than so be it. I like to think my CIB, Wings, and Ranger Tab speaks more about me than my boots.

I will reconsider this when my boots are done. When it comes to the nikes it may be in a few months anyway.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jul 13 at 2014 4:02 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 16:02:27 -0400

The right thing to do is adhere to the standard. If your Soldiers see you not abiding by current regulations, they will think that conduct like that is acceptable. That is the wrong message to send to our Soldiers. Do the right thing. Adhere to and enforce the standards.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 13 at 2014 4:06 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 16:06:51 -0400

Some leaders call it picking and choosing rules, other leaders call it using common sense.

I still wear my unauthorized boots (yes I'm so ashamed) however I am on the hunt for comfortable, qualify boots that are within regs.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 5:29 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:29:13 -0400

I've never worn Nikes or Rockys. However, there's occasions when your best option's a pair of Chuck Ts:

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 5:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 17:54:03 -0400

When whoever thought of this dumb standard makes a 17 mile plus movement with my platoon in issued boots (like we did 2 weeks ago) I will enforce this. Until then good luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2014 8:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 20:12:11 -0400

For those who love thier Nike or Rocky C4Ts.........check out the Rocky C5C. Very similar to the C4T but made of leather and within regulation. I have not purchased a pair yet, but I plan to in order to have a breathable boot for light duty on my upcoming deployment. I love my C4Ts and I wore them for the first time since the memo came out last week when my other two sets of boots were soaking wet thanks to cleaning them and leaving them on the porch before a surprise rain storm.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 12:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 00:07:16 -0400

Who can afford these things? I am still wearing same boots I bought in 2005!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 10:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 22:27:12 -0400

It's hard for me to give up my jungle boots w/ the panama sole. I feel they're almost as light as the new Nikes. If you break them in right with custom insoles, it's hard to beat them. Plus, they're only $106 that will last awhile.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 15 at 2014 12:00 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 12:00:54 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member you are not alone sir. My commander sent this out yesterday :)

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 1:07 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:07:22 -0400

Wrong answer CPT Fishkin,

I'm older then you and I don't get to decide which regs to obey.

There are comfortable boots that are within the regs for every type of foot.

When your too old, it's time to hang up the uniform.

Your former CSM

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Jul 15 at 2014 6:30 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:30:04 -0400

This powerpoint and memo that is circulating was originally published by SMA Preston in 2008. It has somehow re-surfaced and they have put SMA Chandler's name on it. He has confirmed that this is not new and did not come from his office.

"Some" of it might still be correct/relevant.

You don't need to worry about abiding by this memo or powerpoint - it's not guidance/directive/regulation - abide by the 670-1.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 10:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 22:58:57 -0400

I have reluctantly retired my Nike SFB's for lawn care/fishing use only......made the painful transition to the LW Belleville's prior to the Independence Day weekend. I pushed the "flavor of the week" guidance out to my Company and informed them that it was pay day and they had until Monday Morning to retire their unauthorized boots, and either dig out their issue from the garage, or lace up a new pair of authorized boots on Tuesday. Came to work expecting to be flanked by violators but, surprisingly everyone was on board.....to include my Commanding Officer. This is not a new standard; it's been around for a while now.....a standard is a standard......it's lawful and it's my duty to enforce it, regardless of my personal opinions about how much these Belleville's blow Bleu Cheese.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 1:11 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:11:14 -0400

Firstly, I had a pair of Rocky C4s and they don't hold up for nothing! My feet are too wide and flat to wear Nikes also. Having said that, a standard is a standard, but I prioritize the soldiers' health and wellness in any situation. As a leader, we make decisions that impact our soldiers' health and have to be held responsible for any injuries due to the boot change. I personally wear Rocky S2V because they hold up in the field and have decent support. I think we have a lot more to worry about other than boots...as long as the boots don't look sketchy and look good in uniform, I don't see the problem. Army issue boots absolutely kill my knees as I have flat feet and knocked knees, so I can relate to those who buy boots with their comfort in mind.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jul 16 at 2014 1:37 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 13:37:31 -0400

Hell, no! I still have a couple pair each of Rockies and Nike SFBs! In fact I wore a pair of coyote brown SFBs off-roading the other day! And I'm retired!

Just out of curiosity, why is either brand not authorized for wear in the active force? I was wearing SFBs for the last couple years of my active duty career and nobody said a thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2014 2:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:24:25 -0400

A helpful link, in case anyone was wondering about the boots:
http://kitup.military.com/2014/07/chandler-clarifies-boots-soldiers-can-wear.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jul 16 at 2014 7:17 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:17:10 -0400

I am trying to put together a list of boots that ARE authorized since all we keep talking about are boots that are unauthorized. I'm going through the discussions and picking out the pairs that leaders say are within regs but so far, I haven't found a pair that would pass.
Every boot Ive found either has some form of mesh material or the soling material extends up the back heel of the boot, which is unauthorized.

So let's be productive here. If y'all have a boot that IS authorized, let's see it and spread the word to help other Soldiers out!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 6:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 06:41:51 -0400

Sir,

I don't understand why our leaders are wearing unauthorized boots to begin with. It's not like this regulation is new; it was in place before I joined the Army. There are discussion threads here on RP from ages ago that discuss recommendations for authorized boots.

Say what you will about the "new Army", but 9 times out of 10 when you hear someone bitching and moaning about regulations, it's from an NCO or higher.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2014 1:19 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 13:19:49 -0400

I retired the nikes yesterday. I am about to go to a school and needed reg approved ones. I bought a pair of danners and the light weight bellevilles. Nothing comes close to the nikes in comfort though.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 12:49 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:49:58 -0400

I'm still rocking my Nikes however, I may move to the Rocky C5C since they are within standard. Hopefully Nike will make a new boot within Army Regs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 8:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 20:22:45 -0400

Yes, I no longer wear mine in uniform, I also told my soldiers not to buy them because they are unauthorized and will not be allowed to wear them when in uniform.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 1:20 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 13:20:19 -0400

I'm trying to find something similar to the Nike, anyone have suggestions on something similar that meets standard?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2014 3:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Jul 2014 15:34:39 -0400

The correct answer is to adhere to the standards and regulations.
This being said, I have had problems with blisters on my feet my entire career. About a year ago I finally dropped the money on a pair of Rocky CA boots. They changed my life, I was able to run a ruck march, no blisters and finally keep up with the majority of the formation I was charged to lead.
I just spent last week in California observing rigorous training at NTC. I have of course done the right thing as per the new guidance on boots and have some awesome open sores on the back of both heels. Yes, I know how proper fit, correct sock composition, and foot frying powders work before someone who is trying to be helpful makes suggestions. Thank you for that still. But I just have the soft foot type that doesn't do well in leather boots.
I will surely miss wearing boots that eased the mission.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2014 9:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 21:22:04 -0400

I saw this while at post today. Take that big Army. I hate to say..... Actually, I don't hate to say it. I am not buying new boots for a couple months. I will wear my current Nikes until I get the new leather ones. I apologize in advance for those who think I am wrong but as a great man once said.

"I yam what I yam and tha's all what I yam." -- Popeye the Sailor

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 12:15 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 12:15:57 -0400

Sir,
I didn't get any "memo" specifically banning a brand or model of boot. I have the new 670-1 in front of me and there are standards for commercial boots but no guidance against specific boots.

Boots must be 8-10 inches tall
Must use tan flesh out leather
Have rubber or poly outsoles
Must use a solid fabric not mesh
Sole material will not exceed 2 inches in height
The outsole will not extend up the back of the heel prover the top of the toe

Given this info, the newest nike SFB 8" boot appear as to meet the requirements, the rocky does not (no full rubber outsole, outsole extends up the heel of the boot).

Any "memo" not utilizing published regulation guidelines in my opinion is not valid. Always use the reg, a PowerPoint presentation or informal guidance is not regulatory.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Aug 26 at 2014 11:01 AM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:01:15 -0400

SSgt Gregory Guina to answer your question, there are a few more reasons why the boots are unauthorized. In addition to the material being synthetic, unauthorized boots also include those with the exterior of the boot upper that contain mesh. The sole of the boot can't exceed two inches in height or extend up the back of the heel or over the top of the toe.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 26 at 2014 11:26 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:26:37 -0400

Nope! Oh, wait.... Army limits by brand....AF limits by color.... as long as I can get those screwed up GREEN boots, I can wear them.... I REALLY wish they would have kept the tan boots.....

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 3:50 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 15:50:40 -0400

I don't have Nike boots but I'm pretty sure my boots are unauthorized (don't think they are cowhide leather). And I'm still wearing them, everyday, and it's not gonna change as long as I'm here in Afghanistan. Not gonna spend money on boots online that I don't know how they will feel on my feet and out here in combat, on my feet all day, is not a good place to start testing them. But, as soon as I get back I will get me some Oakley boots, had them before and loved them.

The thing about this regulation is that the way I see it, it's pretty much aimed at Nike boots only. How can a person tell if it's cowhide or synthetic leather?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2014 8:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:04:18 -0400

Big sigh......... Follow the Regulations!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 12:35 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:35:54 -0400

Yes, I had a pair of Nike's a few years ago and never really liked them. I have been making numerous on the spot corrections since the new reg was published.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2014 7:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 19:23:28 -0400

Unfortunately, I have because my CoC enforced the new AR 670-1! lol I still see a lot of soldiers being out of regs, wearing their unauthorized boots.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2014 1:10 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 01:10:05 -0400

It doesn't have to start anywhere. All it takes is a formation, and have the 1sgt say they are no longer authorized, hang the memo in the TOC and say you have until "x" time to get regulation boots. If leaders choose to wear or not wear them it makes no difference to me, I just get to sit back, satisfied, knowing I follow the standard even if they don't.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 24 at 2014 10:53 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 10:53:21 -0500

I agree all you active duty service members should immediealty cease and desist wearing them .

Further more in order to keep them from falling into unknowing fellow service
Members hands please send all new and serviceable size 9.5 boots to me for proper disposel.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 24 at 2014 6:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:55:53 -0500

I now wear the new Nikes. They are leather and are 670-1 compliant. They are a very nice and are a solid boot.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2015 11:34 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 23:34:10 -0400

Everyone should read about the "filthy 13" from the 101rst in ww2. Back then it was a combat army. Those guys fought to win (which is exactly what they did). The leader among those men was a colorful man named Jake Mcniese. They don't make them like that any longer.