Because Red Wings fucking suck, I've had many pairs that I've worn down to the point that both toes shine and they are awful and if I had a choice I would pick a good boot instead.
BOOTS
Jacob Gray
Chase Watson
With Ivan's Waxi boots, would it be possible to have a cobbler resole them once the sole is buggered? I've got some Australian made boots which are in pretty good condition apart from the soles being worn out, I've looked into getting my boots resoled but it isn't worth it in terms of cost due to the way the soles are attached. It's a shame to see well cared for leather go to waste and I'd like to avoid this in future by having boots which can be easily resoled.
Jose Powell
Use doublesocks you homo. You can never have too many or too fresh socks.
Ryan Peterson
buy moleskin. you aren't going to have enough time to soak your feet, and they will always be hurting in the military.
The boot fitters at reception are going to give you a hard time, but just make sure that you like the way they fit and talk to them and make sure. I warn you, they will not be friendly.
THEY WILL BE TIGHT AND UNCOMFORTABLE AND STIFF.
Dont waste your money on other companies that claim to have a better boot, they are all scams and will wear out easily.
if you have a couple months before basic (unfortunately its too late to back out) then I suggest getting tight boots and going on a 10-20 mile hike to get accustomed.
on a different note, the undies they issue are tight, so buy the boxers at the PX as soon as you have money.
t. army veteran
Liam Gutierrez
I'm sorry my Soviet killing machine friend, but that would be bad for Georgia, a very hot and humid place.
Gavin Morris
Moleskin as stated by another Strelok. Learn how to apply it properly. Once you figure out where the hotspots are you can be proactive with it. Outside the door to the drill sergeant's office is a schedule. Check it for days you'll be marching. Know rough distances ahead of time, example rifle range is 5 miles from the barracks etc. This is so if you know you're roughly half way done and have a hot spot, fall out, call a medic for moleskin. This is much better than getting a blister by the end of the march and have another 5 miles back to the barracks. If you have PT the next day or another road march, you'll wish you had fallen out for moleskin. As long as you fall back in there is no shame in it. You're building for the 16k with full gear, so hopefully by that time you've worked out all the foot/gear issues. Stay alert, stay alive Strelok
Levi Thompson
Use synthetic socks, consider boot powder, have bandages at hand.
Another method: put your feet in water, let the boots soak, wear wet boots far a day, that's it.
Logan Morris
Modern red wings are made in China, which is why they suck. Same with modern Doc Martens. But the original OEM company for DM still operates, and they're cheaper than DMs, they're called Solovair.
Jordan Richardson
Before you go, hit REI and try on some good Asolos so you know which fit you best. They are better boots and will last a lot longer than your issued ones, plus they require virtually no break-in.
This won't help you for BT, but once in the field they let you buy/wear your own.
NEVER go by size, none of that is standardized anymore. Even the identical model boot made by the same manufacturer with the same size label on it will vary in actual size. Always go by fit. You HAVE TO try them on first. It is less important if you are going to be stationed somewhere cold, but if you are going to Afghanistan or someplace like that you MUST have boots that fit really well and that are durable as fuck. Standard issue just doesn't cut it over there.
Colton Edwards
I got Ivan's Waxi boots and I got blisters the first day I wore them.