Accepted Candidates who already know their appropriate shoe/boot
sizes and who do not have easy access to a base exchange may order their shoes/boots by phone from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES): 1-800-527-2345. You will need the Accepted Candidate's Social
Security Number, birthdate, and a credit card. The AAFES Website is http://www.aafes.com/.
Following is advice regarding combat boots, as distinguished from the low quarter shoes, that Accepted Candidates are asked to bring to R-Day. The advice is written from the point of view of receiving these combat boots on R-Day and breaking them in at West Point, but it is equally valid if the boots are purchased and broken in prior to R-Day.
"Breaking them in" is an issue for these combat boots, not for the low quarter shoes that Accepted Candidates also are asked to bring to R-Day. The heavy road marching during Cadet Basic Training is done in these combat boots. The low quarter shoes are for use during in-processing on R-Day, and subsequently, but not in long, heavy-duty road marching conditions.
Thus the combat boots are the footwear that should be broken in as described in this advice sheet, which contains useful advice on other subjects as well.
THINGS TO BRING
Wire brush
Saddle soap
Large can of black Kiwi shoe polish
Rag/old T-shirt
Boot brush
Leather dye
Boots
Foot powder
Gel insoles
Nylon bike shorts (wear under BDUs for marches)
Gold bond medicated powder
BREAKING IN BOOTS
Necessary equipment:
Wire brush
Saddle soap
Large can of black Kiwi shoe polish
Rag/old T-shirt
Boot brush
Leather dye
Boots
Your boots will come with a black lacquer covering that you will need to remove before you can shine them or break them in. You will need to use the wire brush and saddle soap to remove this covering. Scrub vigorously with saddle soap and wire brush until black lacquer is removed and you can see the brown leather underneath. Scrub both the outside of the boot and the inside of the boot. Then, take your boots, put them on, and wear them in the shower. Sounds silly, but it works. They will form to your feet while wet. Allow them to dry, and then begin to polish.
In order to polish your boots, warm up your polish, and use the boot brush to put on a good base coat of polish. Allow this to dry. Then take your rag or old t-shirt, dip it in a little bit of water, dab on some polish, and shine in small circular motions. Repeat until you have a good shine.
Everyone has their own trick to shining boots. Try everything. Some tricks work better than others, and everyone has to find what works best for them.
CLEANING UNIFORMS
In order to clean your uniforms, you will need carpet stain remover. You can use this to clean spots off your uniforms (white shirts). You can also use white chalk to cover up stains on your white shirt or cross belts (be careful, because this one is usually caught).
FOOT-PROTECTION
In order to protect your feet before you go on a road march, you will need to have several things: foot powder, gel insoles for your boots, well-broken-in boots, one pair of wool socks, and one pair of nylon socks. Wear the nylon socks on the inside, pull the wool socks over the outside, and pull on your boots. Make sure you use the foot powder on your feet only lightly. It will prevent your feet from sweating too much. However, if you use too much, it will clog up your boots and your skin pores. Make sure your boots are not too tight nor too loose.
WINTER WEAR
Silk underwear is a must. Most of your cadet uniforms will not be designed to withstand New York winters, so you will have to bring something that can be worn underneath your uniforms without being obvious. Silk underwear works very well.
