Boot regs?

[That Anonymous Guy]

Boots are boots IMO

Unless they start cracking and peeling in the back as a c/A1C.

[NIN]

If you live in one of the northeastern states that are "not far" from Rhode Island, you can find an Ocean State Job Lot (kind of like Big Lots) and they carry black ICB-style boots from Wellco (they have the desert-style boots, too, but the black ICB-style are probably far more interesting) for like $25 or something.

They also have black oxford style shoes for around $20.

http://oceanstatejoblot.com/locate/

[SarDragon]

These do not look like rough out leather. Why can't you put a little polish on them?

[bflynn]

they can look more professional if shined.

I don't know about professional, but when shined they sure look like someone spent a lot of effort on them.  I'm rarely impressed, what else could have been accomplished in that time that would have a real impact on operations?

[Storm Chaser]

they can look more professional if shined.

I don't know about professional, but when shined they sure look like someone spent a lot of effort on them.  I'm rarely impressed, what else could have been accomplished in that time that would have a real impact on operations?

It teaches cadets excellence and attention to details. Using that argument, we would have to get rid of drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, etc. since they have no "real impact on operations".

[a2capt]

Everything in moderation. They don't have to mirror gloss. But sitting around at the end of the day, in the staff room at encampment provides plenty of time, while recapping the days events.. if you're spending hours on hours, you're doing something wrong.

[Private Investigator]

they can look more professional if shined.

I don't know about professional, but when shined they sure look like someone spent a lot of effort on them.  I'm rarely impressed, what else could have been accomplished in that time that would have a real impact on operations?

It teaches cadets excellence and attention to details. Using that argument, we would have to get rid of drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, etc. since they have no "real impact on operations".

I agree.

When I was on active duty in the Marines we had Marines after Boot Camp that became 'slackers'. When asked why they had something that was "unsatisfactory". Their excuse is, "I am a field Marine!" Well in 'the field', those slackers who was slackers in garrison, were slackers in the field too. 

And we all know about 'excuses', everyone has one   

[J2H]

I wear black Jungle boots... I can polish if needed, paid 55 for them (and NOT rothcos)

[bflynn]

we would have to get rid of drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, etc. since they have no "real impact on operations".

Drill and C&C teach discipline, belonging, respect and teamwork, which absolutely have real impact on operations.

Sitting at home and putting a mirror shine on a pair of shoes looks like you spent too much time on them.  Each person only has so much time and energy, why encourage anyone to waste that time.  If someone spends hours trying to shine shoes rather than working on their next award or qualification, which has a direct impact on our missions?

I'm not suggesting that people be allowed to look like dirt bags.  The standard is for blackened shoes.  My personal preference is to brush them off to a glossy shine and make sure the sides of the soles are blackened.  They look professional, just like they do when I wear them for work.

[Storm Chaser]

we would have to get rid of drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, etc. since they have no "real impact on operations".

Drill and C&C teach discipline, belonging, respect and teamwork, which absolutely have real impact on operations.

Sitting at home and putting a mirror shine on a pair of shoes looks like you spent too much time on them. Each person only has so much time and energy, why encourage anyone to waste that time.  If someone spends hours trying to shine shoes rather than working on their next award or qualification, which has a direct impact on our missions?

I'm not suggesting that people be allowed to look like dirt bags.  The standard is for blackened shoes.  My personal preference is to brush them off to a glossy shine and make sure the sides of the soles are blackened.  They look professional, just like they do when I wear them for work.

Ahh...but I never said "mirror shine"; you did. I also didn't say you had to spend "too much time on them"; you did. In fact, if you spend "too much time" shining boots, you're probably not doing it right. Unless they're really dirty, I can shine mine in 5-10 minutes.

As someone who's been wearing Air Force uniforms for over 26 years, both in CAP and in the Air Force (active duty, guard and reserve),  and I stand by what I said before: shined boots look more professional.

[bflynn]

I didn't claim that you said it.  I said it. 

But I do challenge the idea that you can spit shine a pair of boots in 5 minutes, unless you're talking about just touching up an existing shine.  I can't get my kit out, shine normally, blacken the soles and put everything away in 5 minutes.

[Storm Chaser]

I didn't claim that you said it.  I said it. 

But I do challenge the idea that you can spit shine a pair of boots in 5 minutes, unless you're talking about just touching up an existing shine.  I can't get my kit out, shine normally, blacken the soles and put everything away in 5 minutes.

Maybe you need training.

[NIN]

I haven't worn my jump boots in like 4 years. They still look pretty tip-top. 'Bout 10 minutes and they'd be color guard/funeral ready.

[a2capt]

Not quite five minutes, by the clock, but sure seemed like it. A couple of guys did it in front of me at HIWG encampment.. while we were sitting in the office going over stuff after the days activities.

[J2H]

High gloss boots ;-)

[Grumpy]

High gloss boots ;-)

If you're talking about those things that look like patton leather (SP?).  The ones I have seen look cheap.  I'd rather give my leather boots a good old fashioned spit shine. 

[Luis R. Ramos]

If you're talking about those things that look like patton pattern leather (SP?).  The ones I have seen look cheap.  I'd rather give my leather boots a good old fashioned spit shine.

FTFY

Flyer

[a2capt]

If you're talking about those things that look like patton pattern leather (SP?).

I think you mean 'patent' leather.. pseudo patent..

[Luis R. Ramos]

Drat.

Failed the test.



You are right. Should have been "Patent" leather.

Flyer

[SarDragon]

Real patent leather is actually real leather, with special processing. This in not to be confused with variants of poromeric material, the stuff originally known as Corfam.