My preferred alternative to the standard issued army boot...The Nike Special Field Boot

I usually use this blog for guest bloggers, but I figured this is a special post that pertains to the army and yet not quite fit for my daily journal. If you're in the army or have ever been in the army, you probably know that the standard boot issued by the army is not too comfortable. My drill sergeants didn't care too much about hearing complaints about the boots and people's sore feet. We were told we just need to wear them in...and drink water. We weren't even allowed to purchase inserts of any kind at the shoppette during our limited visits. It seemed no matter how much we tried to "wear them in" it didn't matter.

I had a little reprieve when I went to AIT, we were allowed to purchase anything we wanted. So my first stop was the PX where I found a pair of Dr. Scholl's Gel Inserts and immediately inserted them into my boots. The difference was immediate and very awesome! It was like switching from a black and white analog TV to a flat panel HD set...well maybe not that great. Perhaps more like going from sleeping on a concrete floor to at least laying down on a cot. My feet thanked me and I was able to make it through AIT much easier.

After graduating AIT, I wanted to reward myself and actually purchase Nike's Army boots (The Nike SFB - Special Field Boot). I searched around all the stores and was unable to find them anywhere. I ended up buying the Converse boot after trying them on at a local army supply store near Ft. Lewis while on leave. I chose the Converse boot because I was able to try it on and it felt great. It was a very heavy boot, but it was indeed very comfortable. The boots were also huge, but I didn't really care. I was going from my old standard boots with the gel insert, to an actual comfortable pair of boots. I upgraded from sleeping on my cot to an actual bed and daily life for my feet were good.

I used the Converse boots for a year, and still actually use them on occasion depending on the situation. After talking with folks that purchased the Nike SFB, My NCOIC said her pair of Nike SFB were the best boots she's ever had...and she's been in the army quite a while. I decided to give them a try. My biggest worry was ordering via the internet and having them not fit correctly. I ended up just ordering my normal shoe size and waited. The day they finally arrived in the mail I was as excited as a little boy on Christmas morning. I opened the box and was instantly shocked by how light they were. After lacing them up I put them on and my feet were in heaven. It was like I was just wearing a normal pair of shoes. They were light, comfortable and easy to clean as well.

If you're looking for an awesome pair of boots to upgrade to...then I say give them a try. You can shop around online, but I know US Patriot has free shipping.

A photo of the Nike SFB from the Nike Store: