is it worth getting my own boots

[scanlon527]

hi people just wondering if it is worth going out and getting my own boots for my PGAC or should i just do the PGAC in the boots given out. thanks

[MSI64]

Its RAF, slippers might be slightly more appropriate!!

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

The issue boots are more than adequate. Despite all the comments about boots on here and other sites, the fact is that civvy boots rarely live up to their expectations.

Save your money. You will pay through the nose for boots such Lundhag, Danner, Scarpa etc. My experience (22 years in the RM some of which was in Recce Troop, Falklands, Jungle, Desert, Arctic etc) is that issue boots are more than adequate.

There will be detractors, but the truth is that most lads spend £100 or more on boots that are at best a bit more waterproof or a bit more comfy. I fell for the con myself and was hugely disappointed (I got wet feet, cold feet, blistered feet etc, reverted to issue kit and soldiered on.
Sure, if you are going to spend a long time in mountainous terrain specialist boots such as Scarpa will be more functional. Other than that issue boots with the correct socks will suffice for most tasks.

Having said that I did own two pairs of second hand German para boots (bought for £5 a pair in those days) and, they were possibly the best boots I ever had (still got the second pair). Incidentally when I disposed of my first pair circa 1987, Matt Harris (PTI) rescued them from the bin, had the stitching repaired, resoled and continued to use them. In 1991 I visited Angelo Barracks, NI where 42 Cdo RM were based and bumped into Matt who was delighted to point out to me that he was still wearing my old para boots!

Furthermore having spent your hard earned cash on the latest boots you may find that your OC or CO enforces a regime of "worn as issued", especially during basic training.

[gunner75]

slippers - olive drab or dpm mandatory.
In my opinion save your money as has been explained by Obe w@#k.
You'll need to break your boots in anyway for Pgac so it may as well be the ones your issued. Besides on Trainee Gunner you WILL be wearing them unless you got a sick chit letting you wear the gucci ones (no, not slippers!). I think the issued boots are very good anyway and with the amount of care you give them they get comfy as hell in a short space of time.

[scanlon527]

thanks gunner that the anwser i was looking for.