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USMC Issue Desert Boots

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Sente

Sente

Registered User
Does anyone know a website or store that carries the actual USMC issue hot weather desert boots? I know they are Belleville brand and believe they are very close to the 300 DES model found here: http://www.bellevilleshoe.com/bootseries/390DESpub.htm

Is the Marine Corps insignia on the side of the boot the only modification made to the issues?

I currently have Bates Ultralights but I'd like to get a pair of issues broken in before OCS so there is no question if they will let me wear the boots I bring. Plus the brown desert model seems to be much less maintenance than black leather that needs to be cleaned and polished after every use. Any information would be appreciated.
 
EA-6B1

EA-6B1

PLC Jrs 1st Inc. Kilo-3
Good idea, Sente. It would be nice to have a pair of actual (issued) Bellevilles to have broken in for OCS. Let us know if you figure something out. Thanks.
 
Sente

Sente

Registered User
I have a couple reasons for wanting the issues. First I want to be sure they won't get rejected by the SI. Second I want something broken in a comfortable for PT sessions that include the rope (O-Course etc). The Bates lites I have are comfortable and great for running, marches, etc., but the soft sole that makes them so comfortable gets absolutely no bite on the rope for climbing. When we had a rope climbing practice session I went up the rope fine at first and had no problem. But then the Gunny had us go up and down to complete failure and after the 3rd & 4th times up and down my arms were shot and I had to rely totally on technique. That's when having some bite on the rope is critical and next to impossible unless the sole on your boot is somewhat stiff and has a decently sharp edge. I know at OCS they will get us dead tired and then have us climb that rope, and I don't want to be the guy that has "Air Force" boots that don't bite. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?
 
EA-6B1

EA-6B1

PLC Jrs 1st Inc. Kilo-3
Since we're on the topic of rope climing, I thought this picture (http://www.ocs.usmc.mil/2004%20Photos/Martial%20Arts/Martial%20Arts%202/DSCF0010.JPG) may help all of us trying to learn to the "technique" to rope climbing. There's more pictures at http://www.ocs.usmc.mil/OCC185MCMAP2.htm
 
M

MrTorso

Registered User
Its really not that big a deal if you have black boots for PT/Hikes/Field work etc. As long as you keep em polished/black they don't usually care. IF you REALLY need to get some the best place is CASH sales at Quantico/SanDiego/ Camp Lejune/PI etc. They might even be broken in already too. The Belleville's are more comfy for garrison but when it comes to hiking etc you'll sweat your ass off. The key to keeping the Jungles good to go is treating em with the waterproofing they give you in gear issue. Treat both and let em dry slow if possible. On the other hand it is nice to have a third pair of boots handy though.Semper Fidelis and good luck at OCS. Stay motivated.
 
R

rahall79

Registered User
Here is a link to a sight that sells official cammies, boots, etc.

http://store.yahoo.com/marinecorpsstore/
 
Sente

Sente

Registered User
rahall thanks for the info. That's the first place online I've seen the issue boots explicitly for sale. They have the ICB's (infantry combat boots) as well as both pair of Jungle's (Belleville's and Bates). I do know that the $194 price tag on the Jungle's is over $100 mark up from regular price....OUCH! I guess that's the law of supply and demand in action. I figure whoever is running the "store" goes down to the base in San Diego and picks up whatever people order then ships it out with a nice markup. Not a bad idea! Anyways thanks again for the info, it's nice to know they are available somewhere.
 
Sente

Sente

Registered User
Oh yeah one other thing..... I talked to a shop in Quantico who used to have the Jungle's but sold out, and they said that if I found some to buy I should get the Belleville's and not the Bates. Apparantly the word out of TBS, like someone mentioned previously on this board, is that the Bates get discolored and unwearable if they repeatedly get wet and dirty. I'd hate to see someone blow $200 on a pair of single use boots.
 
Clux4

Clux4

Banned
Boots

A couple things to clear out:
I understand the Marine Corps is outdating the black boots which i perfectly think were awesome (well my light bates) so that will in fact mean that you will probably not wear them at OCS. But has anybody being able to get an extra pair of the brown ones from their OSO or is everybody walking to the cash sales and picking up an extra pair. I know for a fact that you need at least 3 pairs of boots at OCS (water-logged country). So what is everyone doing in this case?
Also insoles are a big problem for me now. Since the orthopedic has said this is causing masive pain in the shins. I just think i am getting older or something. It only became a problem last year, not to talk of the countless humps they have been through. In any case does anybody have this problem and what insoles are you using. I hear Spenco is really good, but i like to talk to somebody who has used one, and not just rely on sales service reps.

Any info will be good.
 
DocT

DocT

Dean of Students
pilot
You can use pretty much any boot you bring for PT and timed events/humps. At 1st increment we were made to buy insoles with our small bag issue. They worked all right. 3 pairs of boots is a clutch buy, especially since inspections always seem to be just after something filthy like the combat course or the IMC.
 
USMCBebop

USMCBebop

SergeantLieutenant
DocT said:
You can use pretty much any boot you bring for PT and timed events/humps.
Click to expand...
Lucky you! Our Sergeant Instructor kept yelling at the OCs that had Bates Lites, "NO BATES LITES!"
 
Clux4

Clux4

Banned
DocT said:
You can use pretty much any boot you bring for PT and timed events/humps. At 1st increment we were made to buy insoles with our small bag issue. They worked all right. 3 pairs of boots is a clutch buy, especially since inspections always seem to be just after something filthy like the combat course or the IMC.
Click to expand...

I have a flat feet issue and so i need special insoles for my feet.
Now, I am guessing you just went to OCS this year(2004), also did you go Snrs or Jnrs. The reason why i am asking is that i keep hearing different gouge. I am in the process of going to buy the either the desert jungles or the light bates and i will hate to get to OCS and cannot use my well-broken into boots.

Thanks a bunch
 
Taxman2A

Taxman2A

War were declared.
I would not spend money on bates lights. The problem is that in October the black boots will be officially unauthorized for all Marine Uniforms (even PT). I'm sure the sergeant instructors won't make an exception for you.
 
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