Boots

[afireinside]

I wanted to order a pair of Bates 922 boots to wear while running in preparation for BUD/S. Are these still the boots handed out at BUD/S? I measured my foot, and according to the sizing chart on the website, I'm at a size 9 1/2. I wear a size 10 in my running shoes, and Merrell Hiking Boots. I'm not quite sure how these boots fit, and there's no place around me that carries these boots. Can anybody give me some insight into how these boots fit? What kind of socks does everybody wear? I wear a thicker pair of socks when I wear boots. These might seem like silly questions, but I was curious. I'm trying to knock out the process of getting a wrong fitting boot, and having to ship it back for a new size. I'm not lazy, just resourceful. =) Thanks!

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

I have talked with a few former SEALs contracted at Mayport, and they said running in boots as preperation is not worth it. Could potentially cause more damage than good. Once you get to BUD/s, they said you will either suck it up and run, or quit. They said it is better to run in what you are comfortable with, and stay in good form, run hard, and run long. If you can run really far, in perfect form the entire time, your form will become a natural movement and hopefully carry over to BUD/s. I personally do not think running in boots would prep that much more. Swimming in fins to prep for BUD/s on the other hand is very smart for it requires a different technique and it will strengthen your legs up real nice. Get some UDT duck feet fins, and what ever shoe you like(I run barefoot and in vibram fiverfingers), and have some fun training your butt off. Good luck.

[afireinside]

I have talked with a few former SEALs contracted at Mayport, and they said running in boots as preperation is not worth it. Could potentially cause more damage than good. Once you get to BUD/s, they said you will either suck it up and run, or quit. They said it is better to run in what you are comfortable with, and stay in good form, run hard, and run long. If you can run really far, in perfect form the entire time, your form will become a natural movement and hopefully carry over to BUD/s. I personally do not think running in boots would prep that much more. Swimming in fins to prep for BUD/s on the other hand is very smart for it requires a different technique and it will strengthen your legs up real nice. Get some UDT duck feet fins, and what ever shoe you like(I run barefoot and in vibram fiverfingers), and have some fun training your butt off. Good luck.

I'm not contradicting your input, nor the input of the SEALs you talked to. I just think it's funny that the Warning Order says: "Swimming, bicycling, and lifting weights will prepare you for some of the activities at BUD/S, but ONLY running can prepare your lower extremities for the majority of the activities, You should also run in boots to prepare your legs for the everyday running in boots at BUD/S." I'm very thankful for your input. How would running in boots cause more damage? I know running is hard on your lower extremities and stress fractures can occur, but I assumed getting as close to the real thing with preparation would be very helpful. I have been running in my Merrells and I have contracted a very good form. I also have a naturally clean form with running. So you say it's not worth it to order the boots? Just wait until BUD/S? Thanks for your time.

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

I mean it is just what they said, it sounds logical to me. Look how much your merrels weigh, then look how much the Bates weigh. I would bet, that partial reason for leg injury comes from the fact that they run in Bates at BUD/s. Obviously the training alone will bring damage, but the boots will not help. Yeah getting a feel for how the boots feel when you run could help, but you could also develope injuries. You might not, but in the end, like they said, you will either run or quit. Run comfortable and far for now, for the running will suck in BUD/s. Developing injuries with the boots now could also potentially carry over to BUD/s. Once you get to BUD/s, injury is probably going to happen, but at that point you are already there, you just have to keep on pushing. You begin causing injury now and well you get the point. I have seen pictures of SEALs using merrels. Merrels are built to be a lower profile, lighter boot, that handles tough elements just as well if not better than any other boot. The SEALs I have seen in pictures actually used a multisport merrel boot, which is very low profile. If it were up to me I would never use a combat style boot. But BUD/s is tough, so the boots suck to :).

One more thing, yet again it is opinion. I would not even run in the merrels bro, no point. Merrels are light for what they are, but get a nice light very low profile running shoe. Keep your legs nice and healthy for now, you only get one pair. Good luck man.

[afireinside]

EDIT: I guess I see the validity in those points now. Run in what is comfortable to you. In the end you will be better off having a perfectly comfortable form and stride that comes second nature, rather than struggling the first 2 weeks or so by running in boots, and sacrificing preparation time. Once youre comfortable running, then making the switch to boots shouldn't affect anything. =) No need getting into stress fractures and what not, and delaying myself. Thanks for all the input.

[afireinside]

I mean it is just what they said, it sounds logical to me. Look how much your merrels weigh, then look how much the Bates weigh. I would bet, that partial reason for leg injury comes from the fact that they run in Bates at BUD/s. Obviously the training alone will bring damage, but the boots will not help. Yeah getting a feel for how the boots feel when you run could help, but you could also develope injuries. You might not, but in the end, like they said, you will either run or quit. Run comfortable and far for now, for the running will suck in BUD/s. Developing injuries with the boots now could also potentially carry over to BUD/s. Once you get to BUD/s, injury is probably going to happen, but at that point you are already there, you just have to keep on pushing. You begin causing injury now and well you get the point. I have seen pictures of SEALs using merrels. Merrels are built to be a lower profile, lighter boot, that handles tough elements just as well if not better than any other boot. The SEALs I have seen in pictures actually used a multisport merrel boot, which is very low profile. If it were up to me I would never use a combat style boot. But BUD/s is tough, so the boots suck to :).

I typed the response before this one, before you made your last post. You make very good points, and yes, Merrells are great boots. I guess there's some preparation that is necessary, and some preparation that really isn't preparation at all. Thanks dude.

[WannabeA_Tadpole]

Yeah, Bear Grylls uses merrels a lot as well. Use them for rucking through the woods and stuff, they are high quality.

[afireinside]

Yeah, Bear Grylls uses merrels a lot as well. Use them for rucking through the woods and stuff, they are high quality.

Bear Grylls is the man! I like my boots. Got them as a Birthday present this year. Very high quality and very comfortable. If Bear uses them, then they must be tough! =P