Problems with the new Belleville brand boots our kids are wearing

[Tom's mom]

Hey moms,

 

I'm interested in the feedback you're getting from your kids about the new boots they are wearing with the new NWUs.  The boots are the Belleville model 360ST black leather, steel toe boot that is part of the new uniform.

 

My sailor is ready to throw his out the window after wearing them for eight hours. They have rubbed the skin off of his heels and achilles tendons, leaving raw and bleeding skin. The NEX will not exchange them because they have been worn. Have had no reply yet from Belleville about replacement under their "material defect" warranty.

 

In the meantime, my son will end up purchasing another pair of boots (at about $80) to replace these. Many of the sailors at his base have already thrown theirs away when they had similar problems and purchased Bates brand replacement boots.

 

What are you hearing??

[BR549]

my son is in Bootcamp and they gave him two different size boots which gave him blisters. he complained he said they acted like that did not happen and has never happened and nothing was wrong with the boots he finally went there and DEMANDED they take them back and give him a new pair. He told them he was paying for them and he wanted boots that didn't give him blisters not sure if they gave him the same kind again. He was ticked off

[BR549]

he told me they people that work where they issue the boots are not in the Navy they just work there, they just wouldn't believe he had two different boots believe me he hasn't demanded anything from anyone in command. He lays low. but he couldn't walk around with blisters on his feet. It may have that all wrong about who issued the boots it was a quick conversation when he called.

[Tom's mom]

Did your son get one pair of boots that had two different sizes or two pair of boots in different sizes? My son's boots were fitted by the clerk at the NEX according to the manufacturer's direction. The fit was okay, but the boots themselves were manufactured improperly. The seam down the back of the boot on the inside is very, very thick and rough. Even with two pair of boot socks on, the skin was worn off almost immediately. He attempted to exchange the boots at the NEX, but got nowhere because they had been worn. Even though a shoe repair man told my son the boots were not made properly it made no difference at the NEX. We know they have to enforce their policy, but this is a situation where there is clearly something wrong with these boots.

This is a problem with many sailors in his command. They purchased their NWUs and boots as soon as they returned from their latest deployment because they are to begin wearing these new uniforms in April. His chief wanted them to start wearing them now, hence the rush to purchase. He has told me that since the new Bates brand replacement boots have come into the NEX over 800 pair have been sold in just over 10 days. A great many of his shipmates have actually thrown their Belleville boots away because they have had so many problems with them and can't exchange them due to the policy at the NEX.

This is concerning to me because having a comfortable, wearable boot makes all the difference in the world when you're defending your country! Will post an update when I hear from Belleville, the manufacturer of the boots.

[navynuke04]

Im just going to say this: The boots are horrible. I had to wear them for about 4 days before they finally broke in. I had at least 5 blisters between my two feet and was walking with a limp for 3 of those 4 days. The new uniforms looks nice, but the boots leave something to be desired.

[Tom's mom]

Thanks for your feedback. I have had a reply from the manufacturer, who tells me they will not replace the boots under their warranty. They also tell me our only recourse is to contact DSCP about the situation as the boots were purchased from Belleville under a Navy contract. Talk about passing the buck! I have emailed DSCP but have had no reply yet.

My son likes the uniform also (fewer uniforms to keep up - no ironing!) but the boots are just not a good pick. I understand the Navy pushed for this boot because it was available immediately. My son tells me the Bates boots that his shipmates are purchasing as replacements are far superior to the Belleville brand.

As a military mom, I feel you all deserve the best equipment available to do your job and I think the Navy has let us down on this choice of boot. Thanks for your service!