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Boots

  • Thread starter Thread starter bluem&m's
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bluem&m's

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I have been advised by an RAF physio that it is unlikely I will like the standard issue boots as my feet are small and narrow. She suggested I get me some Hi Tec Magnums. Accordingly, I have checked out the websites and see that there are at least 3 different models.
1) Is it, then, ok to not be wearing standard issue boots - I won't get into trouble for not having the approved uniform?
2) If not, I presume the boots need to be ending on the shin, not the ankle
3) Which one's the best?
Saw Hi Tec Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Forces
Hi Tec Magnum Classic CEN
Hi Tec Magnum Leather Walking Boot
Or none of these?
Price not an issue - I am of an age where I will take comfort over beauty...
 
I have been advised by an RAF physio that it is unlikely I will like the standard issue boots as my feet are small and narrow. She suggested I get me some Hi Tec Magnums. Accordingly, I have checked out the websites and see that there are at least 3 different models.
1) Is it, then, ok to not be wearing standard issue boots - I won't get into trouble for not having the approved uniform?
2) If not, I presume the boots need to be ending on the shin, not the ankle
3) Which one's the best?
Saw Hi Tec Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Forces
Hi Tec Magnum Classic CEN
Hi Tec Magnum Leather Walking Boot
Or none of these?
Price not an issue - I am of an age where I will take comfort over beauty...

I can't work out if you're serving or just joining...either way why are you buying them yourself? If you need them (ie a qualified RAF recognised physio has told you) then you take the chit down to stores where the LPO clerk will get you a pair...
 
I take it your in the RAF or on the verge of joining.

Either way DO NOT BUY THEM !!!!!!

Get him to write a chit so you can get them from stores for free




Vim beat me to it :PDT_Xtremez_30:
 
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I have been advised by an RAF physio that it is unlikely I will like the standard issue boots as my feet are small and narrow. She suggested I get me some Hi Tec Magnums. Accordingly, I have checked out the websites and see that there are at least 3 different models.
1) Is it, then, ok to not be wearing standard issue boots - I won't get into trouble for not having the approved uniform?
2) If not, I presume the boots need to be ending on the shin, not the ankle
3) Which one's the best?
Saw Hi Tec Magnum Elite Spider 8.0 Forces
Hi Tec Magnum Classic CEN
Hi Tec Magnum Leather Walking Boot
Or none of these?
Price not an issue - I am of an age where I will take comfort over beauty...

dear Blue,

If price really is no object and you can contact the physio to change her reccomendation then go for Altbergs. Their factory is in Richmond, North Yorkshire and they make to measure. It is important to remember that you could be in these boots for a third of you life (i.e. 8 hours a day).

I was recommended to wear Magnums because I have the flattest feet in NATO and bought my own about a year ago. Bought my own because they were more comfortable than the ones stores offered me on my chit. Can't remember what model they are but they have padded ankles whereas the issue ones don't. Back to the podiatrist soon and am hoping for an "Altberg Chit" beacuse the feet still give me gyp.

Good Luck and don't settle for anything that causes you greif.

P-F
 
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If the ones stores offer you are unsuitable then go back to the Physio and tell them...They can write exactly what type you need and they'll be LPO'd...

I've done it myself so I speak from experience...
 
If the ones stores offer you are unsuitable then go back to the Physio and tell them...They can write exactly what type you need and they'll be LPO'd...

I've done it myself so I speak from experience...


Thanks for the tip Vim. Am hoping for Altberg's in 10 days or so following my trip to the podiatrist.

P-F
 
If you are a serving member, check with your med cent on the supply policy for this. This policy was brought in a couple of years ago due to abuse of the system. It is written along the lines of QR 2218 (how sad I know that).
You have to be assessed by a "proficient" person. These are supply policy words which now enters us into a grey area with the subjectivity of the word "proficient" i.e how do supply know the individual signing is proficient?. It is normally deemed appropriate for a podiatrist, not a physio to recommend such footwear and as such, the physio should refer you to an appropriate podiatrist. This will satisfy the proficient part. This is only applicable if it is a medical problem, however, if sizing is the problem, get the physio/MO to write a FMed 566 to that effect, clearly stating it is size not medical and have this written in accordance with QR2218. Let me know if you get problems.
 
I am on Altbergs, my custom made ones came to about £250 and they were as comfortable as a pair of slippers straight out of the box. Accept no substitute.

You can send them all the measurements they need if you cannot get to the factory at public expense.

These boots are truely second to none, get Aunty Lizzie to go the whole hog and get some dessies too!
 
Clarifying...

Clarifying...

Thanks, everyone.
To clarify - haven't joined up yet. IOT is booked for March next year if I can satisfy the physio in October. Physio's main concern is core strength on account of a road traffic accident I was in where I broke a few bits. She wants me to start doing the 5 mile runs with weight and hence the suggestion I should get Magnums. So can't wait till I can get them for free because if I don't tick her boxes, I may never get them for free because I won't get in!
Think, though, if Altbergs are that kind of price, I'd get them if I definitely got in. Otherwise they might be a bit of a waste as running outdoors isn't exactly what I'd do for laughs if I didn't have to - too much dog **** to have to avoid!
So maybe still Magnums, then 2nd pair of Altbergs as a treat...
Anyone want to comment on the Magnums?
 
Anyone want to comment on the Magnums?

Magnums are great compared to issed rubbish. My pair (3rd or 4th i forget) "melted" on the pan at Tucson...along with about 4 other lads.......had to fight about 4 days to get some LPO'd........not a hard task...go to the BX and pick some off the shelf.......probably cheaper than our inferior sh1t as well.............still have them now as a lasting reminder !

When you get in.....enjoy your time, they will be some of the best of your life, but always remember where you came from !

Crack on....................:PDT_Xtremez_09:
 
Thanks, everyone.
To clarify - haven't joined up yet. IOT is booked for March next year if I can satisfy the physio in October. Physio's main concern is core strength on account of a road traffic accident I was in where I broke a few bits. She wants me to start doing the 5 mile runs with weight and hence the suggestion I should get Magnums. So can't wait till I can get them for free because if I don't tick her boxes, I may never get them for free because I won't get in!
Think, though, if Altbergs are that kind of price, I'd get them if I definitely got in. Otherwise they might be a bit of a waste as running outdoors isn't exactly what I'd do for laughs if I didn't have to - too much dog **** to have to avoid!
So maybe still Magnums, then 2nd pair of Altbergs as a treat...
Anyone want to comment on the Magnums?

Just a thought but did she recommend joining a Pilates class too. Excellent for core strength and not as girlie as most people assume.

P-F
 
Pilates

Pilates

She did indeed! Having my first 1-2-1 lesson today. Must say, the RAF physio was hands above the others I have encountered in our lovely NHS hospitals. The one I saw while lying in broken bits reckoned I wouldn't need any physio after (!) so I just assumed I needed to keep trying to do all the stuff I could do before and that seemed to have worked.
 
bluem&m's

to answer your first question, you won't get in trouble for not wearing issue boots provided you have a chit from the physio department at the med centre in Cranwell (or possibly from any other RAF physio).

I went through IOT (well, 2 thirds until I broke permanently) with Magnum Elite's. Not the most robust boot in the world but bl**dy comfortable, more ankle support than basic magnums and they managed 2 field leadership camps (swamp included) without coming apart.

Although, I'd definitely go by the advice here and get them made to measure if you can!

As far as having a problem with non-issue boots, you might get told off on parade, then have to produce your chit (ALWAYS carry it on you) and then you'll get a bit of disgruntlement from the inspecting member of staff before they move to the next person.
 
Really helpful

Really helpful

Dear Soon2be,
That's extremely useful advice and thank you very much! Concerned about you 'breaking permanently.' Hope it's recoverable. If I get passed the physio, I'll be on the truncated SERE so maybe the probability of severe damage is also lower. Now just wondering where I can have a practise go at scaling a 9 foot high wall and jumping out of a moving vehicle...
 
So much choice!

(I seem to remember a time when it was Hi Legs (the old style) or being shouted at until you put your Hi Legs back on!)

any way, just to piggy back bluem&m's question, I'm back out on Civvy Street and looking at getting some new boots myself - are the new cold weather boots (the ones that replaced the 'pro boot') any good or are they just Hi Legs with plastic in them?

(PS a recent survey of american soldiers running about in hot sand declared the 'Belleville 390 DES Desert Boot' the best boot in the world, I don't know if you can get them in RAF stores but they're about $100 online)
 
Dear Soon2be,
That's extremely useful advice and thank you very much! Concerned about you 'breaking permanently.' Hope it's recoverable. If I get passed the physio, I'll be on the truncated SERE so maybe the probability of severe damage is also lower. Now just wondering where I can have a practise go at scaling a 9 foot high wall and jumping out of a moving vehicle...
Don't worry, so few people break! I'm 5'4" slightly built and female so I already had a worse chance in the first place. But then you get people under 5' that get through fine. I'm out on med discharge so at least i'm not going to have to do anymore damage to myself.

As for the wall, I believe scaling the 6' wall isn't even a course requirement anymore - funnily enough it was one of the things I could do, go figure. However, with SERE the chances of breaking decrease dramatically. Good Luck :PDT_Xtremez_30:
 
(I seem to remember a time when it was Hi Legs (the old style) or being shouted at until you put your Hi Legs back on!)

Hi Legs....pah to that modern sh1te....bring back the really old style DMS boot and puttees.....ah memories.

Crack on.................:PDT_Xtremez_09:
 
Hi Legs....pah to that modern sh1te....bring back the really old style DMS boot and puttees.....ah memories.

Crack on.................:PDT_Xtremez_09:
DMS with extentions (didn't have wear puttees with these) also for added comfort/quickness, zipped fronts. No fooking about with laces:PDT_Xtremez_28:
 
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