Basic training in the military, I have flat feet, problem? how long do you stand during each day.?

Question

oh yeah, the shoes you bring to basic, how many weeks do you get to wear them. Can you wear them through most of it or not? Because this would help a lot, if I get good supporting shoes.

Answer 1

Um, A LOT. If you're not standing around in formation, then you're either running or marching somewhere. As for your own personal shoes, forget it. The whole point of basic is to take away your individuality, that's why everyone wears the same unifrom, in the same way. You should be able to get inserts and wear those in your boots. Just be sure to use them when you try on the boots to make sure the boots will fit right with them on. Good luck and enjoy basic training :)

Also, be sure to bring a good pair of running shoes, not cross trainers. Those you should be allowed to pick out on your own, meaning they don't require you all to have the same tennis shoe for running. But that's the only other time, aside from passes, where you'll be allowed to wear something other then your boots.

Answer 2

You didn't say what basic training for what branch. However, most of the basic trainings are all the same. You are constantly on the go. I have extremely flat feet. While I was at MEPS they noted this and diagnosed it as "mild flat footedness" I honestly think they just noted this as to cover their butts later on if something happens. Running is extremely painful for me and standing for too long of periods hurts.. However I made it through Basic. You only wear the shoes you bring for 1 day and its only like 1/2 of a day at that. As soon as you going to First Clothing Issue, you will be wearing issued clothing. I can't remember exactly but I'm pretty sure you wear New Balances for zero week. After that its combat boots 24/7 except at PT of course. The New Balances are generic athletic shoes and not good for flat feet. But, I'm sure you will be fine. As long as you make it through Basic.. you can always get your own shoes later on to exercise in.

Answer 3

I have flat feet too; wasn't really a problem but it sucked. When I went through Marine Corps boot camp in 2004, we were on our feet 16 hours a day minus chow and some classes. After a while the combat/jungle boots become comfortable after it's broken into.

Answer 4

You are on your feet for most of the day. You do all sorts of training exercises, like running around and stabbing things, rifle drills, hand to hand combat. You will be running a couple miles every morning, All sorts of crap. You should ask a recruiter about your problem and he may be able to get you a profile so that you can wear special sneakers instead of your boots.

As soon as you get to the reception area you change into combat boots.

Answer 5

My husband has flat feet and they gave him alot of problems in basic. He ended up getting shin splints, stress fractures and knee problems that later became the reason he was medically discharged. Not to say this will happen to you, but the Army said that his flat feet caused all of those problems. You stand, run, walk, jump constantly. Be careful and wear good shoes that are appropriate for your foot type.

Answer 6

My son went through Marine Corps Boot Camp in 2004... and he wrote home the his heels were bruised from all the marching. So, lots and lots of hours every single day. During the Battalion Commanders inspection they stood at attention for 3 hours straight... and he'd been on his feet so long during boot, he said it was no big deal.

Answer 7

You're on your feet much of the day.

Wear running shoes to basic. They'll make you buy shoes at reception, but just tell your drill sergeant at basic that they're too big. That's not exactly uncommon. You're buying the shoes at reception either way, which sucks.

Make sure your shoes are mostly white.

Answer 8

You will stand for very long periods of time, but usually you'll be marching or down in the front leaning rest. Have your friend or parents or something send you some inserts for your boots and running shoes which could help.

Answer 9

First, I tip my hat to your sacrifice. May it be the least hazardous as possible.

Start getting use to standing now. I would even wear extra pounds around my ankles for the weeks leading to basic. That way your feet won't be in shock.

If you're going in to the USMC, they won't give a rats @ss if your feet are bad, they'll wait for you to drop.

Don't let them win. Start training now.

Answer 10

Damn from the responses you got it seems the military is sure getting desperate. When I was eligible for the draft flat feet would keep you out period. How times have changed.