The Boot Shop
Boots That Survive Quantico
Your feet are your weapon system at OCS — more candidates are broken by blisters and stress injuries than by any event. These are the USMC-regulation boots this blog has reviewed and worn since 2010, plus the socks and foot care that keep you in the fight.
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The official boot rules (know before you buy)
- OCS issues cold-weather and jungle boots to every non-prior-service candidate — you don’t have to buy anything.
- You may bring one additional pair of USMC regulation boots (three total). Smart candidates keep an inspection pair and a daily-use pair.
- Prior service: bring two sets of your issued boots — no steel toe.
- Boot regulations live in MCO 1020.34H para. 3012 — check the official packing list before ordering.
Regulation Boots We’ve Reviewed
Bates Lights (USMC Lightweight DuraShocks)
The classic candidate boot — lightest regulation option, minimal break-in, and the pair most OCS graduates on this blog swore by for daily wear.
Read our review: USMC Boot Review: Danners
View on Amazon →
Bates Hot Weather DuraShocks
Vented hot-weather build for summer cycles at Quantico, where humidity destroys feet. Drains and dries faster after the Quigley.
Read our review: Candidate Q: OCS Boots
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Bates DuraShocks Hot Weather (Olive Mojave)
The RAT-style Bates — stiffer sole than the Lights, more support under load for hikes.
Read our review: USMC Boot Review: Bates Boots
View on Amazon →
Danner Marine Temperate
Gore-Tex lined and USMC approved. Heavier than Bates but nearly indestructible — the boot our reviewers took to TBS.
Read our review: USMC Boot Review: Danners
View on Amazon →
Danner RAT Mojave
The Rugged All-Terrain in hot-weather trim. Premium build, recraftable, and a favorite for candidates who want one boot to last through the fleet.
Read our review: TBS Gift List
View on Amazon →Socks & Foot Care
Boot camp wisdom that’s still true at Brown Field: the $15 you spend on socks matters more than the $150 you spend on boots.
thorlos womens Mcb Max Cushion Over the Calf Military Combat Boot Sock
Read our review: Know Your Boot Sock
View on Amazon →Thorlos unisex-adult Mcb Max Cushion Combat Over the Calf Socks
Read our review: Christmas Gift Ideas For a Marine Lieutenant
View on Amazon →Jaybird and Mais MOLESKIN Moleskin Roll: 2 in. x 1 yds. (Tan)
Read our review: Guest Post: The Tragic Result of Using New(er) Boots During Week-Long Patrols at TBS
View on Amazon →Body Glide Original Anti Chafe Balm | Anti Chafing Stick | Prevent Arm, Chest, Butt, Thigh,…
Read our review: Nine Tips for Marine Corps Humps
View on Amazon →3M Medical & Surgical (n) Micropore Surgical Tape White 1 X 10 Yards Bx/12
Read our review: Tale of the Tape: A Cheap, Easy Way To Prevent Blisters
View on Amazon →
HotHands Hand Warmers Bulk Pack, 40 Pairs - America's Favorite Warmer | Instant Hot Pack
Read our review: Three Ingenious Boot Care Tips
View on Amazon →Building your full loadout?
Start with the official packing list, then browse the full Gear Shop.