Numerous people, every basic training flight have to get new Air Force running shoes during bmt. However, these shoes are not military issue, you have to buy them. So when you’re asking what to bring to Air Force basic training, one of the first things should be a good pair of running shoes.

Why Getting Air Force Running Shoes In Basic Training Is A Mistake

You will be given many military issue items, including military boots. However, when it comes to athletic shoes that’s not the case. If you need new Air Force running shoes during your time in Lackland AFB, you have to buy them yourself with the first bit of money you make in the military.

When it comes to Air Force bmt running shoes you can use the athletic shoes you currently have as long as there isn’t excessive wear to them. If you’re a regular runner expect to get 3 to 4 months of use out of your shoes. They can’t be falling apart, even if they are your favorite pair of shoes. If bmt instructors see shoes with issues, they will have you buy new ones during basic training, and you won’t have a selection to choose from.

Air Force bmt running shoes have a simple and uniformed style. Everyone buying them during training will look identical. These Asics shoes are the only option, view them on Amazon. Many trainees think they look bad and overall aren’t satisfied with them. It’s common for people to buy new shoes at bmt and turn around later on to buy a different pair, a pair they actually want.

The bad things about Air Force bmt running shoes are:

1. They look terrible.
2. They aren’t issued, you have to purchase them.
3. You’re almost guaranteed to be disappointed and buy new ones later.
4. You have to break them in.

The best option if you’re in need of Air Force running shoes is to get them before you arrive at bmt.

Why You Should Buy Air Force Running Shoes Before BMT

The first week of basic training is called zero-week and it’s a transition period. You’ll get all of your in-processing done, haircuts, vaccinations, and uniforms issued. While doing that you’ll be known as a “sneaker weeker”.

Receiving and breaking in your military boots is not a fun process. Beyond breaking them in your bound to get blisters doing so. As a way to limit blisters, you’ll wear military boots half of the day and the other half you’ll wear running shoes. This is where “sneaker weeker” comes from. Wearing running shoes with a military uniform is a dead giveaway your a new arrival. Expect to switch shoes like this for the entire first week of training.

In order to save your feet the pain of blisters, it’s a smart idea to already have a good pair of running shoes. Otherwise, you’d be breaking in a new pair of boots, plus athletic shoes. With the amount of marching and running you’ll experience, you don’t want to have any issues with your feet.

Athletic Shoe Regulations

Over the years athletic shoe regulations have changed. It used to be the only options for shoes were basic colors like blue, black, or white, and certainly nothing flashy. Regulations have since loosened and according to the current Air Force dress and appearance instructions, there are no restrictions on the color of athletic shoes.

While there are no restrictions to your Air Force running shoe color, it’s still best to avoid drawing attention to yourself in basic training with flashy shoes. Instructors will jump at any chance they get to single a person out. It’s best to blend in at bmt and stay under the radar. Your life will be much easier, you’ll do fewer push-ups and flutter kicks wearing simple shoe colors.

Determining The Best Running Shoes For Air Force Basic Training

So you decide you need shoes and you’re looking for the best running shoes for military training, more specifically, the best running shoes for Air Force basic training, you need to dive in a little further. The best running shoes are gonna depend on the type of runner you are and terrain ran on.

Now, what kind of runner are you? Most people are overpronation runners or neutral runners.

Stability shoes are great for overpronation runners who’s foot naturally roll inward when striking the surface. This is common for most runners. You can tell by the tread wear on your shoes, wear on the inside edge of the shoe is a sign of overpronation. While neutral running shoes are best if you’re a neutral runner. Neutral runners will find wear centered across the ball of the foot and a small portion of the outer heel.

When narrowing it down, your best Air Force running shoes will be either, road running stability shoes or road running neutral shoes.

Here are a few of the best options for you. These running shoes range from simple colors for flying under the radar to noticeable color schemes. You are not limited with these while looking for the best running shoes for military training.

The best Air Force running shoes for men.

Stability shoes:  These Brooks shoes https://amzn.to/2E8lVjM

Neutral shoes:  These Nike Air Force running shoes https://amzn.to/2BA0mXM, or the cheaper version https://amzn.to/2GE575Q

The best Air Force running shoes for women.

Stability shoes:  These Nike Air Force running shoes https://amzn.to/2TOLAmY

Neutral shoes: These Brooks shoes https://amzn.to/2GHBzUX

How Much Do You Run In Air Force Basic Training

You will run on a consistent basis throughout Air Force basic training. Morning pt is held 6 days a week and you’ll be running for pt every other session. If your morning workout isn’t a run there is still plenty of time throughout the day for your instructor to squeeze one in. You’ll run in both your Air Force bmt running shoes and military boots.

Depending on the day you could be running for around a 40 minute self-paced jog or doing a timed mock 1.5 mile or 2 mile run. In order to complete basic training, you have to pass the timed mile and a half run at the end of bmt.

Air Force running time requirements are different for males and females.

• Males have to complete the final 1.5 mile run within 11 minutes and 57 seconds.
• Females have to complete the final 1.5 mile run within 13 minutes and 56 seconds.

Be prepared to run to the point shin splints can happen. Between shin splints and blisters, it’s critical to have a good pair of running shoes.

Related article: How Hard Is Air Force Basic Training

To Wrap It Up

Again, the key takeaways about Air Force bmt running shoes are:

1. They look terrible, just see these Asics shoes for yourself.
2. They aren’t issued, you have to purchase them.
3. Most airmen who get bmt running shoes buy better shoes later.
4. You have to break them in and potentially endure blisters.

Basic training is a challenge in itself. Do you really want to make it harder? Consider getting a new pair of Air Force running shoes before you go.