I have noticed as we get closer to Matriculation Day the lack of the appropriate military dress shoe in the supply system has frustrated many families trying to make sure their cadet arrives with everything they need. Despite their best efforts, some incoming cadets have not been able to acquire the military dress shoe that meets the requirements provided in the Success Packet.
We understand this situation is beyond your control - a result of a number of factors that have left many shelves empty or delivery dates too far in the future. I checked with the Navy Uniform shop here in Charleston today and they are experiencing the same issues as we are.
The good news is the Cadet Store has begun to receive the Altama O2 Oxford Model 609001 Military Dress Shoe with additional orders expected to arrive in the next few weeks.
If you have been unable to acquire the military dress leather shoe, here are some options:
- Adjust your travel schedule to visit the Cadet Store by Friday before they close at 4PM to see if they have a pair of shoes in your cadet’s size.
- Although we did not "recommend" them, your cadet can report with the Florsheim Lexington Plain Toe Oxford shoe and use this shoe until the Cadet Store’s stock gets replenished.
If these options don’t work and your cadet has to report without the dress shoe, make they understand they will need to let their cadre know when reporting to campus on Matriculation Day. I understand this might cause concern, but the Commandant’s Office is fully aware of this issue. They will work with cadets who show up without the shoes until the Cadet Store has a shoe in their size. We have already experienced this situation as many of the Athletes who reported on July 25th reported without the dress shoe. The good news is they all have the right shoe now.
The other thing to think about if they report without the dress shoe, or get them late, is they won’t have an opportunity to break-in the shoe. Speak to your cadet about blisters. There is time in the schedule to check their feet for blisters, but if they have a hard time before those checks, advise them to let their cadre know. They can shift them to their athletic shoe. Also, you may want to suggest they bring extra Band-Aids and moleskin to provide extra padding where the shoes may rub. The goal is to stay out of the Infirmary and remain with their classmates during Challenge Week.
I know this is nerve-wracking for many families, but I can assure it will be ok. We will get past this and have a great year!
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