Boots...

Stupid, right? A post about boots? But you just don't understand what a good pair of boots can mean to a man...

I started my Navy career as a helicopter aircrewman. A few weeks after my initial training I received a goody bag, compliments of US Navy, my flight kit bag...

Let's see what's in here: couple of flight boots, flight jacket, flight gloves, flight long johns, flight sunglasses... ooh! Nice flight boots! Full leather, steel toe, re-inforced sole, I'll just try these on right now. Yeah, these were made for me! Fits just right! I'll never wear another type of boot ever again!

20+ pairs of flight boots later and I'm no longer an aircrewman. Sure, I'm in a flying billet, but it doesn't involve flying. What do you mean I don't get issued flight gear anymore? What happens when my boots wear out? What do you mean I have to buy my own? Ah, crap, there goes my boots...

Let's see what they have at the Navy Exchange. Chuka boots... leather low tops... dress shoes... Bates work boots... alright, I'll try the Bates work boots... no full leather? Why wouldn't they have full leather? Alright, I'll try the web sided type then... these slip on easy... something's not right... is it supposed to fit like that? Better try another size... nope, that didn't do it... is there anything else? No? Crap... fine...I need boots, I'll just get a pair of these... I feel like I'm walking on the side of my foot... this is the best you got?

Lord, what did I do to deserve such treatment? Did I do something wrong? Did I kick a puppy with my flight boots? Did I step on too many bugs walking across the tarmac? Do you not like me anymore?

Oh, hey dude, what's going on? What? No, I don't like my boots. What do you mean I can still get flight boots? But they said I couldn't. You're saying I can? I'll believe it when I see it, I'm a size 11 btw...

Oh, hey again! What? You got my boots? Already? Really? Yeah, I'll come get them! Be there in 2 seconds!

Let's get these laced up... different than when I was flying... guess they got a new manufacturer... they look nice though... wow, these slip on REAL easy! Man, are these comfortable! When did they decide to put actual padding in these? These feel real good! I'm alive again! I feel like I'm walking on air! What did I ever do to deserve these? Thank you Lord for smiling down upon me once again!

Anyone need a slightly used pair of Bates work boots?