SMA Chandler's Leaders Book Note - Boots

I think it's ridiculous. Soldiers spent hundreds of dollars on their boots and now if they own anything that is deemed unauthorized that money is down the trash. Where was the advertisement that these boots were unauthorized when they purchased them? I honestly cannot stand issued boots. I've been wearing them since this came out and my feet have never been in more pain. I was on a 12km ruck march two years ago in full gear when my issued boots literally snapped in half. I've had chronic foot pain ever since and the Nike's are the only boots that have not caused pain that my orthopedics inserts fit in. My orthopedic inserts literally prevent my foot from fitting in my issued boots without pain due to their thickness. My orthopedics were prescribed, so do I know how to get a prescription to wear boots that I can actually use them in? On a side note, if anyone has any suggestions on boots that will fit my inserts that are comfortable and in regulations please let me know. Concerned mostly about the height of the shoebox.

My first thought is that the Army's issue boots are terrible. Beyond that, this does help to clarify it a bit. I have seen so many Troops with different boots... some that look like sneakers, and I wasn't sure if they were authorized or not (Given all the recent changes). This helps.

It would be better if the Army contracted with several companies to produce boots we can choose from at issue. Try one on and if it's uncomfortable, try this other one on. I know that would complicate GI, but it would save some feet in the long run. I have scars on my feet from blisters I got doing a ruck march in issue boots. Never again.

I give credit to the SMA to clarify the new guidelines. However, I wonder what is the reasoning behind declaring them as unauthorized? All I saw in his article is a generalized statement of "This includes what material requirements have to be met to ensure boots meet the durability and performance requirements for Soldiers." And the soles not meeting traction and durability standards. Are they testing them, are they falling apart during training? Just curious.