@Surgicalcric: My comment regarding CIF is because I'm currently out. I intend to get an 18X contract within the year. I've been led to believe by a couple recruiters that my experience will permit me to go directly to the SFAS prep course and then SFAS, so I know that I need to solve my boot situation before I enlist (hence my pesky questioning). I do plan on the full-gut operation for at least one pair. Making them into slippers sounds like my kind of gig. At present, I do most of my training in trail runners, though I'm doing more with Vibram FiveFingers, now that I have a set with tread. At any rate, I'm hoping that one of the local cobblers will be able to handle the surgery, because postage from the Great White North to Fayetnam may come close to the cost of another pair of boots, and frankly, I'd rather spend that on IPA
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I saw posts from a few years ago talking about soaking boots in Neat's oil and whatnot. Considering the dates of the posts (circa 2003-2004), I figured they were in reference to black boots. My own experience with suede boots — whether cowhide, pig or sheepskin — is that oil or wax treatment of any kind will greatly alter the appearance of the boots. Is there some other magic trick you would recommend? Or are treated boots okay as long I have clean ones for garrison business before and after SFAS?