FAQ
π₯Ύ Boots for Israel β FAQ
βοΈ About the Project
1. What is Boots for Israel? A volunteer-run project that provides high-quality tactical boots to Israel's reserve soldiers. It's funded by donors abroad plus a small contribution from each soldier who receives boots, so we can help as many reservists as possible.
2. Who runs it? Volunteers only. Our teams in Israel and abroad handle fundraising, purchasing, shipping, inventory, customer service, deliveries, and warehouse distribution.
3. Who is the subsidized program for? Israeli reserve soldiers who need tactical boots for their service.
4. What ordering options are there? Two: the Standard Program (subsidized, 200 NIS) and the Special-Order Program (not subsidized). Each is explained in full below.
π’ The Standard Program (Subsidized β 200 NIS)
How it works
5. What is the Standard Program? For a 200 NIS contribution per pair, you order through our website and choose your size and available color. When your order is ready, you'll get a pickup notification and can try the boots on at our warehouse. If they don't fit and no alternative is available, you can cancel for a full refund. π Order here: https://bootsforisrael.myshopify.com/he
6. Can I choose the brand, model, or boot height? No β only size and available color. You can't request a specific brand (e.g. Lowa, Salomon), model, or high/low height. Inventory changes constantly, so we can't guarantee which brand or model you'll receive. For a specific brand or model, use the Special-Order Program.
7. What brands are usually available? Our stock often includes Merrell, Garmont, LAPG, and SWAT, but this varies. All are tactical boots selected for field use, durability, and comfort. Carrying a brand doesn't mean it'll be in your size when you order.
The contribution
8. Why is there a 200 NIS contribution? It's a contribution toward the project, not the retail price. It covers part of the cost of buying and distributing boots so the program can keep supporting reservists. The rest is funded by donations.
9. How much would these boots normally cost? It varies by brand, model, supplier, shipping, and taxes β but comparable tactical boots normally cost substantially more than 200 NIS.
10. What if I can't afford the contribution? If you're facing genuine financial hardship, contact us directly. Requests are reviewed individually. Our assistance funds are limited, so we can't guarantee help.
Ordering & availability
11. How do I order? Go to the website, select your available size and color, and check out like any online store. You'll get an order-confirmation email. π https://bootsforisrael.myshopify.com/he
12. What if my size is out of stock? Click the size you want even if it's crossed out, then join the waitlist. You'll be notified when it's back in stock.
13. Does joining the waitlist guarantee boots? No. It only lets us notify you when your size is available β we can't guarantee when new stock arrives. The waitlist isn't an order; when you get a restock notification, follow its instructions to complete your purchase.
14. How will I know when my order is ready? You'll get a WhatsApp message and an email confirming your order is ready for pickup. Make sure the phone number and email you enter at checkout are correct.
15. How long until my order is ready? Usually 24β72 hours. This is only an estimate β wait for the ready-for-pickup message before coming.
16. Can I come to the warehouse right after ordering? No. Come only after you receive the separate ready-for-pickup message. Your order-confirmation email just means we received your order, not that your boots are ready β even if the warehouse is open.
Pickup & delivery
17. Where do I pick up my boots? From our warehouse in Modiin. The exact address and directions are in your ready-for-pickup notification.
18. What are the warehouse hours? Hours can change, so check the current schedule before coming:
Remember: an open warehouse doesn't mean your order is ready. Come only after your ready-for-pickup confirmation.
19. Can I try the boots on at pickup? Yes. Try them on at the warehouse before taking them. Bring the type of socks you normally wear with tactical boots so you can check the fit properly.
20. What if the boots don't fit? The warehouse team may be able to offer another available pair or size, but inventory is limited and changes often, so we can't guarantee an alternative. If nothing suitable is available, you can decline the boots for a full refund, or join the waitlist for another size.
21. Can someone else pick up for me? Yes. A friend or family member can collect them. They should show your pickup-confirmation message and your ID or soldier number. When possible, we recommend coming yourself so you can try the boots on first.
22. Can the boots be delivered? Yes, by volunteers at no charge β but delivery capacity is limited. If a friend or family member can collect from the warehouse, that's preferred. When your order is ready, you'll get details on delivery options and how to request delivery.
Returns & exchanges
23. What is the return policy? Boots can be returned for a full refund as long as they're unworn and in new condition. Trying them on indoors is fine. Boots worn outside β on base, in training, or in the field β cannot be returned or exchanged. Please contact us promptly if you need to return.
24. Can I exchange the boots after pickup? Only if inventory allows β we can't guarantee another size, brand, or model will be available. Don't wear the boots outside if you think you may need to exchange or return them.
25. Can I resell boots from the subsidized program? No. Donors cover most of the cost specifically so soldiers can get boots at a fraction of market price. Reselling for profit is unfair to donors and to soldiers still waiting. If you no longer need them, return them unworn for a refund so they can go to another soldier.
π― The Special-Order Program (Not Subsidized)
26. How does the Special-Order Program work? It lets you request a specific brand and model (e.g. Lowa, Salomon) that isn't part of the subsidized program. Special orders:
- Cost more than the Standard Program and are not subsidized
- Usually take longer to arrive
- Depend on supplier availability and pricing
To request one, email yakirwachstock@aol.com (in English only).