Army bans minimalist running shoes
This week the United States Army prohibited the use of Vibram FiveFingers minimalist shoes during training. Here is a excerpt from the U.S. Army’s announcement:
“There are a variety of minimalist running shoes available for purchase and wear. Effective immediately, only those shoes that accommodate all five toes in one compartment are authorized for wear. Those shoes that feature five separate, individual compartments for the toes, detract from a professional military image and are prohibited for wear with the IPFU or when conducting physical training in military formation.”
The reasoning for banning Vibram FiveFingers was because it was distracting to other soldiers during training. The Army did not mention any evidence that minimalist shoes cause harm to the human body, which might have something to do with them not banning minimalist shoes altogether. During combat, soldiers are still required to wear boots (pictured above).
So what are your thoughts on all of this?
One of our customers shared that when his father in the Royal Dutch Marines 40 years ago he was supplied thin minimalist shoes and "Were used in combat and training to enhance silent combat and agility."
We received mixed reactions from our Facebook users. Some understood the reasoning behind the ban, while others disagreed with the Army's decision.
If you would like to join this discussion, check out our Facebook page here, or leave a comment.
In regards to the ban when it comes to the healthy feet of the soldiers. It will take generations of soldiers to change the "traditional running shoe". A shoe like Merrell Trail or Tough glove would have a better sell at beign uniform. Heck the RunAmoc Dash looks more like a tradional shoe than VFF's. There are healthy alternatives hitting the market everyday that will make their home on the feet of our soldiers. Just give it time. Uncle Sam needs to air out his feet and feel the pavement of where the runners are heading before they will change.
Next item on the agenda for the military: Crew Cuts!