More to come, but it looks like the Army just really hates the individual toe pockets regardless of what they mean for soldier’s feet. Relevant info bolded in the All Army Activity Message (ALARACT ) below:
SUBJECT: MODIFYING WEAR OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU)
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO MODIFY THE EXISTING WEAR POLICY FOR THE IPFU.
2. 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. THIS CHANGE WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE NEXT UPDATE OF AR 670-1.
It sure seemed like this picture indicated that FiveFingers were well adopted for use by Army Special forces.
Thanks to Running Jackalope for sharing the news.
Mike
June 27th, 2011 at 11:23 am
booooooo! thumbs down.
APB327
June 27th, 2011 at 11:43 am
I’ve only started wearing these a few months ago but when I wear these, I don’t have the normal lower back problems. I totally disagree with this decision. I don’t see how they “Detract from a professional military image”.
Melanie
June 27th, 2011 at 11:44 am
They banned them for aesthetic purposes? What next, mandatory mani-pedis and color coordinated ammo bags by Chanel?!
Rob
June 27th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
I disagree with the ban. Thankfully it doesn’t apply to the Canadian Forces. While it sucks, it does illustrate how much control the military has over the day-to-day aspects of your life. I guess this means that Merrell will be selling more of their Barefoot series to troops now.
James
June 27th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Good point. Vibram is gonna need to up their lobbying game
Jessica
June 28th, 2011 at 12:27 am
It’s pathetic, but I’m not really surprised.
Pete
June 28th, 2011 at 6:45 am
As a loyal VFF fan for over a year, and an Army Soldier, I have to say that I’m disappointed with the decision, but I will follow the guidance as outlined in the ALARACT message. Don’t get me wrong, I’m very passionate about my VFF’s. Whenever I’m not in uniform, that’s what’s on my feet. Personally, I believe there are other shoe designs that detract from a professional military image; balloon (pump) shoes, springs, gel pockets, and any other number of radical concepts come to mind. But, for reasons I might not understand, the Army draws the line at toes. Got it! I don’t agree with it… but I got it. On the market now for minimalist shoes without toes.
Dan
June 28th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
Check out the Merrell line!
Jessica
June 28th, 2011 at 1:55 pm
The Merrells look nice – it’s just a shame you have to look for something else.
Gary
June 30th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Merrell Glove, outsole made by…you got it, VIBRAM. In my opinion a much much better minimal shoe.
Kenneth
July 02nd, 2011 at 10:55 pm
I agree with Pete. I’ve only had my Treksports a short while but took to them very well. I too will have to follow the guidelines of the updated AR 670-1.
Luckly I do own an additional pair of Minimalist running shoes, the NB Minimus(which also has a Vibram sole). This is the shoe I used to transition into the VFF.
Cody
July 07th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I have the original VFF and like them, but when I saw the Merrell Trail Gloves I snatched them up. Same minimalist sole, but my toes can spread; the VFF don’t fit my monkey toes. I wear them for long runs, hiking, and 5-6 times a week at my CrossFit box with no issues.
Will
August 14th, 2011 at 3:36 am
What is the number for this ALARACT Message. My PSG needs this info if he is going to push this problem higher.
Scott
August 18th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
The Navy did the same thing last month, banning VFF’s and all minimialist shoes for PT. They have since retracted their policy and require you to wear socks with them.
Not really sure why the requirement for socks but whatever, injinji socks work great. I bought several pairs for running with, they help keep the smell down. Before the socks my KSO Treks would stink after two runs (10-15 miles) and I don’t have stinky feet. With the socks they have stopped stinking completely.
Frank
February 25th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
“Detract from a professional military image…” Sad to say, the position statement actually does more to do that than the shoes do.