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The US Army Officially Bans FiveFingers

by Brian Patterson » on Jun 27, 2011 17

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.

Submitted Comments

  1. Mike says:

    booooooo! thumbs down.

  2. APB327 says:

    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”.

  3. Melanie says:

    They banned them for aesthetic purposes? What next, mandatory mani-pedis and color coordinated ammo bags by Chanel?!

  4. Rob says:

    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.

  5. James says:

    Good point. Vibram is gonna need to up their lobbying game

  6. Jessica says:

    It’s pathetic, but I’m not really surprised.

  7. Pete says:

    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.

  8. Dan says:

    Check out the Merrell line!

  9. Jessica says:

    The Merrells look nice – it’s just a shame you have to look for something else.

  10. Gary says:

    Merrell Glove, outsole made by…you got it, VIBRAM. In my opinion a much much better minimal shoe.

  11. Kenneth says:

    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.

  12. Cody says:

    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.

  13. Will says:

    What is the number for this ALARACT Message. My PSG needs this info if he is going to push this problem higher.

  14. Scott says:

    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.

  15. Frank says:

    “Detract from a professional military image…” Sad to say, the position statement actually does more to do that than the shoes do.

  16. Niko says:

    While yes it’s a bummer that VFFs aren’t allowed, I am do very thankful that minimalist shoes ARE allowed. That means they recognize the benefits. But remember, the Army has a uniform for a reason. The devotion you have to the military should be apparent when you first enter basic training. Toes are a very small thing to give up, especially when Merrell’s Trail Glove is an amazing shoe in itself. Literally, the only difference between the two is the five toes. Besides, it is only banned in PT formations and when wearing the IPFU. To my understanding, you can run in them outside of PT (which if you’re doing any real running, you’ll end up having to run outside of PT as well).

    It’s the military. We can’t call them stupid, because they did acknowledge the benefits of minimalism. And if it were a choice between conventional running shoes and the Merrell glove, you’d be thankful they’re allowing that much.

  17. John doe says:

    This is stupid

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