PT Shoes with toes?

SFC(P) Tobias M. — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:50:19 -0400

I have seen this shoe many times and have been told that they are the best. I have also heard from many people that they do not conform to AR 670-1. I am not sure on the true answer to this. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I personally think they look like crap but don't want the way I feel to push me to telling SM's that they are not allowed to wear them.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 3:54 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:54:44 -0400

I have checked through various companies that make these and they are called a running or training shoe.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 15 at 2014 4:49 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:49:12 -0400

I don't have an answer to the 670-1 question, but I have the Vibram version of those shoes. Yes, they look ridiculous, but they sure are comfortable!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Sep 15 at 2014 4:53 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:53:33 -0400

Not to come off as a Richard Cranium, but you as a SFC haven't bothered to personally dig into AR 670-1 or DA PAM 670-1 to find the answer to this? Foreshame!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 5:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:35:19 -0400

It's actually in DA PAM 670-1, here is what it has to offer, and they are unauthorized

12–6. General guidelines
a. Personnel wear the green micro fleece cap pulled down snugly on the head with the bottom edge covering the
ears, but not covering the eyebrows. The bottom edge (a portion of or all) of the cap may be folded, but not rolled.
b. Commanders may authorize wear of commercial running shoes with calf-length or ankle-length, plain white socks
(no logos). If worn, ankle-length socks must cover the entire ankle bone. Shoes must accommodate all five toes in one
compartment. 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 a military formation.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Sep 15 at 2014 6:16 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:16:22 -0400

For the AF they ARE authorized, but the major manufacture of that style shoes recently lost a lawsuit over claims about the shoes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/10/_n_5302213.html

That Barefoot Running Shoe Company Lied To Us All

If you were one of the 70 million Americans who purchased a pair of those weird-looking "barefoot running" shoes, you may be entitled to some cash. Vibram, the company behind FiveFingers

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 7:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:55:43 -0400

Besides the fact that they are just about FAD and they look like crap. I can't stand people that swear these are the only way. That is fine if they work for you but I am tired of seeing the 300 fat guy in the gym wearing this things doing only God knows what under the guise of some crossfit guy told him while making no gains. You would think after a month you would see an difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwVl46GWfzg

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Sep 15 at 2014 8:20 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:20:40 -0400

My daughter has a pair of toe socks like that...they are way cuter.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 8:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:30:26 -0400

Unacceptable. Not just because they're hideous, but because how many times have you had your feet stepped on in an inchworm run? Safety first!

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Sep 15 at 2014 8:44 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:44:55 -0400

Don't believe the hype. All the so called claims of barefoot running haven't stood up to testing, and as such many of the shoe manufactures like vibram and their 5 toe running shoe led to class actions lawsuits which resulted in a lot of purchasers receiving at least part of their money back.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 9:23 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:23:05 -0400

SFC(P) Tobias M. I see you have received the info you asked about concerning authorization...kudos to you, for asking, admitting you had looked but had not found out the answer. Kudos to the RP Scouts out there sneaking and peeking for the answer, as well as the good "ribbing" given by all (Richard Cranium) and recepted by you. Being humble does work!

I just wanted to add that I have been wearing the Vibram 5-finger shoes for over 3 years. I have run several 5K runs in them with no problems. Unless I have to "dress for ocassion", that is all you will find me in when I'm not at work. They are truly most comfortable.

Depending on the who you listen to, you will hear they are good for running in and also, not good. The company recently lost a court battle over some of their claims. I do not do any distance running anymore to make that much difference for me one way or the other. I do have knee issues and if I did more running, it would not be in them...due to the heel strike harder to the ground due to less cushioning in the shoes, I do have post-run stiffness in the knee, but that is not "just because of the shoe", I always have some stiffness, no matter what I do. But for all other outdoor activities and sports, I will wear them. Individual choice and preference ....best solution...check em out!

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Sep 15 at 2014 10:08 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 22:08:48 -0400

The toe shoes are unauthorized, but there are many minimalist versions that are acceptable according to the PAM.
Most of the information coming out on these shoes is anecdotal. I know a lot of runners that have seen great success and/or improvements on their run through the use of minimalist shoes. But take some time to talk to the medics in your unit(s) and you will hear a different story coming from inexperienced or poorly trained runners. There is a running style that has to be adopted to use the minimalist shoes effectively.
If a runner can not switch from a heel fall technique, the minimalist shoes will just hurt them, badly. Mid foot strike or ball strike are needed and these can be difficult techniques for poor runners to adopt. Also, when switching techniques you should start with a beginner running program so that you don't revert to an inappropriate running form half way through your run because the new style tires you out quicker.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 1:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:44:50 -0400

ALARACT 239/2011: There are a variety of minimalist running shoes available for purchase and wear… 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 Army physical training
in military formation.

Also see these sources for you and your Soldiers to make informed decisions:
http://armymedicine.mil/Pages/Minimalist-Running-Shoes.aspx

http://soldiersystems.net/2011/07/11/army-says-no-to-five-fingers/

http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/MinimalistRunningShoes.pdf

Minimalist Running Shoes