Safer running shoes?

SGT Richard H. — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:24:03 -0400

In keeping with the growing trend of PT belts, should the Military adopt a likewise safety oriented running shoe?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 10:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:28:33 -0400

Not no but hell no! My 6yrold nephew wears light up shoes....I am not 6!!!!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 12 at 2014 10:39 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:39:46 -0400

Well, at least PVT Snuffy can wear it to the club too.... ;o)

Response by MSgt Roger Lalik made Sep 12 at 2014 12:04 PM

MSgt Roger Lalik — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:04:10 -0400

Since when did the Marine start following social trends..?

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Sep 12 at 2014 12:19 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:19:35 -0400

LOL

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 12:58 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:58:09 -0400

This is far far to dangerous. It would only be a matter of time till some PVT gets electrocuted to death after running into a puddle of water.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 1:27 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:27:31 -0400

If this is the trend then might as well make the next uniform modification day-glo. If you're going to go GO BIG!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 1:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:31:41 -0400

A little over the top, But i wouldn't put it past the good idea fairies to suggest this.

Response by CW3 Brian Harris made Sep 12 at 2014 1:43 PM

CW3 Brian Harris — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:43:43 -0400

Many manufacturers incorporate reflective material on their running shoes these days. I'm not sure it is necessary to make standard policy in the military for a safety-oriented running shoe.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 12 at 2014 1:44 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:44:58 -0400

I feel safe enough wearing my Protective Armor aka the reflective belt when walking between tents.......

Response by SSG Jacob Wiley made Sep 12 at 2014 1:57 PM

SSG Jacob Wiley — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:57:02 -0400

How is this not faddish, stylish or any other word chosen to describe something 'normal'?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 2:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 14:35:09 -0400

the day the Army tells me I got to wear that is the day I drop my retirement papers

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 3:03 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:03:35 -0400

I think a better initiative would be to better train Soldiers on how to identify foot type in order to prevent injury. PT belts are plenty safe. Standardization of shoes to comply with safety would detract from the ability to get a proper fit.

Response by CPT Michael Kelley made Sep 12 at 2014 3:15 PM

CPT Michael Kelley — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:15:45 -0400

Love it. Can we make the PT belt light up also.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 12 at 2014 3:17 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:17:19 -0400

I want some of those. That is pretty cool.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Sep 12 at 2014 3:32 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:32:04 -0400

Absolutely now. With the differences in everybody's feet, gait, and running style there should not be any one size fits all shoe for the military. Wear shoes that work for you and allow you to run with the least amount of pain/discomfort.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Sep 12 at 2014 3:33 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:33:50 -0400

How many people are really getting hit by cars because people cant see them? I mean really? This is a solution looking for a problem. More people died last year from having heart attacks and heat stroke during runs than getting run over.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 3:36 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:36:55 -0400

Murphy's law recommends the ultimate safety: light-up heelys:

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 12 at 2014 3:42 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:42:59 -0400

MY EYES!!!!!

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Sep 12 at 2014 3:45 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:45:22 -0400

hahaha, love it!

Response by SPC Randy Torgerson made Sep 12 at 2014 3:48 PM

SPC Randy Torgerson — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:48:10 -0400

I'm thinking this will help the enemy spot you just a little be easier....haha

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 5:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 17:50:56 -0400

I would have voted "yes" if I could confirm that they come with a sound system. Can anyone confirm that? Cuz ya know I'm all about that bass!

Edited to add: I am only asking about the stereo components for safety reasons, obviously.

Response by SSG John Bacon made Sep 12 at 2014 6:20 PM

SSG John Bacon — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:20:51 -0400

I have seen little kids with these and they think they are cool. I am not a little Kid. it is not cool.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Sep 12 at 2014 7:31 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:31:59 -0400

Those are cool, battery or kinetic?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 7:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:42:24 -0400

Where the hell are the road guards?!?!

Response by SGT Gest Wangsness made Sep 12 at 2014 7:45 PM

SGT Gest Wangsness — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:45:42 -0400

Ha Just What we need.... Something else to waste money on.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 8:38 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:38:44 -0400

Can we just please get out of this "safer is better bull$hit" and get back to basics? OMG....this is so ridiculous.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Sep 12 at 2014 8:53 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:53:53 -0400

The good idea fairies are back.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Sep 12 at 2014 9:46 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:46:47 -0400

Is the military going to issue them? Otherwise NO!!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 10:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:10:08 -0400

The army has not yet accepted the running shoes as stndard issue but many soldiers use bright neon colored running shoes. I have even seen shoes that match the blue mesh jersey reflective vest that TRADOC cadre wear. If the army does publish policy it should be that running shoes should be black or grey so as to not draw undue attention on the soldier.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2014 10:16 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:16:39 -0400

Because people using the obnoxiously loud colored tennis shoes in PT's isn't bad enough.

Though, if I didn't HAVE to wear a PT belt, this would be acceptable. Sadly.

Response by PO1 Shannon Drosdak made Sep 13 at 2014 2:26 AM

PO1 Shannon Drosdak — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:26:21 -0400

I could imagine my ADD kicking in while at group pt and staring at the light, the whole group goes tumbling down cause CS1's attention span was watching the lights go up and down, uh oh someone shoes are flickering!!! Their shoe is dying!!!
But seriously, I put these on my kid for Halloween when she was 5, she also had a flashing tutu. Next up flashing head bands/wrist bands? I understand safety 1st but ORM is on the service member, get out of the street stop wearing both ear phones and run on a track (when available) like they teach in ATFP know your surroundings! This shoe thing just seems like telling personnel "you're not smart enough to be aware, stay out of the streets and keep your head on a swivel." Guess we all are sky larking to much if this gets implemented. But they do give us weapons right? Hm maybe those should have flashing lights too?

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Sep 13 at 2014 2:29 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:29:52 -0400

If something this stupid was ever suggested I would smack the hell out of who suggested and every living member of their family, and a recommendation of sterilization of all their family members. Sure this might seem like an idea to "protect" people but the type of sole the shoe would have based on being hollowed out and replaced with lights would likely create many more injuries than say an idiot running in traffic, or an inattentive idiot plowing into a formation out on a PT Run. Most people don't have proper form in their running as it is and injure themselves by having their foot strike the pavement wrong, and something with so little support will not help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 2:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 02:56:35 -0400

I like the design of the sneaker for personal use. Just don't need it as part of the military uniform. It would just be going too far for the Army. It is much more important for avid runners to wear running shoes appropriate for the terrain and their build. Considering that humans are different, it is important for people (service members) to be mindful of wearing shoes that are ergonomically correct for each person.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 13 at 2014 11:16 AM

SGT Richard H. — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 11:16:24 -0400

...

Response by SPC Stephen Bobchin made Sep 13 at 2014 12:51 PM

SPC Stephen Bobchin — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:51:01 -0400

Please note, I am a bladesmith, and as such, all my knives are sharp. The More You Know(tm)

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 13 at 2014 7:11 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:11:07 -0400

drop 50, fire for effect.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2014 11:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:06:07 -0400

Most running shoes are already reflective. This would be just another policy requirement made in the name of safety, when most posts already close roads and running routes during pt hours. Show me the list of Soldiers that have been killed or injured on a military post that can be contributed to lack of visibility and maybe I would agree.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 11:45 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:45:49 -0400

I hope there are no battalion runs near any airfields in the wee hours SGT Richard H. !

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 1:08 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 01:08:17 -0400

Reminds me of this shoe fad from the 90s!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 4:51 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 04:51:36 -0400

Theres no way in hell i would wear them if it was mandatory. I would clain that im practicing noise and light discipline. Lets just hop that no one in the DOD involved in making regulations that seem like they have some sort of mental disability that messes with their comon sense and like to make us look like we belong in special ed doesnt see this and get any ideas.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:41 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 11:41:41 -0400

I think it would just be a waste of money because after basic (initial issue) they probably would not be used again.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 12:28 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 12:28:10 -0400

The lights are stupid - but even worse, this will restrict the options available to runners. For the past three years, I've been running in Altras - and for that reason, I've been able to scrap my orthotic inserts. I'll be damned if I'm forced back into POS Nikes.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 7:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:28:12 -0400

Yea they'll be easier for me to be hit by a car. The Army always has bright ideas

Response by 1stSgt David Welch made Sep 15 at 2014 1:19 PM

1stSgt David Welch — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:19:05 -0400

I would prefer the lighted shoe to the stupid reflective belt...

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Sep 15 at 2014 1:41 PM

SSG Mike Angelo — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:41:36 -0400

Service members run off duty too. The individualized illumination is not a bad idea and may reduce "hit and runs"... and other accidents.

Caution should this become a collective idea. During hours of darkness, Commanders may have restrictions on the wearing of illuminated running shoes.

Response by 1stSgt David Welch made Sep 15 at 2014 4:05 PM

1stSgt David Welch — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 16:05:58 -0400

The idea of reflective anything bothers me... Justifying the policy in garrison violates the key, train like you fight principle. We should be more aware of pedestrians and vehicles in low/poor light. But we don't need a reflective beacon that while in garrison is no big deal, but becomes a great flashing target to enemy snipers in the field. Bad guys in Afghanistan only need to tape a cheap laser pointer to their AKs and sweep the compound from their vantage point and just pull the trigger when the laser hits the reflective belts/shoes/whatever other "safety" device the pampered princes' in the Pentagon have decided we need for "our protection."

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 22 at 2014 11:32 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:32:45 -0400

I think this might be even better if beanies with lighted twirly propellers were added to the equation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 12:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 00:06:35 -0500

In reading the 4th ID CG's policy letter and from what I understand; they don't wear pt belts.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2015 11:34 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:34:16 -0400

Are you insane? The good idea fairy is always listening! We're not 6. If this ever saw the light of day I would immediately retire.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 18 at 2015 11:36 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 11:36:15 -0400

And, we need to wrap them with a PT belt.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made May 17 at 2015 7:55 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Sun, 17 May 2015 07:55:02 -0400

As long as i don't have to wear them.
We wore are boots for pt and running

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 3:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 15:21:21 -0400

Hell no

Response by SSG VNicia Young made May 17 at 2015 7:13 PM

SSG VNicia Young — Sun, 17 May 2015 19:13:36 -0400

You see people putting pt belts on there car now. they think its the safest thing. Next we are going to have them hanging these up in there homes cars and making the whole family wear them

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 17 at 2015 7:13 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 17 May 2015 19:13:41 -0400

I purchase all my footwear on sale and sometimes I buy two pairs to stock up. Also, this will give military venders another reason to jack up the prices on someone is probably getting a kick back underneath the table.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 7:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 19:23:39 -0400

HA no. PT belts are fraud waste and abuse anyways. Most PT is conducted on closed pt routes, and very rarely is PT done amongst traffic in dangerous visibility conditions. I would love to see statistical data to find out how many exercisers are run over while conducting PT. My guess is it is extremely close to or zero. There certainly isn't sufficient data to justify millions spent on fielding reflective belts to the entire force on a ridiculous level. They should at most be considered on a case by case basis at the unit level using common sense to determine applicability. Instead we waste an astronomical amount on purposeless uniformity. It's funny that many installations have stopped requiring reflective belts for motorcycle riders, knowing that negligent drivers are likely 1000000 times more likely to smash a motorcyclist than a PT runner. Reflective belts are stupid.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 9:51 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 21:51:58 -0400

I'd rock those!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 9:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 May 2015 21:56:40 -0400

I will kill someone... Jesus we already have f***ing glow belts.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2015 1:50 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 May 2015 01:50:49 -0400

Or we could just teach military members to do what most people seem to learn naturally. Don't walk in front of a moving vehicle or get out of the way. Short of someone intentionally hitting you or swerving at the last second (you see where I am going with this), if you get hit by a car it is mostly your fault.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 7:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 19:48:39 -0400

Yes, so I can laugh and make evil memes.