Army Bans Split-Toe Shoes

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A tipster sent along this All Army message released this week that forbids Joes and Janes from wearing the latest in "cool guy" running footwear.

ALARACT 241/2011 - MODIFYING WEAR OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU)

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.


I'm not a big fan of the 5-toe phenomenon since I think it's a bit weird. But I'm not a runner, so what do I know.

I think it's interesting that the Army sees them as a big enough threat that they need to ban them on formation runs -- purely for their look. This is one where I have to agree...

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