What regulation covers PT shoes? Are these shoes allowed?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 02:19:52 -0400

I’m looking for further information on the regulation for PT shoes? I have some regular running shoes, but they’re a soft / lightweight material that’s a lil stretchy, they have laces but the shoe is designed to fit snug without tieing the shoes, so I tuck the laces in. They look like normal shoes, they’re just stretchyish. They’re ankle cut like regular tennis shoes. I was questioned today if they’re approved for wear, and as far as I can tell the army doesn’t really have much under chapter 12 in 670-1, physical fitness uniform. If anyone has any other information on PT shoes I would appreciate it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 2:31 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 02:31:34 -0400

If you ran in Oxford shoes,from way overpriced Nordstrom's, I don't think it would care as long as you can pass the test.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 3:32 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 03:32:49 -0400

As far as I know, those are perfectly fine

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jul 24 at 2018 7:06 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 07:06:51 -0400

Per DA Pam 6710-1, (2017) this pair of shoes are not prohibited. They meet the description. However, are they running shoes? Do they provide enough stability and protection to your feet? The last thing you want to find out is that you suffer from plantar fasciitis or something worst down the road.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 7:19 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 07:19:22 -0400

Do your feet a favor and get some Asics or Sauconys that support your arch type. If you don't know your arch type, do the wet test. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20806598/take-this-simple-test-to-learn-if-you-have-high-or-low-arches/

Take the Wet Test: Learn Your Foot Type

A simple wet test can tell you if you have flat or high arches, helping you to choose the right pair of running shoes.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 24 at 2018 8:08 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 08:08:58 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member Please see DA Pam 670-1 dated 2017
"b. Commanders may authorize wear of commercial running shoes "
"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."
That is all the guidance commanders have on what is a appropriate running shoe.

Contrary to popular SP4 Mafia believe, the desire to regulate running shoes is not a God Complex issue, it is one of injury prevention.
That said, if the shoe is marketed as a running shoe and it has a single compartment for all 5 toes....It should be allowed by Army regulation.

But wait, theeeeeers more.
You need to check post and unit policy as well if you want to be thorough. There may be policy that says "no advertisement other then that of shoe brand" or "no political statements" or "no rainbow colored shoes as it is perceived as a political statement" Weird right? Well yes, but humans are weird and humans write policy.
BLNUF (Bottom line not up front) If those shoes in your pic are marketed as a running shoe by the maker, they should be inside regs...if I saw them when I was a 1SG, id ask your PSG or Section leader to have a chat with you to look at the makers stated design... If it is a racing flat not made for training it is not an appropriate shoe for wear during PT. Maybe the SM knows know that, and needs to be told no, maybe the SM had no idea and just thought they were lighter, easier to put on and "cooler" and now gets it.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:47 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 09:47:02 -0400

What are the brand and model of the shoes in question? They don't really look like running shoes to me but I could be wrong.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 10:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 10:03:32 -0400

I don’t see anything wrong with those running shoes. Early in my career, Nike marketed a running shoe that was super lightweight with no strings. I was yanked up by a 1SG and told that my shoes didn’t meet Army Regs for what a running shoe is due to not having strings to lace up. I say that because a shoe could be marketed as a running shoe but not qualify under the regs.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Jul 24 at 2018 10:44 AM

SFC Christopher Taggart — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 10:44:12 -0400

I guess "individualism" has become the new norm in today's Army.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 9:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jul 2018 09:27:01 -0400

Follow 670-1 as all my other colleagues have mentioned but I would add. We as Soldiers don't always run on the road. Yes sometimes we do terrain runs and you may not have the for knowledge of the route that you will be running and end up having a show that will totally be in appropriate for you foot and the terrain. This causes injuries.

Response by SGT Thomas Rainwater made Jul 30 at 2018 2:18 PM

SGT Thomas Rainwater — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 14:18:00 -0400

I had to wear combat boots. No ifs ands or buts about it!

Response by Josh Brackett made Aug 1 at 2018 6:12 AM

Josh Brackett — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 06:12:46 -0400

AR 670-1

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Jan 3 at 2019 4:22 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 16:22:41 -0500

Check for the nearest underemployed CSM. They will set you straight. If they do not know the actual content of AR 670-1, highly unlikely, they will just make some shit up.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2019 10:17 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jan 2019 10:17:44 -0500

This boy going straight from the club to PT formation!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 3:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 15:55:11 -0500

I got reprimanded for wearing trail running shoes during pt today. I have always worn as they accommodate my fat flat feet. Specially in dirt and ice. What gives??