Vibram Five Fingers… "toe shoes"

SF1775

SF1775

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http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20110829/NEWS/108290313/-8216-Toe-shoes-get-boot-Army-wide

Just today, I recieved my appointment to USMA, and in planning ahead, I am considering the equipment I will need this summer and beyond. I am a high school track and cross country runner, and I have been using Vibram Five Fingers (Google them and you'll recognize them) since this past summer. They allow you to run "barefoot" while protecting your feet from stuff on the ground. I was turned on to barefoot running from reading the book "Born to Run" this summer.

Anyway, I was wondering what the rules at USMA for wearing these shoes is. Obviously according to the above article the Army is against them.

Please don't try to convince me that regular sneakers are better… I just want to know whether or not people have any knowledge or experience of the policies on this footwear.

Go Army!
 
You should practice what you will be taking the pt test in.


2019 WestPoint class applicant
Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
From last year's 'Instructions for Candidates Offered Admission':
You must also bring one pair of good- quality running shoes. These shoes should be designed specifically for running with maximum shock absorption and a balance of motion con- trol and cushioning characteristics. These shoes should not be of the “cross training” variety- They should have a sturdy heel counter, elevated heel, and cushioned mid-sole.
 
SF1775 said:
http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20110829/NEWS/108290313/-8216-Toe-shoes-get-boot-Army-wide

Just today, I recieved my appointment to USMA, and in planning ahead, I am considering the equipment I will need this summer and beyond. I am a high school track and cross country runner, and I have been using Vibram Five Fingers (Google them and you'll recognize them) since this past summer. They allow you to run "barefoot" while protecting your feet from stuff on the ground. I was turned on to barefoot running from reading the book "Born to Run" this summer.

Anyway, I was wondering what the rules at USMA for wearing these shoes is. Obviously according to the above article the Army is against them.

Please don't try to convince me that regular sneakers are better… I just want to know whether or not people have any knowledge or experience of the policies on this footwear.

Go Army!
Click to expand...

Seems like the article answered your question. These shoes are not authorized for wear with the IPFU according to AR 6701-, Para 14-3.
 
You do not want to draw unwanted attention to yourself at Beast. Try to fly under the radar.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I don't want to be "that guy" getting noticed by the cadre, but I also don't want to be "that guy" at the back of the pack on runs. I run much better in the Vibrams. In fact, I will be running the West Point Fallen Comrades Half-Marathon in them on 29 March 2015.

I'll speak to someone at the Academy to get more info. If they say they are strictly against the rules, then I'll bring my Nikes.
 
They are strictly against the rules. The toes must be covered. You might try other light weight running shoes but understand, you will be using these shoes for more than just running long distances in.


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Go get some good running shoes that are meant for your running style. They have stores where they watch how you run and pick out a pair of shoes that conform to your feet. You have months left, if you get used to them now you won't have to at CBT.


2019 WestPoint class applicant
Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
SF1775 said:
I'll speak to someone at the Academy to get more info. If they say they are strictly against the rules, then I'll bring my Nikes.
Click to expand...
You just had TWO FFRs (buff 81 and GoArmyBeatNavy) tell you what the regs are. When you receive your Instructions for Candidates Offered Admission, do exactly what West Point tells you to do.
 
Why are you so adamant about using them anyway?


2019 WestPoint class applicant
Recipient of 4 year army rotc scholarship.
 
I don't know how much clearer than a direct citation from the Army Regulation you are wanting. Go ahead and wear them, I'm sure they'll understand your situation and make an exception just for you.
 
Army regulations are army regulations. I run regularly and do use Vibrams. However, Beast is not the time for them. ALL your running will be on pavement and you'll need those shoes for more than just distance running. You'll never run more than 3-4 miles at a time anyway. If you really can't run in normal running shoes for six weeks bring a pair of the new balances that are essentially the same thing without the weird looking toe pockets in addition to a normal pair of running shoes and wear them on the days you know that you'll be specifically doing a running workout for morning PT. Remember, people won't care quite so much about your running footwear once you're past A-Day, although you still can't use the Vibrams.
 
SF1775 said:
but I also don't want to be "that guy" at the back of the pack on runs. I run much better in the Vibrams.
Click to expand...

If the difference between toe shoes and your nikes puts you at the back of the pack you'll have bigger things to worry about. :) You'll spend way more time in low quarters and your boots, so might as well get used to heel and firmer soles.

It's not like your slippers take up a ton of space, so I'd probably do as scoutpilot suggested and bring them. But I'd also make sure you have a good pair of known approved running shoes to take. As an aside, you really don't hear cadets making a big deal about the running shoes lately. (Color, brand, etc). If out of spec worst case you could get told to change most likely.
 
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