Comments on: United States Navy Authorizes the Use of Minimalist Footwear, including Vibram Fivefingers, with PT Uniforms

By: Marcus Forman

Marcus Forman — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is also interesting given the cultural differences between the Army and Navy. I honestly thought the Navy would be the first ones to ban them outright as opposed to my service, the Army. It makes some sense though considering that the Navy does far less "formation" physical training (meaning all together as a group) than the Army does. The Army, and to an even greater extent, the Marine Corps, has a love affair with uniformity and the art of "dress right dress".

I honestly believe, as I think you do Pete, that minimalism is not a panacea and can hurt a great deal if not done correctly. As such, and because the Army forces us to run so much, Fivefingers might have done more harm than good in the long run.Also, thanks for the linkage! Much appreciated.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Pete,
Thanks for sharing. The USAF allows minimalist shoes as long as color appropriate for the uniform. We have been working for 4 years on getting a program through the channels to teach running form...the more important issue as you commenters allude to.
Mark Cucuzzella, LtCol USAF

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Mark.

I believe the original purpose was standing on a boat, with grip so that you wouldn't fall into the water.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The military member wearing Vibrams in the picture is jumping into the water, which I believe was the original purpose for the Five Finger shoes.

By: Bill

Bill — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Now Navy doctors (BUMED) are claiming “… given the current evidence, Navy Medicine cannot recommend the use of minimalist footwear in command directed physical training activities.”

http://www.navytimes.com/news/…

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Marcus Forman.

Marcus,

Yes, I totally agree. There is the potential for harm if the wrong approach is taken, but also the benefit of avoiding harm for those who find it difficult to run in other shoes.

Pete

By: Alex Beecher

Alex Beecher — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

While I tend to think that any servicemember should be free to where Vibrams if they please, it's worth noting that there are plenty of other options for those who find your average trainer unrunable. And, if there's a decent amount of pavement pounding being done, I can see why something else might be a good idea.

By: Jason Fitzgerald

Jason Fitzgerald — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It'll be very interesting to see how this plays out practically during training situations, i.e., balancing the need for protection in training vs. the benefits of minimalism.

By: Robert Osfield

Robert Osfield — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Never mind the shoes, what an AWESOME DOG!!! ;-)

By: John Avelis

John Avelis — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Many commands had already authorized VFFs during PT. My wife’s ship issued an instruction a month or two ago. The PT uniform is the official yellow t-shirt and blue shorts (absurdly overpriced, naturally) worn during the physical fitness test, command PT and sometimes for other activities like a physically active outdoor community relations event. Example of the PT uniform: http://www.navy.mil/view_singl…