Are all running shoes allowed during the PFT?

[QuantumRN]

Just wondering since I run in the controversial Spiras. They dramatically improve my time but I mostly wear then to minimize my heel strike.

[shutterm4]

[QUOTE=QuantumRN]Just wondering since I run in the controversial Spiras. They dramatically improve my time but I mostly wear then to minimize my heel strike.[/QUOTE]

What is so special About these shoes. They shouldn't really care at your unit, but in training it's a no go.

[WIBecky74]

[url]http://www.apft-standards.com/files/14ch.pdf[/url]

Sadly, I read all of this. lol And the ONLY thing I read regarding your question was that you cannot have anything giving you an unfair advantage over others. This was under the 'overview' section. I interpret that as meaning, it is up to your Evaluators/scorers to determine if the shoes are okay or not. If they dont stick out from other shoes, they might not notice. I dont know anything about the shoes, but if you feel (be honest) they give you an advantage and the score you receive may not be on the up n up, ask them.

[QuantumRN]

They look just like regular shoes. They were banned in some marathons initially, but then were okay with some. I don't know if it is an unfair advantage because anyone can choose any shoe right? They run about $150 but I got mine for $90 which is less than what I used to pay for my Asics.

Thanks to everyone that replied, I don't want to change shoes, but I don't want a guilty conscience either!

[WIBecky74]

In RSP they should be fine. I would check with someone though. Then once you get back from training and have your Battle HandOff (last RSP drill) there will be a representative from your assigned unit. Ask them or once you have your first drill. Sorry I couldnt come up with a different answer but after reading the APFT Regs it really does appear it is up to each one individually.

[louis.quinones]

when i went to boot we all had to wear the same go-fasters. I never heard of sneakers that made you run faster just alleviate some of the heel and foot pain. I have plantar fasciitis and was given orthopedics inserts by my doc.

[WIBecky74]

Of course you are right. In Bct they make ya all go down to the PX and get the same shoes. Well one of like three different selections. They check out your feet first and decide which one of the three supports you need the most. They arent the best shoes at all! You can sometimes talk your DS into letting you break out the shoes you brought with you towards the end of the cycle. Your APFT at Bct only counts towards Bct graduation. After that you have to do one at your new unit. Not right away always, just the next time they have a test. I thought that was what the original poster was referring to. My bad. No, during Bct you CANNOT wear them. Rsp and once at your assigned unit is questionable.

[QuantumRN]

Thanks again everyone. I was just wondering if I could wear them for the annual PFT. It makes sense that they wouldn't be allowed at RSP or BCT, I won't have to worry about that since I am not going through those programs.

I must admit though, there is about a 2 min difference in my time for a 2 mile run when I do wear them, so it is difficult for me to think of changing shoes and losing time.

[shutterm4]

I dont think anyone will really care about your shoes. Who really pays attention to shoes anyways.

[louis.quinones]

i want to buy those sneakers and see if i can reduce my run by two minutes lol

[QuantumRN]

Just google Spira and go to their website. If you want to pay less then go to a specialty foot store, try them for fit and size, then order online at a discount. What makes them different than regular shoes is that the energy you exert towards the ground is returned to you at 80-90% due to a spring built into the sole of the heel. Sounds stupid but makes a big difference to avid runners who can't bring down their times in other ways. I'm sure everyone has their favorite shoe, this happens to be mine. (I am a distance runner trying to improve my time for short runs like 2 miles.)

Thanks again to everyone for your help!

[QuantumRN]

Forgot to add that if you are crappy at running that no shoe will help until you get to an increased fitness level. There is no "magic" shoe. Running takes dedication and hard work.

[louis.quinones]

[quote=QuantumRN]Forgot to add that if you are crappy at running that no shoe will help until you get to an increased fitness level. There is no "magic" shoe. Running takes dedication and hard work.[/quote]
but didnt you say that this specific shoe helps you run 2 minutes faster? lol I just checked out this link

[URL="http://www.planetshoes.com/itemmatrix.asp?groupcode=689"]http://www.planetshoes.com/itemmatrix.asp?groupcode=689[/URL]

[WIBecky74]

[QUOTE=shutterm4]I dont think anyone will really care about your shoes. Who really pays attention to shoes anyways.[/QUOTE]

Well I do. I'm a female. Just looking over my 300+ pairs.... hehee just kidding, I have like six pairs of shoes and living in Wisconsin they are season specific.

[QuantumRN]

[QUOTE=WIBecky74]Well I do. I'm a female. Just looking over my 300+ pairs.... hehee just kidding, I have like six pairs of shoes and living in Wisconsin they are season specific.[/QUOTE]
LOL Becky, I have waaaaaaaaaay too many shoes too!

[louis.quinones]

[QUOTE=QuantumRN]LOL Becky, I have waaaaaaaaaay too many shoes too![/QUOTE]
the price is about 100 bucks. I am going to look at a store this weekend to check them out. i am currently running with the nike shox and something 360

[QuantumRN]

[QUOTE=louis.quinones]the price is about 100 bucks. I am going to look at a store this weekend to check them out. i am currently running with the nike shox and something 360[/QUOTE]
You know, there is just something about a "banned" shoe that makes it all the more desirable. Must be the rebel in me. If you do buy it, let me know what you think. I can't run in any other shoe...
Plus, you can be the guinea pig to wear them to a PFT. No worries, if you get busted, I'll come bail ya out!!!;)

[CPT Burritt]

I'm gonna pick some up this weekend to see what all the hubbub is about.

It will break my heart to go to another shoe store though, I love mine.

Eh, I needed another pair anyway...

[CPT Burritt]

Got em today. Went to a store called Good Feet. An interesting place that makes their bank off the sales of orthotics. They conned me into getting a pair (for a pretty penny I might add), and I've been wearing them all night. Truth be told, I can already tell that I feel more stable on my feet.

Anyway, on to the shoes. Well, they aren't much too look at, but I've never been one to insist on a fashionable PT Uniform. From checking out the cross sections it appears that there might be something to this whole spring deal. From what little I have done my feet have seen no ill effects. The heel could grip a little tighter, and the lacing structure could be a little more efficient. The true test will be once I get these orthotics broken in and my feet get used to them, and I spend a day walking around on my feet, and then when I get them broken in enough to take them out on a run. More to come...

[QuantumRN]

Good for you CPT for getting those shoes! They are definitely not a fashion statement and I agree that the heel could be more snug. Once you hit the road in these babies you won't care about that stuff. If you are a runner, and I mean runner, not the "foot shuffle" type, then you will feel the benefit of the spring.... You will have less muscle fatigue and in return go faster and longer. Keep me posted!

[louis.quinones]

[QUOTE=CPT Burritt]Got em today. Went to a store called Good Feet. An interesting place that makes their bank off the sales of orthotics. They conned me into getting a pair (for a pretty penny I might add), and I've been wearing them all night. Truth be told, I can already tell that I feel more stable on my feet.

Anyway, on to the shoes. Well, they aren't much too look at, but I've never been one to insist on a fashionable PT Uniform. From checking out the cross sections it appears that there might be something to this whole spring deal. From what little I have done my feet have seen no ill effects. The heel could grip a little tighter, and the lacing structure could be a little more efficient. The true test will be once I get these orthotics broken in and my feet get used to them, and I spend a day walking around on my feet, and then when I get them broken in enough to take them out on a run. More to come...[/QUOTE]
CPT, Let me know before I waste my money. I am using the nike 360 with some excellent inserts butstill the impact on my heels and knees is unbearable. after sitting in humvees alot in Iraq, my legs havent been the same.

[OldBreed]

:rolleyes: Great. I can see it now. With the emergence of these new miracle go-faster shoes, thousands of soldiers are now running sub 13 minute APFT's. Thus causing the Army to trim a little fat off the standards to counteract the effects. Consequently the Marine Corps decides to implement the half-marathon into their PFT.

GO GO GADGET SHOES!!!!!

[louis.quinones]

[QUOTE=OldBreed]:rolleyes: Great. I can see it now. With the emergence of these new miracle go-faster shoes, thousands of soldiers are now running sub 13 minute APFT's. Thus causing the Army to trim a little fat off the standards to counteract the effects. Consequently the Marine Corps decides to implement the half-marathon into their PFT.

GO GO GADGET SHOES!!!!![/QUOTE]
old breed there is no miracle shoe but I see so many soldiers get easily broke now and days so anything to help those weak legs and feet will help lol

[SPC Ski]

this whole thread gives new meaning to the words "HIGH SPEED"

What's up with the whole running thing anyway, why cann't we just drive there, like the Air Force? 2 miles in 2 Minutes :rolleyes:

[Pvt Merkel]

[QUOTE=SPC Ski]this whole thread gives new meaning to the words "HIGH SPEED"

What's up with the whole running thing anyway, why cann't we just drive there, like the Air Force? 2 miles in 2 Minutes :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]


Bahahahahahaha Isn't that the truth.