British Army launches running shoe
LONDON, England -- The British Army has made its first step into the competitive world of global capitalism -- by launching its own running shoe.
The trainers bear the Army's famous crossed swords logo under the tongue.
Fitness instructors from the elite Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) advised trainer manufacturer UK Gear on the design.
The shoes were then put through six months of tests, which involved instructors wearing them in track, trail and road running as well as punishing hill running sessions.
David Hinde, managing director of Warwickshire-based UK Gear, said: "The PT-03 is a high performance running shoe.
"It was created with the help of the some of the fittest people on the planet -- the Army's own fitness instructors -- which means it will stand up to the demands of any runner."
Colonel Robin Clifford, head of the Army's commercial branch, said: "This pioneering initiative is in keeping with the Army's values of innovation, expertise and flexibility.
"We believe that activities like this, with Army personnel demonstrating that their specific skills can be of value and benefit to the public, are positive for the Army.
"Of course, the Army is very busy on operations and training, so we will only take part in such initiatives when they do not impact on our core initiatives."
The PT-03 will be available from specialist running shops, priced £79 ($U.S.140.) They will also be worn by the APTC's 450 instructors around the world, with a proportion of the revenue from sales going back to the Army.
