( the opposite of what the Navy determined) ‘Toe shoes’ get the boot, Army-wide

The US Army, obviously a slave to conservative fashion: “The decision was based on the lack of conformity with the Army’s conservative professional appearance,” said Hank Minitrez, a spokesman for Army G-1.


By Lance M. Bacon - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Aug 29, 2011 7:33:02 EDT

An Army message about footwear certainly stepped on some toes.

The wear of shoes that feature “five separate, individual compartments for the toes” is prohibited in All Army Activities message 239/2011. Such shoes “detract from a professional military image,” the message said.

Soldiers are not allowed to wear them with the individual physical fitness uniform or when conducting physical training in military formation.

When Army Times first reported the rule, it drew an immediate response from runners. Many said the Army was forfeiting safety and performance for aesthetics.

The decision was made by Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler and his board of directors, which is composed of key command sergeants major.

The rest here