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UK Gear’s training shoes were originally designed in association with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC). These elite fitness professionals were closely involved in the development and tested our products in some of the most inhospitable conditions on Earth. Only when approved by the Military do we consider our products... Built to survive.

The Army takes on Nike in war of the trendy trainers

>>16 September 2004

The army has dipped a toe into the world of commercial sportswear by launching its own brand of trainers.

The shoes are the first commercial product to be developed by the Army and will bear its crossed swords logo under the tongue.

A proportion of revenue from sales will go back to the service. It is thought that if the product proves popular the concept of Army branded sportswear could be expanded.

The UK Gear PT-03 long-distance running shoe is made in Vietnam and will go on sale this Saturday at £79 a pair. It was developed in conjunction with fitness instructors from the elite Army Physical Training Corps, who advised on their 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.

They will be worn by the APTC's 450 instructors around the world, although not by regular soldiers, who will continue to use Army-issue Hi-Tec Silver Shadow or unbranded trainers.

The development of the PT-03 follows a Treasury order that Government departments must use 'spare capacity' - underused land, personnel and skills - to make money or enhance public relations.

If successful, the Army branding could be expanded further into the outdoor equipment and sportswear market.

Yesterday, 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 benefit to the public, are positive for the Army."