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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.

Army to sell 'Boot Camp' trainers

>>16 September 2004

The Army cashed in on its super-fit reputation for the first time yesterday by revealing its own running shoe.

The public will be able to buy "boot camp" trainers after the Physical Training Corps (APTC) signed a deal worth more than £1million with a sports firm.

Named the PT-03, the slick silver, grey and white track shoes carry the Army's crossed swords motif and have a Union Flag on the front.

And the company behind the deal claimed the trainers, tested by the Army during six months of gruelling track, road and hill trials in Aldershot, Hants, will "stand up to anything".

David Hinde, managing director of Warwickshire-based sports firm UK Gear, said: "They were created with the help of some of the fittest people on the planet, the Army's very own fitness instructors."

The lucrative deal could net the Army between five and 15 per cent of the profits, according to city analysts.

Colonel Robin Clifford, head of the Army's commercial branch, said: "Activities like this, with personnel demonstrating that their specific skills can be of value and benefit to the public, are positive for the Army.

"Of course, we are very busy on operations and training, so we will only take part in such initiatives when they do not impact on core activities."

Any money raised will be pumped back into the APTC to "enhance the soldiers' quality of life and help with other marketing activities".

The £79 PT-03 will be issued to the APTC's 450 worldwide instructors although regular soldiers will have to buy their own - at a discounted rate.

If successful, the Army plans to pilot an indoor gym shoe.