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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.

PT-03 - Gear Geek's

>>22 September 2008

Gear Geek's
Military/Recreational Gear Reviews

UK Gear PT-03 SC running shoes

UK gear is a British sportswear company that provides the British Army along with other military and paramilitary (West Point, Air Force Academy) units with high quality running shoes. Their gear was and still is first and foremost athletic gear. They were tasked by the British military to create running shoes that would stand up to tough military physical training.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to test out their PT-03 SC running shoe, which was the original running shoe designed for the British Army Physical Training Corps, and has been given the privilege of bearing the British Army insignia.

The only problem I've had so far from them wasn't a quality issue, but a sizing one. And to no fault of the manufacturer...they're just about a half size too large. I still wear them and they're still comfy...but I can tell they're just a little too big. To give you a comparison I got a size 9...and 8.5 would be better. In New Balance I wear a size 9, Bates boots a size 8.5, Colombia hiking boots a 9, Altama jungle boots a size 7.5, 5.11 boots a size 9. So there you have it for an idea on sizing.

This shoe was built for high mileage running in any environment, as most military personnel will be doing plenty of running. Here are some of the features that make this shoe a great military PT shoe:

SOLE:

  1. Wrap over toe for added traction and help with a good running last.
  2. Durable carbon sole with multi-directional tread for traction on any surface. This tread is very durable and with running on a treadmill, the road, and other workout activities I haven't seen much wear in the sole.
  3. Bio flex grooves on the bottom to aid in the natural flex of the foot.
  4. NRG reactor and impact pads in the ball and heel of the foot bed (respectively) to aid in impact resistance and energy return. You can feel this as these shoes really do offer good cushioning for the foot when running.
  5. Polyurethane mid foot support bridge which is also reflective for safety.
  6. structured landing pad area on heel lessens impact.
  7. Anti-microbial insole treatment to help fend off odors... And believe me this works great. I have worn these shoes for several months and have yet to get a whiff of odor from them.


UPPER:

  1. 360° 3M reflectivity. I have tried to include a picture of the reflective nature of these shoes, which is outstanding, but my camera wouldn't cooperate. But let me tell you, if you get hit while wearing these shoes then you were hit on purpose because there's no way anyone can miss you out on the road at night. This is a great safety feature.
  2. Reflective skeletal support ribs help give the upper stability.
  3. Tongue lace loops. This is another great feature...each set of eyelets on the shoe has a coinciding loop on the tongue for the lace to pass through to prevent the tongue from sagging down.
  4. Nicely padded tongue...not too much, but just enough.
  5. Solite Eva sock liner for added comfort and support. It's also treated with the ani-microbial treatment.
  6. Anatomically correct opening which fits the achilies tendon nicely.
  7. Duomass sole helps prevent over pronation. And it's comfy too!!
  8. Reflective Polyurethane medial support plates. You can really feel the added support of these and the polyurethane stabilizers in the sole...they add a lot of comfort.
  9. EVA midsole is tough yet light.
  10. Royal air mesh panels on upper make these shoes breathable. I have felt the breeze blow through these shoes on several occasions...so I know these panels work.
  11. Added synthetic leather gives extra durability to the upper.


I have been using these runners for a few months now doing various workouts along with a little casual wear and I really like them. They're an excellent value for their cost. UK gear has really put some thought into these shoes and you can tell when you wear them. And for many military branches and academies to use them tells you they're built to last. They look just as good now as they do when I took them out of the box and they're just as comfortable. Since wearing these I've also not gotten any shin splints, which I've been battling for a while now. The reflectivity is awesome in these shoes as well. I recommend these for anyone that is planning a new pair of running shoes or even casual shoes that need to be durable.

Colors available: Gray/Red/Black (shown), white/gray/red
MSRP: $95.00/$90.00

Source:
http://geargeeksreview.blogspot.com