The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Aug 25, 2014
National Servicemen's running shoes through the years
SINGAPORE - At the end of the year, national servicemen will get to choose between Adidas and Zoot as their choice of running shoes. These will replace the current Asics shoes, in use since 2011. Before that, the men wore New Balance and Brooks models, which were introduced in 2007.
This is the Singapore Armed Forces' fourth change since 1995. We look at the foot gear of Singapore's army through the years.
Pre-1995
Servicemen use black gymnasium shoes — which are dubbed "gongfu shoes" — that have no proper rubber soles, are uncomfortable and wear out quickly.
1995
The first overhaul of the SAF's running shoes sees New Balance models introduced.
2007
Brooks running shoes are made available to servicemen in addition to existing models.
2011
Asics running shoes are introduced throughout SAF in line with the forces' transformation to a 3G fighting force. They replace the previous Brooks and New Balance models. The Asics are lighter, more durable and more shock-absorbent than their predecessors.
2014
By end of 2014, the SAF can expect to see its next change in running shoes. Replacing the Asics models are shoes from German brand Adidas and American sports brand Zoot.
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Aug 25, 2014
National Servicemen's running shoes through the years
SINGAPORE - At the end of the year, national servicemen will get to choose between Adidas and Zoot as their choice of running shoes. These will replace the current Asics shoes, in use since 2011. Before that, the men wore New Balance and Brooks models, which were introduced in 2007.
This is the Singapore Armed Forces' fourth change since 1995. We look at the foot gear of Singapore's army through the years.
Pre-1995
Servicemen use black gymnasium shoes — which are dubbed "gongfu shoes" — that have no proper rubber soles, are uncomfortable and wear out quickly.
1995
The first overhaul of the SAF's running shoes sees New Balance models introduced.
2007
Brooks running shoes are made available to servicemen in addition to existing models.
2011
Asics running shoes are introduced throughout SAF in line with the forces' transformation to a 3G fighting force. They replace the previous Brooks and New Balance models. The Asics are lighter, more durable and more shock-absorbent than their predecessors.
2014
By end of 2014, the SAF can expect to see its next change in running shoes. Replacing the Asics models are shoes from German brand Adidas and American sports brand Zoot.
