The PT-03 has been produced by British sportswear company UK Gear and is reported to be the first commercial product ever produced in conjunction with the Army.

Fitness instructors from the Army Physical Training Corps (APTC) advised on the design of the shoe by producing details of what it needed to be capable of to meet their exacting standards. UK Gear then designed it, produced a prototype and gave it back to the Army to test.

Instructors from the APTC used the shoe in all their training sessions – which included track, trail, road and hill running – the feedback from which was incorporated into later designs before the final one was tested and approved.

David Hinde, managing director of UK Gear, said: "The end product is a stability running shoe which incorporates all the latest technical benefits which are available and which will provide support and cushioning to fulfil the needs of the majority of runners."

The shoe carries the Army’s crossed swords logo, comes with a brief history of the APTC, has an RRP of £79 and – as part of the joint arrangement – has been issued to all APTC instructors around the world.

Meanwhile, back at the drawing board, UK Gear is now working with the Army on a gym shoe for indoor use.

leisure-kit keyword: PT-03