New military recruits now receive USA-made athletic shoes as part of their standard uniform issue. Sneakers became standard issue for the first time in January 2019, Texas Public Radio reported on February 27, 2019.
The change came from a 2017 defense provision requiring the military to provide USA-made athletic shoes to recruits. Before that, recruits got a clothing allowance of about $90 and bought their own shoes.
Who makes the shoes
Three USA manufacturers won contracts totaling almost $80 million:
- San Antonio Shoemakers (SAS): The largest contract, worth about $34 million for 206,000 pairs. Its shoe is called the M1.
- New Balance
- Propper Footwear
The Army, Coast Guard, Navy and Marines were set to get the shoes in the coming months, with about 250,000 pairs expected to go to recruits each year.
The Berry Amendment
Under the Berry Amendment, a 1941 law, the Defense Department must give preference to domestically produced items, including clothing and fabrics. For decades, though, sneakers were exempt. The Pentagon argued that USA-made shoes were too costly, too limited and not durable enough.
By 2016, members of Congress pushed back. Some of the most vocal critics of the exemption were from New England, home of New Balance. The company said it had the capacity to supply the military. Then-Rep. Martha McSally argued recruits were getting injured because they chose shoes by price or looks. Then-Rep. Mark Sanford defended letting recruits choose their own shoes.
About 98 percent of shoes sold in the USA are imported, the report noted. SAS said it walls off military production in a special area of its factory so that foreign components don’t get into the process.
FAQ
When did sneakers become standard issue?
In January 2019, after a 2017 defense provision required the military to provide USA-made athletic shoes to recruits.
Which companies won the contracts?
New Balance, Propper Footwear and San Antonio Shoemakers, with contracts totaling almost $80 million.
What is the Berry Amendment?
A 1941 law that directs the Defense Department to prefer domestically produced items, including clothing and fabrics.
Source & credit
Source: Carson Frame, Texas Public Radio via KUT: “U.S.-Made Sneakers Become Standard Issue For The Military”, February 27, 2019. Produced by the American Homefront Project.