Tuesday 26 August 2014

NSmen to get adidas and Zoot running shoes

By Lee Jian Xuan, The Straits Times, 25 Aug 2014

NATIONAL servicemen from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) can look forward to getting adidas and Zoot running shoes from year's end, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen yesterday.

In a Facebook post, Dr Ng uploaded pictures of the new shoes, as well as his third pair of Asics shoes and wrote: "Like most of you, I was delighted with the Asics shoes... they were high quality and have given me many hours of happy walking and jogging."



The SAF switched to Asics in 2011, as the Japanese brand was considered to be lighter, more durable and shock-absorbent than the New Balance or Brooks models in use since 2007.

"More good news for NSmen. The next set of running shoes will be from adidas and Zoot and will be available at the end of the year," he added.

The post has drawn more than 400 likes and over 300 shares.

Some 300,000 active regulars, full-time and operationally ready servicemen could be outfitted with the new shoes from German sports brand adidas and Zoot, an American endurance sports brand. This will mark the SAF's fourth change of shoes since 1995.

The current Asics shoes were chosen after a trial and evaluation by its medical and fitness agencies. Two Asics models - the Gel Kanbarra 4 SP for those with neutral to high-arched feet and the Gel 105 SP for those with mildly flat feet - were provided.

When contacted, the Defence Ministry said more details on the new shoes will be provided at a later date.

NSman and production supervisor Wilfred Tan, 26, who uses a pair of SAF-issued Asics shoes during his weekly runs, said: "It's good that we have some variety to choose from, but I do prefer the Asics designs and they provide good cushioning and comfort."



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