Military recruits still not using American-made sneakers
Loyd Johnson inspects a new pair of midsoles for the New Balance proposed 950v2 sneaker that has passed military testing before placing them in a box at one of company's manufacturing facilities in Boston on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Credit: AP / Stephan Savoia
Footwear company New Balance says the military has been slow to deliver on its promise to outfit recruits in sneakers 100 percent made and manufactured in America.
Last April, the Department of Defense announced the change after intense lobbying by sneaker companies and their supporters in Congress. But over a year later, the military has still not purchased a single compliant sneaker.
The Department of Defense says testing is underway and one version of New Balance's proposed shoe has already passed.
Saucony, a sneaker company also developing an American made shoe, says the military needs a better testing regimen. An industry trade group says the delays are harming domestic shoemakers.
And U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas says the department needs to step it up.
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