New Balance presses Pentagon on sneaker deal

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/business_markets/2015/07/new_balance_presses_pentagon_on_sneaker_deal



SOLE MATES: Joao Rodrigues, removes a pair of newly formed midsoles for New Balance’s proposed 950v2 sneaker.

New Balance presses Pentagon on sneaker deal
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Herald Wire Services

BOSTON — New Balance thinks the U.S. military is dragging its feet.

Last April, the Department of Defense announced military recruits would start using athletic shoes
100 percent made and manufactured in America, in recognition of a 1941 law requiring preference for American-made goods.

Over a year after the announcement, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have still not purchased a single sneaker that meets the exacting standards of the law.

Matthew LeBretton, New Balance’s vice president of public affairs, is convinced the delays are “payback” for companies such as New Balance that have been lobbying for the change for years.