A Midlands sportswear company has won the contract to supply running shoes for the German military.
UK Gear's cross-country trail running shoe, named XC-09, beat leading global brands to win the contract.
The Nuneaton-based company was invited to tender by the German military, following its world-wide success with a previous running shoe designed and developed in association with the British Army physical training corps.
The company's training shoes have now been adopted by elite military personnel throughout the world.
The XC-09 is a high performance cross-country running shoe, designed and manufactured to meet the demands of some of the toughest runners in the world.
Not only has it passed the German military standard with flying colours, it has also been given NATO approval.
David Hinde, managing director of UK Gear, said: "When it comes to developing innovative high performance sportswear, working with the armed forces is fantastic. I can't think of anyone who could challenge us more."
Mr Hinde added: "The performance sports industry does not stand still, if we are to remain at the top of our game we need to continually innovate and work with the best people to design the very best equipment."
The launch of the second running shoe coincides with the announcement of two new distributors in the US and Singapore.
The firm is maintaining its place in the national market as it continues to work with the British Army on designs for two new running shoes.
