Rucking Boots from GORUCK

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Let’s review Ruck boots from GORUCK.

The MACV-1 is one of the nicest shoes (boot or otherwise) I’ve had the pleasure to test.

And the good news is that GORUCK has lots of variations on the MACV-1 – and even a close-cousin – the new Jedburgh ruck boot.

Rucking is a form of cardio exercise, and its most significant advantage is it makes fitness as simple as walking. It is also a low-intensity interval training workout where you walk with a weighted rucksack for a set distance and gets you in shape, helps you gain strength, and develops your cardio. So if you want a new kind of adventure, rucking is something you want to try. All you need is a rucksack with added weight and good rucking boots.

GORUCK MACV-1 Lightweight Rucking Boot in Coyote Suede (6")
GORUCK says the MACV-1 runs true to size, but that you might want to order 1/2 size up to account for foot swell after a long march or hike. These are size 11.5.

Here are some of the styles we are going to look at:

MACV-1 Black Leather 6-inch (Black) The MACV-1 Black Leather 6-inch is the boot that started it all. Now in it's second generation - these are light-weight (For a boot), tough, and comfortable.
Jedburgh Ruck Boots (Black) Jedburgh Ruck Boots - uses a canvas-like synthetic upper that's super quick drying and tough. Uses the same great midsole and outsole as the MACV-1
MACV-1 Black Leather 8-inch (Black) MACV-1 Black Leather 8-inch - get more ankle support and go for the paratrooper look with the full-height 8-inch version of the MACV-1
MACV-1 Origin Editions 8-inch (Black) MACV-1 Origin Editions 8-inch. This edition is a tribute to the Vietnam era jungle boots that inspired the MACV-1. These have a particular look to them - but hey - if that's your look it's all good.
MACV-1 Suede Coyote Brown 8-inch (AR 670-1) (Suede Coyote Brown) MACV-1 Suede Coyote Brown 8-inch (AR 670-1) These should be acceptable to most military units as this fulfills all the requirements of AR 670-1
MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch (Coyote Brown) MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch - also available as a 6-inch high boot.
MACV-1 Black + Gum 6-inch (Black/Gum) MACV-1 Black + Gum 6-inch - this is a good look, but really is the same shoe as the black or suede coyote version - not that there is anything wrong with that.
MACV-1 Brown Leather (Dark Brown/Black) MACV-1 Brown Leather - this is a great casual look.

GORUCK MACV-1 Video Review from our YouTube Channel

Want to see these bad-boys in action? Check out these videos:

Here’s the Black Leather version:

GORUCK Rucking Boots – Overview

Rucking is a good workout and provides plenty of tremendous benefits, but walking long distances at a fast pace can be tough on your feet. Also, when you ruck, you don’t know where your feet will lead you – it can be on smooth pavements, but it can also be on wet, muddy, and uneven surfaces. Having the right and excellent boots can help you overcome any terrain without hurting your feet.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Origins Edition - 8 inches muddy
GORUCK MACV-1 – Origins Edition – 8 inches muddy

GORUCK Rucking Boots are fitting for the needs of Special Forces soldiers and for all adventurers who are looking to support their feet on journeys, long trips, and in their daily active lives. They are lightweight, supportive, and proven to function as they should. They have no break-in time and no spacer mesh to avoid unwanted weight. They have shielding drain holes to repel moisture, a wide toe box to avoid friction, and a dual compound rubber outsole. Let’s see more of their features.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Black Leather - 6 inches on water
GORUCK MACV-1 – Black Leather – 6 inches on water

MACV-1 Black Leather 6-inch

The MACV-1 Black Leather 6-inch is hard-wearing and tougher than before with its new full-grain Challenge Leather. Combining 1000D CORDURA and 2″ nylon webbing keeps rubble and rain away and provides added ankle support and breathability. Its forefoot has a wide toe box so your foot can still breathe and won’t swell no matter how long you ruck or travel. The forefoot rubber is developed for enhanced grip, while the heel area is developed for abrasion resistance and enhanced durability. The dual-compound rubber outsole renders functional performance in any setting, including enhanced traction on damp and muddy terrain. Standard speed lace is 5mm, but this boot uses 3mm not to collect mud and debris. The 3mm lace also dries faster and less bulky, making it faster to tie. With its old-fashioned technology, the water is expelled, and with every step, the water is pushed out the side of the boot.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Black Leather - 6 inches quarter right pair
GORUCK MACV-1 – Black Leather – 6 inches quarter right pair

The boot has a 13mm heel-to-toe drop that decreases the strain on your Achilles and helps provide a natural movement even on rugged grounds. The EVA midsole and the rubber outer sole have a good connection resulting in a comfortable wear and a good performance. The 2″ ankle webbing is sewn into the heel counter and suitable for airborne operations. When you tie your boots up with your ankle fastened into the heel, the heel counter and the 2″ webbing does not pull forward. The suede leather restricts the kind of abrasion that causes hotspots and blisters. It also has an injection-molded plastic heel counter that stabilizes your heel and has no spacer mesh for a lighter feeling. The custom insert utilizes a dense compression foam system that holds your entire foot from heel to toe.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Black Leather - 6 inches rugged
GORUCK MACV-1 – Black Leather – 6 inches rugged

Jedburgh Ruck Boots

The Jedburgh Ruck Boots are created to honor the legacy of the 300 men chosen as Jedburghs in 1944 to work behind enemy positions in urban and rural areas, carrying a shared mission to release the free world from cruelty. These boots have 3x support with a custom compression insert that carries your entire foot from heel to toe, as well as the contoured arch support. They have an all-terrain outsole that presents an all-around performance in any circumstances. The forefoot rubber is formed for increased grip, while the heel area is formed for abrasion resistance and increased durability. These boots also have a generous forefoot range to reduce friction and allow your toes to breathe.

GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots details
GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots details

By design, the heel counter and the 2″ webbing do not stretch forward when you tie your boots up with your ankle locked into the heel. Spacer mesh is soft and comfortable, but it adds up to the weight of the boots when it gets wet. To avoid this, GORUCK did not use any spacer mesh on these boots. They have four eyelets with two-speed laces weighing 16 ounces for size 9. They have a tougher upper called the Deception Canvas and have no break-in time. Your Achilles is protected with the 13mm ideal heel-to-toe drop for rucking. The boots have a great performance and a light sensation because of the EVA midsole and the rubber outer sole.

GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots worn walking
GORUCK Jedburgh Rucking Boots worn walking

MACV-1 Origin Editions 8-inch

Also known as the jungle boots, the MACV-1 Origin Editions 8-inch was first utilized in 1942 for Army and Marine troops operating in tropical and jungle environments. They come in black leather and green canvas and since their origin, already underwent several versions. They used a Panama Sole to shed heavy mud better, then added steel plates to avoid injuries, changed the canvas tops to nylon, and replaced the standard insoles with removable ones for better ventilation. But nothing comes close to the comfort and support MACV-1 Origin Editions 8-inch has. They are lightweight and just as light as trail running shoes, with no break-in time required. The Origin edition is ergonomically designed to better support feet and ankles. Made with 1000D CORDURA and 2″ nylon webbing, this boot has added ankle support and provides breathability.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Origins Edition - 8 inches close up
GORUCK MACV-1 – Origins Edition – 8 inches close up

Like other MACV-1, this boot also has a dual compound rubber outsole that provides functional performance in any conditions. The outsole also wraps up at the toes for protection against dangerous terrain or when doing push-ups. The forefoot area has extra space to reduce friction when rubbed against the inside of the boot. The water is dislodged with the old-fashioned technology that pushes the water out the side of the boot. The 2″ webbing is stitched into the heel counter so it won’t pull forward when you lace your boots up with your ankle secured into the heel. You don’t have to be bothered by your Achilles being strained because the boots have a 13mm heel-to-toe drop that helps provide a natural gait. It uses no spacer mesh, so you don’t have to carry unnecessary load when rucking on muddy and wet surfaces. The premium suede heel counter stabilizes your heel while prohibiting any kind of friction that causes hotspots and sores.

GORUCK MACV-1 - Origins Edition - 8 inches side view right
GORUCK MACV-1 – Origins Edition – 8 inches side view right

MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch

The new full-grain Challenge Leather used in MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch is more robust, hard-wearing, and gets even better with time and usage. With its 1000D Cordura and 2″ Nylon webbing, your ankle has added support while warding off rain and debris and keeping your feet cool. It has a dual compound rubber outsole that delivers all-around performance in any condition, including enhanced traction on slippery and muddy ground. The outsole also wraps up at the toes for understated protection against hostile terrain or when doing push-ups. The forefoot rubber is developed for improved grip, while the heel area is formed for abrasion resistance and enhanced stability. The extra space on the forefoot decreases the irritation that can occur if your feet brush against the insides of your boot. Instead of having 5mm, the boot has 3mm speed laces that don’t collect mud and debris and dry faster.

GORUCK MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch quarter back view
GORUCK MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch quarter back view

It has a 13mm offset, which is the ideal heel-to-toe drop for rucking, reducing the strain on your Achilles (and by proxy your ankle, knees, and hips), and helps to provide a natural pace in an unnatural world of asphalt and artificial surfaces. The 2″ webbing is stitched into the heel counter. By design, the heel counter and the 2″ webbing does not pull forward when you lace your boots up with your ankle locked into the heel. It has a supportive injection-molded plastic heel counter that supports your heel as the suede leather hinders friction that creates hotspots and blisters. This boot doesn’t use a spacer mesh to avoid unnecessary weight, especially when you walk in the water. The custom insert utilizes a solid compression foam system that supports your entire foot from heel to toe, including contoured arch support throughout the duration of your foot strike.

GORUCK MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch outsole
GORUCK MACV-1 Coyote Brown 6-inch outsole

GORUCK Rucking Boots Review – In Summary

That’s our review of GORUCK Rucking Boots.

Rucking has many incredible benefits like improving your cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, posture improvement, and getting you into shape. It is also a kind of functional workout, making it a reliable and effective training. Having excellent rucking boots such as these from GORUCK can help you enjoy your rucking while getting all its benefits. These boots are tested by Special Forces in cities, mountains, jungles, and deserts and are proven to adapt well.

GORUCK MACV-1 Dark Brown Leather pair
GORUCK MACV-1 Dark Brown Leather pair

Photo Credits

Product photos on this page are property of GORUCK.

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GORUCK MACV-1 Suede Coyote Brown 8-inch worn
GORUCK MACV-1 Suede Coyote Brown 8-inch worn

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