Homage to the Original Vietnam Era Jungle Boot

Final sale — no returns or exchanges on sale items.

Suitable for the needs of Special Forces soldiers who spend a career on their feet, all over the world, with heavy rucks on their backs. And for all adventurers who are looking to support their feet on long trips, journeys, and in their daily active lives.

The Origins Story

Fifty-one years ago I was issued jungle boots by the U.S. Army during my first tour in Vietnam. I didn’t know much about their history, just that they seemed a bit strange, as I was used to wearing all-leather civilian hunting and military combat boots and these “jungle boots” were black leather and green canvas. Jungle boots were first adopted around 1942 for use by Army and Marine troops who were operating in tropical and jungle environments including the Philippines, New Guinea, and Indochina.

Since their inception, jungle boots have undergone multiple incarnations - moving to a Panama Sole that better sheds heavy mud; adding steel plates to prevent injuries from punji stick traps; changing the canvas tops to nylon; and replacing the normal insoles with removable ones that provided better ventilation.

While each modification added to the utility of the boots (and by the way, they became my favorites) the GORUCK MACV-1's have far exceeded any of the boots I’ve worn in the past. They’re more comfortable, lighter weight, and more supportive than I expected. They weigh about as much a pair of trail running shoes and are ergonomically designed to better support my feet and ankles. Break-in is virtually non-existent, the insole conforms and supports the foot, and the drain holes really do their job.

The MACV-1 Origins Edition in Black and Military Olive is a nod to the heritage of early jungle boots and those who have passed this way. They look good, feel better, and just work.

— Richard Rice
5th Special Forces Group
US Army 1966-94

Features

Challenge Leather™ Upper
Tougher than before, our new full-grain Challenge Leather™ is hard wearing and only gets better with time and use. Paired with 1000D CORDURA® and 2" nylon webbing for added ankle support - debris and rain stay out and your feet can still breathe.

All-Terrain Outsole
Dual compound rubber outsole delivers versatile performance in any environment, including improved traction on wet and muddy terrain. The forefoot rubber is formulated for increased grip while the heel area is formulated for abrasion resistance and increased durability. The outsole also wraps up at the toes for understated protection against aggressive terrain or when doing push-ups.

Wide Toe Box
Generous forefoot area lets your toes breathe. Over time and distance during any activity including rucking or traveling, your feet will swell. This extra space reduces the friction that can occur if your feet rub against the insides of your boot.

3mm Speed Laces
Speed laces are 3mm as opposed to standard 5mm. Debris and mud doesn't collect on the 3mm laces like it does on the 5mm, the 3mm rinse off and dry faster, and they're faster to tie because there's less bulk.

Shielding Drain Holes
Keeps sand and debris out and repel moisture with every step. They expel water with old fashioned technology that just works - with every step, you push the water out the side of the boot.

Ankle Webbing
Suitable for airborne operations and maintain stability and support on uneven ground. The 2" webbing is sewn into the heel counter. When you lace your boots up with your ankle locked into the heel, the heel counter and the 2" webbing do not pull forward - this is by design.

Rucking Offset
The ideal heel-to-toe drop for rucking. 13mm offset reduces the strain on your achilles (and by proxy your ankle, knees, and hips) and helps to accommodate a natural gait in an unnatural world of asphalt and man-made surfaces.

Lightweight EVA Midsole
The relationship between the EVA midsole and the rubber outer sole matters greatly to the performance of the boot - and the combined weight is a major factor in whether you want to wear them or not.

Premium Suede Heel Counter
Wraps a supportive, injection molded plastic heel counter. This combo stabilizes your heel as the suede leather prevents the kind of friction that causes hotspots and blisters.

No Spacer Mesh
Spacer mesh is soft, squishy, and feels comfortable to your hand when you touch it. But it’s a trap, literally. The first time spacer mesh looks at any kind of water, your boots get heavier and they stay that way. So we proudly do not use spacer mesh, end of story.

Custom Compression Insert
Our custom insert uses a dense compression foam system that supports your entire foot from heel to toe - including contoured arch support - throughout the duration of your foot strike.

No Break-In Time
They're ready when you are, right out of the box.

Specs + Materials

Upper materials: full-grain Challenge Leather™ & 1000D CORDURA®
Lightweight EVA midsole
Workhorse insert included
High-traction rubber outsole
13mm heel-to-toe drop
Neutral last (straight from heel to toe)
6" or 8" shaft height
6" dimensions (size 9): 12"L x 4.25"W x 6.5"H
6" weight (size 9): 1.00 lbs (16 ounces)
6" lacing system: 4 eyelets with 2 speed laces / 3mm laces
8" dimensions: (size 12): 13” L x 4.5”W x 9.25”H
8" lacing system: 3 eyelets with 4 speed laces / 3mm laces
Built in Vietnam

Care Instructions: Remove insert. Hose them down thoroughly and let air dry (won't take long). Do not use washer/dryer - it's easier this way. Polish for bar ops and long term care.