"They're built for all-terrain, and I use mine on asphalt every day. I murder running shoes in no time, but I can put over 1,000 miles (with 45# minimum) and 2-3 workouts/week on my Mackalls before it’s time for a new pair." — Jason, GORUCK Cofounder (former Green Beret)
Rucking is the foundation of Special Forces training and the Mackall™ is an off-road rucking machine. Maximum versatility and maximum support in a low top trail shoe named in honor of Camp Mackall, the home of Special Forces training.
AGGRESSIVE TRIPLE COMPOUND OUTSOLE
Each section of the triple compound rubber outsole is designed to perform a specific function the best it possibly can. The forefoot rubber is formulated for increased grip with deep tread specifically shaped to grab the ground while shedding mud and debris. It wraps around the toes for additional protection against rocky terrain or when doing push-ups. The midfoot is formulated from a rock climbing compound and hardened for exceptional abrasion resistance — ideal for fast roping. The heel is more dense and formulated for extreme durability with an expanded heel strike area that won't break down over time or distance.
RUGGED MIDSOLE
The midsole design wraps around the entire upper providing significantly more stability and maximum support. Support you need for your feet so they’re not smoked after being on your feet all day, whatever you’re doing. Support is foundational to Mackall™ and makes them versatile — great for combat, traveling, and for people who demand a lot of their feet.
LIGHTWEIGHT KNIT + REINFORCED TPU UPPER
100% polyester knit constructed with the strength and durability to thrive in unforgiving environments. At 230 g/sqm, it's lightweight and fast drying. High-wear areas are reinforced with a protective TPU film. We targeted the toe area for abrasion resistance and the midfoot to heel area for additional lockdown support.
PROTECTIVE TOE CAP
No stubbed toes from craggy rocks or rogue sticks on the trail. A dual layered toe cap provides extra protection and abrasion resistance across the toes. Reinforced bonding to the rubber outsole's toe bumper results in better long term durability after miles of abusive terrain.
IDEAL 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.
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.
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.
3D MOLDED HEEL LOCK
Comfortable PU foam bolsters lock in the heel to prevent slippage and excessive movement around the ankle. This allows you to secure your heel into the shoe without relying on lace-locking or lacing too tightly.
ANATOMICALLY MOLDED TPU HEEL COUNTER
Anchors your foot with a supportive, injection molded heel counter that stabilizes your heel when you're doing dynamic, load bearing exercises.
3MM SPEED LACES
3mm as opposed to standard 5mm, just like MACV-2™. 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.
REFLECTIVE PULL TAB
Highly reflective pull tab on the back heel keeps you visible on the road or trail. Stay safe out there when choosing the harder path.
LACE-LOCK EYELETS
Extra top eyelets can be used to create a tight heel lock — commonly called a runner's loop or lock lace — that prevents heel slippage and excessive movement around the ankle.
DUAL DENSITY INSERT
Our custom insert uses a dual layered compression foam system that supports your entire foot from heel to toe - including contoured arch support for all 3 of your arches- throughout the duration of your foot strike.
Mackall - Black + Forged Iron
Overall rating: 4.6517243 / 5 from 1160 reviews.
The Mackall Black + Forged Iron shoes offer excellent traction, great support, and a comfortable fit. Customers appreciate the rugged design and high-quality materials, though some noted the need for a half size up. The wide toe box and anatomically molded heel counter provide additional comfort and stability.
Review topics: ["fit","size","weight","issues","quality","construction","design","value","fabric","material","feel","look","color","feet","grip","price","comfort","wear","stability","support","customer service","performance","base","work","durability","box","style","service","spots","flexibility"].
"Very comfortable fit right out of the box. Very roomy forefoot. I have to I wear custom orthotics which are thin for my cycling shoes. I have added a thin insole underneath and the fit is great. I’m a consistent 42. 5 and the fit is good, with just a bit extra. Great addition to my plate carrier. The heel is showing almost no wear after 2 weeks (~60 miles) on concrete sidewalks."
"Unfortunately, it was necessary for me to return these wonderful shoes as my heel would not stay in them. The show is well made, sturdy with excellent arch support. No matter how I tried settle my heel (different socks, lacing), I couldn’t make it work and sadly returned them. The communication process, and return was prompt and seamless. Anyone considering these shoes should indeed give them a try as the construction and support is superb."
"When living in the USA last year I’d discovered rucking; I often thought about tying some Mackalls. Once back in Australia I saw the legion blue ones on a great sale price. Shipped them in. I love them. Comfy. Robust. Rugged. I’ve already put 30-40 miles on them. I’ve given them 4 stars because the shoes are slightly differing in proportion (not consistent) - and for me the toe box would be better with more of a natural foot shape. Great for rucking. But with a slight reshaping they’d be excellent."
"I've tried all the "best shoes ever" including Merrel, Salomon etc and none of them fit and held up like the Mackall. Used them for daily, PT tests, rucks and overseas with no issues. Tired of blowing through shoes every year while putting up with thin material and ill shaped toe boxes? Do yourself a favor and try a Mackall. Dare you."
"I absolutely love my Mackalls, so much I have three different colors! I have put these shoes through ALOT and they've took it and have kept going. Just like the Three pair of MACV-2's I have, these shoes feel broke in as soon as I put them on. They have all been ridden hard and put up wet and have kept going. I did have a slight issue with a pair with bottom of the sole separating, but GR Scars program immediately replaced them even though they were at least 1. 5 years old already and I have put well into the hundreds of miles on them. A great, shoe, great warranty, great company! DOL. . . . ."
"I don't usually leave reviews unless I am absolutely blown away by something. And I can confidently say that the Mackall shoes are bar none the best anything you need to do shoes out there. They're super comfortable right out of the box and are just as comfortable walking around town as they are scrambling up a mountain, hopping through Boulder Fields, or going on long hikes through the deserts. I recently just got my third pair of these and I will never wear another pair of rucking shoes."
"I beat the heck out of these shoes in the Sonoran Desert chasing Couse Whitetail. I'm on my 5th or 6th pair in the last 3 years. They don't last forever but I'm hard on them. Extreme arch support. Your foot will be sore if it's not ready for it. Wide toe base is great for me as I used to wear a shoe from a prominent hiking shoe company with a wide toe box. Last, the protection on the toe box is huge in rough country that sticks you every chance it gets. I switched for the arch support that wasn't offered in the competition. It made a huge difference on uneven terrain. The competitor's product left me with a foot injury that persisted until I found the support offered in these shoes. Try them. Find out."
"I’ve ordered this along a ruck and plate. However; the shoes came in separately as I expectantly awaited the delivery. Soon as the shoes arrived, I put ‘em on, laced ‘ em up, grabbed the ruck and off I went for a three mile walk. The shoes were very comfortable right out of the box, and now they’re my walking/workout and even wore ‘em out with some athletic shorts. I’m planning on buying a second pair already."
"The shoe feels heavy in the box (not as heavy as the now discontinued Running Shoe - total bummer as this is a great shoe too, just not a running shoe) but on the feet feels super comfortable, nice wide toe box. Definitely makes rucking feel easier. No break in required either. Only nit pick is the super long laces, have to tie a double knot."
"Two weeks into rucking in the Mackall and glad I made the switch: I immediately felt the better heel support compared to the running shoes I had been using. The size 13 runs slightly large on me which is very comfortable and makes it easier to wear thicker socks. No break-in period was required and the cushioning feels secure on asphalt, concrete, and rough terrain. More of a review after I have worn through this pair :)"
As an American business with Special Forces roots, we are proud to donate 1% of our annual top line revenue to non-profit partners who support those who serve.
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