The MACV-1™ modernized the Vietnam-era jungle boot, and the MACV-2™ continues that legacy with an all-new outsole for unprecedented traction and even more support.
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. MACV-2™ is ready when you are.
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
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 new MACV-2™ 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 MACV-2™ and makes them versatile — great for combat, traveling, and for people who demand a lot of their feet. The relationship between the EVA midsole and the rubber outsole 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. At 17oz (34 oz/pair for 6"), MACV-2™ is still lighter than any footwear of its kind, even with the new aggressive outsole.
NO BREAK-IN TIME They're ready when you are, right out of the box.
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.
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.
PROUDLY NOT WATERPROOF If rain, sweat, streams, gets in a waterproof boot there is nowhere for it to go. Shielding drain holes are better than waterproof. They keep 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.
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.
PREMIUM UPPER Specs + Materials Hard wearing full-grain Challenge Leather™ (Black) or suede (Coyote) that 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.
ANKLE SUPPORT Suitable for airborne operations and maintains stability and support on uneven ground. Here's how this works. 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. But as you tighten them down, this process locks your heel down and shifts the freedom of flex to the forefoot. Which is where it should be.
SUEDE + INJECTION MOLDED HEEL COUNTER Premium suede 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.
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.
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.
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.
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GORUCK tactical rucking boot with black leather and tan fabric, rugged sole, side profile
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Man rucking outdoors with GORUCK gear, carrying weighted sandbags near a lake and cabin
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GORUCK black rucking boot with rugged tread sole, durable for outdoor training
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Close-up of GORUCK rucking boot with black leather and tan nylon upper
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GORUCK rucking boot being laced outdoors on a log, tough hiking footwear for rugged terrain
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GORUCK outdoor rucking event with group of people in rugged gear, team training focus
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Close-up of GORUCK rucking boots on gravel, showing durable gear for outdoor training.
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Person in rugged GORUCK boots and gloves lifting a log outdoors during rucking event
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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