GORUCK just released their revised version of the MACV-1 boots. GORUCK’s MACV-1 boots were originally released towards the end of 2018 and came with a very flat outsole. My number one request after using them in the rainy (and sometimes snowy) Seattle weather was for better tread on the bottom. They worked great in the sun and dryer weather but slipped a bit when it came to rain and snow… which is something my Rockys were great at.
The new version of the MACV-1 boots appears to address this with their new all-terrain outsole. According to GORUCK the new outsole brings improved traction on wet and muddy terrain. In addition the forefoot rubber was modified for increased grip while the heel area is formulated for abrasion resistance and increased durability. The sole of the shoe is where I probably saw the most failures so I’m glad they’re addressing that in this new version.
In addition to the new sole GORUCK also apparently changed up the leather they’re using on the boots. They’re using what they call Full-Grain Challenge leather which should be more durable and look better over time. I haven’t seen the boots in person yet however I’m interested in comparing them to my current boots.
According to the product descriptions (and pictures) the new soles can be found on the 6″ Black Leather MACV-1 Boots, 6″ Coyote Suede MACV-1 Boots, and 8″ Black Leather MACV-1 boots. My guess is that all future MACV-1 boots will come with this outsole assuming it truly is an improvement over the original.
Planning on grabbing a new pair of MACV-1 boots with the improved tread? Thoughts on GORUCK working to improve their footwear? Let me know in the comments!
I *really* like my MACV-1 gen 1’s—most comfortable footwear right out of the box I’ve ever owned. There were two things that bothered me about them. First was how easily they scuffed, and how dramatic those scuffs could be. Yes, Kiki helps, but only to a certain extent if you have deep or broad scuffs. Second was the soles. I really didn’t have much issue with them, except on very wet grass, and even then, I was mostly able to deal with it. But these updated soles look like a much more aggressive lug that looks like it will provide a much more solid grip. But I think I might be even more excited about that updated leather—I’m really hoping it will be more scuff-resistant than the gen 1’s. I don’t mind using Kiwi on them one bit, but I just don’t want them to scuff so easily and so dramatically. So order a pair, put them thru their paces, and let us know how it goes!
Got the new pair and it’s definitely a different leather than the originals. Out of the box I like the feel of the leather on the new boots better but for some reason the boot shape doesn’t look as good as my originals do. I’m hoping that after putting some miles on them it all evens out… too bad there’s no events on the calendar to test them at so will have to do some training at home!
I just bought a pair of *very* lightly used black leather Gen 2 MACV-1s from a guy on Ruckmall, they should be here in a few days. Looking forward to comparing them to my Gen 1s.
The leather definitely feels better… I’m excited to put more miles on mine. The toe area looks taller but I can’t tell if that’s because mine aren’t broken in yet or if it’s actually taller. Please let me know what you think when they show up!
I pre ordered the 8” black MACV1 back in December and got them in late January … the new soles are great and the boot feels great. Wearing them for everything from Rucking, WODs and a bit of Kiwi and they work great as duty boots on patrol 🚔👮🏻♂️…which is where I wear them 4 days a week for 12 hour shift tours… lots of rain/ mud/sand in my area (Westport,WA) and no issues to date. Much more solid then 1st gen MACV1s
So glad to hear it! A little bit of Kiwi will do wonders. My shoes just showed up today but I haven’t had time to get the box open and break them in yet. Excited to put some miles on them and break them in!
I just ordered mine and I am really hoping this new tread does better on wet surfaces primarily grass can’t wait to put them to the test.
Mine are here but I haven’t had the chance to really use them on wet surfaces yet. From what I hear the tread does a lot better and I’m exciting to test that out. Please let me know your experiences as well when they show up!