On your feet all day long and looking for a quality boot? Look no further! A boot designed by Special Force Operators who know a thing or two about quality.
GORUCK MACV-18” Coyote Suede Review
GORUCK MACV-18″ is a piece of gear that is just what the doctor ordered and these boots will have you kissing your old boots goodbye. As a military member, I am always on the lookout for new gear that I can wear both in uniform and while out enjoying the great outdoors. Jungle boots have been a staple in the military dating back to the Vietnam Era, so when GORUCK came out with MACV-1 in the color option I am authorized to wear in uniform, I quickly ordered a pair.
Let’s talk a little about the company first. GORUCK was founded by a Green Beret and is an American-based brand with Special Forces deeply rooted into their brand. They pride themselves on building tough and adaptable products that mirror their way of life in this special community.
I first learned about this company through their GORUCK Events. These events are designed to build teams and empower people to live an active and engaged lifestyle. It is important to note that this is not a race event, but an event that is meant to create unity and a strong team…oh and these events are led by Special Force operators!
And while they make all types of gear, apparel, and footwear, I will be focused on reviewing GORUCK MACV-18” Coyote Suede boot. Priced at $165, this boot is inspired by the Vietnam era Jungle Boot and can be purchased directly through their website here. I also want to point out that these boots come in Black Leather as well.
Now I recently moved to Colorado Springs as I have been assigned to the United States Air Force Academy. Upon my arrival, we had cadets in Basic Cadet Training that were about to perform a 6 mile march from the training location back to the campus at a decent elevation ranging from 6-7000ft plus.
Since I was new to this climate and my other pair of boots were getting close to their life expectancy, I knew I wanted a boot that I could be up on my feet all day without experiencing any knee and foot pain. Since these boots were designed by those who spend a long time on their feet all over the world carrying a lot of gear on their back, I knew these were worth a try.
They arrived just in time for my weekend 6 mile march back with the cadets. The info on their website said these require no break-in time…and boy were they correct. Out of the box, the GORUCK MACV-1 boots were extremely comfortable and I had no blisters, or foot pain from this hike.
Not only are they lightweight, but very supportive. The generous toe box is wide, providing ample room for your feet to breathe and naturally splay. This is also important as it reduces any friction that may occur from rubbing.
The premium suede heel counter and ankle webbing give great stability. The heel counter is injection molded plastic wrapped in the suede leather that also prevents friction leading to hot spots and blistering. The 2” webbing is sewn into this heel counter and provide that needed ankle support when traversing on uneven surfaces.
The GORUCK MACV-1 8” Coyote Suede boots have a 13mm heal to toe offset that is ideal for rucking. This offset reduces the strain placed on your achilles in addition to your knees, ankles, and hips.
The EVA midsole is light, but extremely durable. This mixed with the dual compound rubber outsole is what makes this boot comfortable enough to stay on your feet all day long…and even in the most strenuous of environments. The traction of the boot handles very well in rain, and since Colorado Springs decided to have a drastic weather outbreak recently with snow fall for two days, I was also able to see it handles well in snowy conditions.
I have been wearing the GORUCK MACV-1 boots every day to work for the past two and half months. These are now my boots and will continue to be. I will admit, and my wife can contest, that I have sensitive feet. I am also flat footed, and for the longest time experience pain in my knees and feet when standing for long periods of time. I have been able to offset this a little with inserts, but now I have boot that I don’t have to worry about adding anything extra too.
I must also share that I recently had a spill on my mountain bike as I was on a decline and did a little damage to my lower extremities. My foot, ankle, and both shins were pretty banged up. The next morning when I put my uniform on, and slowly laced up these boots, I was so impressed by the support and comfort they offered.
The look of this boot may be simple and nothing special, but the history and reinvention of an iconic Jungle Boot had me sold. The shear comfort of this boot is why I felt compelled to share my experience. And although I am not out trekking in this boot every day, it is getting lots of miles put on them as I traverse the Air Force Academy campus and the nearby trails.
A boot designed by those who have experienced what Special Force operators experience is a telling sign that the GORUCK MACV-1 8” Coyote Suede would not only stand the test of time, but be a true durable, tough, and comfortable option.
I also want to be clear that this boot is not just for my uniform or for those in the military. This is a great option for anyone who is on their feet all day long, or who enjoy exploring the great outdoors…hiking, cross country walking, working in a factory, etc.
Add in the fact of Free Shipping and their Scars Lifetime Guarantee means this boot is a must buy. I have said it before, any company who stands behind their product to offer a lifetime warranty is a company I am willing to invest my money in.
As they company states, “they have modernized to today’s all terrain requirement of traveling, training, rucking, and assaulting.” Lastly, if you are in Colorado or looking to explore in Colorado, check our my article on the Top 5 Safety Items You Should Bring With You.