"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.
Overall rating: 4.6447587 / 5 from 1202 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: [construction, feel, color, issues, fit, quality, size, price, feet, comfort, grip, shoes, wear, stability, customer service, support, material, design, weight, toe box, base, performance, durability, traction, style, box, spots, look, padding, flexibility].
"This shoe is immensely comfortable. I wouldn’t say it was designed for marathon running but I believe that is intentional. Weighted workouts are amazing. My soles feel so supported and my ankle feels secure. I wouldn’t say highly recommend this shoe/boot as a trainer!"
"This is my second pair of these, and absolutely love them. The first pair went through four 15k Tough Mudders and well over 5-600 miles of hiking and rucking through those same four years. Only reason I had to retire them was they caught a random nail sticking out of a stud on a jobsite which cut a pretty good slice down the side. Very comfortable, and break in quickly. The aggressive tread is great for maintaining solid footing on all types of terrain. Would highly recommend these shoes to anyone who wants comfort and is tough on footwear."
"I’m not had them for a week so far, these replaced my old rough runners. I really like the look, they are sleek and aggressive. Wear feels good so far, very comfortable for 6 hours or more on the feet all day. The aggressive tread also makes them feel very grippy. Awesome shoes looking forward to see how long they last."
"I am changing over from a Hoka, so my feet are growing accustomed to the new feel. And they love the spacious toe box. I am carrying 30lb on top of my 230lb frame and these shoes are doing just what I bought them to do. I am rucking s combo of pavement and hard packed trail, but looking forward to take them out into the North Cascades soon. I did get a blister on the back of my right heel, but it is shaped so different from the left side... I think it just needed a little more breaking in. Nothing some Darn Tough socks and a scrap of duct tape can't fix. Already thinking about when I get my Mackall 45's."
"So out of the box there were some wear points. Pulled on my merinos and have been wearing them for the week, they're getting pretty solid at this point. I will be wearing them for the Resilience Project Silkies hike in Peoria, IL tomorrow. I'm feeling good about them at this point. They look good as well. Not a fan of those shoe laces though. They're hard to get tight and tied as they seem "slippery", even with a double overhand before the bow. But that might just be me."
"I work as a fish biologist. I wade while hiking long distances with heavy packs. My feet are always wet. Most shoes are uncomfortable and fall apart in months under these conditions. These shoes have survived twice as long as other name branded light hikers. I am going to wear out the rubber before they fall apart. That is a first."
"Amazing shoes for walking and rucking. . I am not a small guy. . 220 so the ‘normal’ lightweight running shoes tap out super quick and are often too soft to ruck in. These are PERFECT. I will say, I am normally a 10. 5 (44 in cycling shoes) and the 10. 5 was rubbing the back of my heels so bad they were blistering. I thought it was the shoes. . it was the size. . I bought them in a 10 and all is right with the world. HIGHLY recommend."
"Great shoe but didn’t fit my foot correctly. Heel cup too shallow so foot lifted out of shoe while walking. Mackall 45 works great which is why I ordered it but the models are slightly different."
"Took on a 3 day 18 mile back packing trip to the big horns in Wyoming. I was worried that my feet/knees and back would have trouble because I didn’t break them in and I have sensitive feet. Everything did well. I wish’s I would have gone with 1/2 size smaller."
"The shoe felt great and materials felt solid. The heel lock system didn’t not work for me. The pads placed above the heel below but below the ankle, seemingly to keep your heel in place, only rubbed against my skin as my heel moved up and down. I tried tightening the laces to lock my foot down but it moved within the shoe to my skins irritation. Wish the fit worked for me. The shoe seemed well built, light but sturdy. Standing in them, the toe box fit was generous and the sole felt solid and grounded."
