Something Isn't Quite Right
I’ll start with full transparency: these shoes were provided to me at no cost as a warranty replacement for a worn-out pair of my original GORUCK Mackalls. GORUCK’s customer service throughout that process was outstanding. The color of my original pair was no longer available, so I chose the Mackall 45 in Fog as the replacement. I’m also a big fan of GORUCK footwear. I currently own two pairs of Mackalls, two pairs of Ballistic Trainers, three pairs of Rough Runners, and a pair of MACV-2s. I also bought my wife and kids their own pairs last year. We all love them! I’ve put those shoes through workouts, long-distance rucks, heavy loads, snow, mud, creek crossings, and plenty of abuse. Every pair I’ve owned has performed extremely well right out of the box. Unfortunately, this pair has been the exception. For their maiden voyage, I planned a 5-mile ruck carrying 70 pounds. GORUCK advertises the Mackall as capable of being worn blister-free without socks for an hour while carrying 45 pounds (I've been going heavy lately prepping for an event). I was wearing GORUCK socks, but by mile three I developed a significant hot spot on my left foot and had to cut the ruck short. When I pulled my sock back, I had some pretty gnarly blisters on my achilles and the back of my heel. I gave my foot a full week to heal before trying the shoes again. I also did a 16. 8mi 2-day backpacking trip over Labor Day Weekend with my Mac-V2s and double socks to protect my blisters, and I made it through without an ounce of pain. So I figured my feet were ready to try the 45s again. Tried them again today, this time with Darn Tough socks, and in less than a quarter mile I could feel the exact same hot spots developing. Heel lock lacing technique has not seemed to helped. I switched back into my original Mackalls and had zero issues. Same feet, same activity, and my older Mackalls remain incredibly comfortable while this new pair starts creating hot spots almost immediately. I still love GORUCK gear, and this experience doesn’t change the excellent performance I’ve had from virtually everything else I own from them. Their customer service has also been top-notch. But based on my experience with this particular pair of Mackall 45s, something about the fit or construction feels noticeably different from my originals. Could it be my left shoe is just off a bit? Maybe my feet aren't the right fit for them? I don't know. I really wanted to love them, especially because my original Mackalls have been such great shoes, but right now I can’t confidently use this pair for the rucks I got them for. Hopefully they will perform well for others.
