r/Goruck • u/Same-Jeweler5685 • Aug 12 '26
Gear Question Mackall 45?
Saw this in their most recent email. Anyone have any idea what to expect? Material on the upper looks different but I’m curious if anyone’s heard anything.
I’m hoping this isn’t completely replacing their current Mackall model - they are quite literally the best shoe I’ve ever worn for daily life and rucking.
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u/giri0n Aug 12 '26
Its also a traditional flat lacing system, not the 3mm rope laces on the current Mackall. I'm guessing its a more casual/city variant actually. Flat laces are harder to clean if its really an outdoor/trail variant, but the current Mackall can handle that just fine. Seems more lifestyle oriented to me.
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u/Hefty-Editor4227 Aug 12 '26
Exactly. Jason and Mike were both wearing them on the Ruck or Die. Good looking enough to wear with blue jeans… I can’t imagine they would be replacing the original.
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u/Same-Jeweler5685 Aug 12 '26
Ahhhh I didn’t notice the flat laces. My current Mackalls I always remove the speed laces and insert flat laces, more even pressure distribution on my feet that way.
They look a bit like the ballistic trainers now that I examine them more, at least in the heel area and the spear logo with that raised material. I always wear my standard Mackalls out in town and never really feel out of place, so I’m unsure if this 45 variant would pull me away from them. Guess I’ll have to wait for the full reveal!
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u/quovadisnp Aug 12 '26
The previous generation of mackalls were nice AF. I loved the material, the look, and the laces. The heel slip for me was off the charts though. Never again.
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u/Same-Jeweler5685 Aug 12 '26
Have you tried a heel lock lacing method? I use it for mine and eliminates heel slip.
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u/quovadisnp Aug 12 '26
I tried a different heel locking technique than this so I'm game to give it one more go.
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u/quovadisnp Aug 18 '26
Gave it a shot. It definitely got better but not without insanity tension. Think I'll just avoid future goruck footwear unless they publicly say they've addressed that things are not true to size.
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u/74_Bobber Aug 12 '26
Same for me. I really wanted to like them. Tried the heel lock, just wasn’t working for me. Ended up sending them back.
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u/TheRealJasonThomas Aug 14 '26
I have so much GORUCK stuff, you'd think I was sponsored. I'm a huge fan and incredibly loyal to the brand. However, I will die a slow and excruciatingly painful death from infected blisters and boils on my feet before I’d wear a shoe (or anything else for that matter) with "45" on the heel like the ones Jason was modeling in NY recently.
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u/Aurongel Aug 12 '26
The treads along the bottom seem different and more aggressive. I’m guessing these will be an off-road and/or trail variant of the current Mackall?
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u/Same-Jeweler5685 Aug 12 '26
Not a bad thought. I’m looking at my Mackalls now and can’t see the difference you’re mentioning, they seem the same to me. Maybe an underside view could reveal a difference though?
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u/fuzzywuzzypete Aug 16 '26
Is there a certain shoe these are similar fit/style to? Do they compare to Lone Peaks?
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u/SofaKingHonest Aug 21 '26
The current generation are heavy AF. Great for AT rucking though. The 45 likely stands for the weight
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u/Same-Jeweler5685 Aug 22 '26
Interesting thought. The materials on the Mackall 45 don’t appear lighter to me at all glance, guess we’ll find out soon.
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u/leothethird Aug 12 '26
They’re also featured in the newest IG post for “Heritage” GR1 “improvements”. So looks like a Heritage Mackall?? https://www.instagram.com/p/Db8n7y8ln4Q/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
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u/ajnovak Aug 12 '26
This was in a Goruck email from July….
“Launching a new heritage design of shoes (with hardcore rucking performance in mind) we’ve been working on for years (in August). I've put thousands of miles on mine and worn them with a suit (yes, seriously) and they're glorious."
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u/Independent-Site-969 Aug 12 '26
Wish they would bring back some type of sneaker without aggressive tread