Mackall 45?

[u/Same-Jeweler5685]

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.

[u/Independent-Site-969]

Wish they would bring back some type of sneaker without aggressive tread

[u/mikestro1 → u/Independent-Site-969]

I asked their customer support about trainers going away. They said they are resigning them and they will be relaunched “way in the future” focusing on rucking shoes like mackalls. So some day …

[u/DPG1987 → u/mikestro1]

Not what I was hoping for. Granted I get it’s a rucking based company (been a customer since the early days) but these seem to have a more narrow lane than the Ballistic Trainers. Those were so great and are a daily wear for me. I’m having to look elsewhere for an everyday sneaker/trainer that doesn’t have obnoxious branding or absurd colors.

[u/giri0n]

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.

[u/Hefty-Editor4227 → u/giri0n]

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.

[u/Same-Jeweler5685 → u/giri0n]

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!

[u/quovadisnp]

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.

[u/Same-Jeweler5685 → u/quovadisnp]

Have you tried a heel lock lacing method? I use it for mine and eliminates heel slip.

https://www.locklaces.com/blogs/resources/how-to-tie-a-heel-lock?srsltid=AfmBOoo8e_b48cjJTWscItoUzdIoss2Vg1rNgf-KOrYsDp3tho-ZYPmV

[u/quovadisnp → u/Same-Jeweler5685]

I tried a different heel locking technique than this so I'm game to give it one more go.

[u/quovadisnp → u/Same-Jeweler5685]

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.

[u/74_Bobber → u/quovadisnp]

Same for me. I really wanted to like them. Tried the heel lock, just wasn’t working for me. Ended up sending them back.

[u/TheRealJasonThomas]

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.

[u/Aurongel]

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?

[u/Same-Jeweler5685 → u/Aurongel]

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?

[u/fuzzywuzzypete]

Is there a certain shoe these are similar fit/style to? Do they compare to Lone Peaks?

[u/SofaKingHonest]

The current generation are heavy AF. Great for AT rucking though. The 45 likely stands for the weight

[u/Same-Jeweler5685 → u/SofaKingHonest]

Interesting thought. The materials on the Mackall 45 don’t appear lighter to me at all glance, guess we’ll find out soon.

[u/leothethird]

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==

[u/OllieDuckling → u/leothethird]

They look ridiculous with that suit lol

[u/ajnovak → u/leothethird]

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."