McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s Review

First Impressions of McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s

The McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s isn’t just a boot; it’s a legacy reimagined. The McRae Footwear brand carries weight, a history steeped in military tradition and a reputation for ruggedness. These boots promise the classic jungle boot aesthetic, but with modern materials and construction techniques for enhanced comfort and performance.

My old pair of jungle boots, a relic from my early days in tactical training, finally bit the dust, leaving me searching for a replacement that could handle swampy terrain and scorching heat. I needed something durable, breathable, and reliable enough to withstand demanding field exercises. I was immediately drawn to the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s because it seemed to bridge the gap between the old-school reliability and contemporary comfort features.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the familiarity of the design. The Cordura upper, a hallmark of classic jungle boots, instantly transported me back to rigorous training exercises. The boots felt surprisingly lightweight, hinting at the modern construction techniques promising improved flexibility and shock absorption, although the construction appeared solid. Compared to the Altama Pro X boots and the Belleville TR102, the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s seemed to offer a better balance of classic design and modern comfort technology.

The initial impression was one of cautious optimism. These boots looked the part, but would they perform? Only time and rigorous testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test for the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s was a three-day survival camp in the humid, mosquito-infested swamplands of Louisiana. The conditions were brutal: knee-deep mud, thick vegetation, and temperatures soaring into the high 90s with oppressive humidity. The boots were immediately submerged in muck.

The Vibram Panama Outsole performed admirably, providing solid traction on slippery surfaces, and navigating muddy terrain was far less treacherous than I anticipated. The boots felt comfortable enough during the first few hours, although I did notice a slight stiffness that I hoped would dissipate with break-in. One pleasant surprise was the effectiveness of the nylon-coated brass drainage vents. After an accidental plunge into a deeper-than-expected pool, the boots drained remarkably quickly, preventing that sloshing sensation that can lead to blisters.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, including hiking, range days, and more swamp excursions, the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s has proven to be a reliable and capable performer. The initial stiffness has subsided, and the boots have molded nicely to my feet, providing a comfortable and supportive fit. The Cordura upper shows no signs of excessive wear, despite being subjected to abrasions from rocks, roots, and dense vegetation.

Cleaning the boots is relatively straightforward; a simple scrub with a brush and some mild soap is usually sufficient to remove mud and grime. Compared to my previous experiences with similar boots, the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s has exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort, durability, and overall performance. However, I will note that the polyurethane insole started showing wear around the balls of my feet within the first month, and I will be looking to upgrade those soon.

Breaking Down the Features of McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s

Specifications

• The McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s is designed for hot weather environments, prioritizing breathability and drainage. Its classic style is combined with modern construction.

• It features a Vibram Panama Outsole for superior traction and durability, and a polyurethane midsole for enhanced shock absorption and flexibility. These improvements contribute to improved performance.

• Manufacturer: McRae Footwear

• Gender: Male

• Age Group: Adults

• Toe Type: Plain

• Activity: Military, Tactical

• Insole Material: Polyurethane (Odor Control/Anti Bacterial: Yes)

• Fire Resistant: No

• Midsole Material: Polyurethane

• Outsole Material: Vibram Rubber (Oil, acid and slip resistant)

• Insulation: Not Insulated

• Height: 8 in

These specifications translate to a boot that’s lightweight enough for extended wear, durable enough to withstand harsh conditions, and comfortable enough to minimize fatigue. The lack of insulation makes it ideal for hot weather, while the Vibram outsole ensures reliable grip on varied terrain.

Performance & Functionality

The McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s performs its intended job exceptionally well. It provides reliable traction, adequate support, and efficient drainage in wet conditions. Its breathable design helps to mitigate discomfort in hot, humid environments.

While the initial stiffness requires a break-in period, the overall comfort is impressive for a boot of this type. The primary area for improvement is the durability of the polyurethane insole, which could benefit from being a higher density material. It delivers on its promises of classic style with modern performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s is a faithful reproduction of the classic jungle boot silhouette. The boot fits well, and has a comfortable feel for long periods of wear.

The padded collar adds a touch of comfort around the ankle, and the nylon-coated speedhook and eyelet lacing system allows for quick and secure adjustments. While there is a slight learning curve associated with properly lacing and tightening the boots, the overall design is user-friendly and functional.

Durability & Maintenance

The Cordura upper and Vibram outsole are built to last, offering excellent resistance to abrasion and wear. Barring the insole, the boot is expected to last a very long time.

Maintaining the boots is relatively easy; regular cleaning with a brush and mild soap is sufficient to keep them in good condition. The direct attach construction eliminates the need for resoling, simplifying long-term maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s comes with a removable cushion polyurethane sock comfort insert. While there are no specific McRae Footwear accessories designed for this boot, it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket insoles and socks, allowing users to customize the fit and comfort to their preferences.

Also, the boot accepts most standard boot laces, should the original laces fail or if a different color or material is desired. The most common upgrade would be aftermarket insoles.

Pros and Cons of McRae Footwear Gen 2 Hot Weather Jungle Boot – Men’s