We recommend ordering .5 size larger than your normal shoe size
MudGear Speed Ruck Shoes
Rucking Boot Meets Trail Running Shoe - The First Shoe Built Specifically For Competitive And Elite Ruckers, Designed To Move Heavy Things Further And Faster.
SUPERIOR GRIP - 100% butyl-rubber outsole powered by VJShoes for "The Best Grip on the Planet"
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Ripstop nylon to prevent tearing
PROTECTIVE DESIGN - Strengthened rubber toe cap; Fitlock arch stability; full-length rock plate
ALL TERRAIN READY - 4 mm lugs for seamless road-to-trail transition; Midsole stack: 22mm/16mm
FAST AND LIGHT - Speed of a trail runner with the heart of a boot; 13 oz weight
MADE TOUGHER - The strength of a boot captured in a fast shoe
Fit Note: We recommend ordering .5 size larger than your normal shoe size
Video Review by Ryan Burns of Rucking.com / Ruck.beer
RETHINK EVERYTHING
Some might think MudGear’s evolution from socks to shoes is natural and maybe even expected, but we never saw it coming. We’ve been content providing the world’s best adventure socks for years…all while watching niche interests like OCR, trail running, and rucking evolve in their own unique ways.
We remember when rucking was just a slow march, leisurely stroll, or maybe even a military stride. However, as rucking grew from a hobby to a sport, we expected the usual footwear suspects to change with the times. They didn’t. So, we picked the brains of friends we’ve made over our 10+ years in elite fitness apparel. We asked legendary designers and a world champion rucker what needs to change in the established approach to competitive footwear. Short reply? EVERYTHING!
2 KINDS OF EXPERTS
What do we need, and how do we get there? Those two questions were directed at two distinct experts. First, Rucking World Champion and GORUCK Selection Finisher, Mark Jones, provided the ultimate wish list influenced by an unmatched number of weight-bearing hours and miles. Mark knows all of the pain-points found in every shoe that has ever tried to race with a ruck. His expertise proved invaluable, but what good is a wish list without a heavyweight designer/manufacturer who knows how to deliver?
Enter VJ Shoes. Known for their unique Butyl Rubber tread enabling “the best grip on the planet,” VJ Shoes is the respected leader among Finland's most accomplished trail runners and winter athletes. They specialize in keeping you moving fast while other shoes leave you at a standstill.
FIRM BUT FAST
The first myth we had to demolish was this idea that thick, slow boots with little flex were the only way to support the weight of heavy rucks. That’s well and good when marching with your troop, but not when you’re trying to be faster than the next guy. So, we knew SpeedRuck needed VJ's reliable full-length rock plate system for an extra sturdy sole and their popular Fitlock for added support around the bridge when carrying heavy loads.
HEAVY CAN STILL BE LIGHT
A wish list can easily be misinterpreted as accessories or add-ons, but we knew VJ Shoes and their over 40 years of experience could deliver unparalleled strength and protection without weighing us down with unwanted mass. We're not just talking light compared to a ruck boot. We've cut the fat to compete with every known all-terrain trail shoe.
WHY NOT WATERPROOF?
Here's where Mark and other professional ruckers threw us for a loop. We were ready to canvas the SpeedRuck with the lightest, waterproof material possible, but it's what the stoics call "a fool's errand." Waterproof material may help against rain and puddles, but more and more ruck events require full submersion. Your footwear will absolutely get wet and probably filled. That's when waterproof boots usually take a turn for the worse because the water is now trapped inside and weighs the wearer down for the rest of the event. That mistake has been repeated too many times. Let's fix it! The MudGear SpeedRuck has quick release mesh for superior drainage without weakening the integrity of the shoe.
THE THING ABOUT TRENDS
There are trends setters and trend followers. We followed the rucking trend until our friends asked us to improve it. Now, in a day when everyone is about repeating what they already saw others do, we decided to create something new, something different, something needed, something better. See why Speed Ruck is both a game changer and undeniably MudGear - Made Tougher!
Fireside Chat about Speed Ruck with Malko and Mark Jones, Rucking World Champion and 2-time Selection Finisher
Not as much ankle support as I hoped. I’m used to wearing White’s Smoke Jumper, but I do like the flat sole.
W
WL
Legit
These things are LEGIT. Went on a 5k #40 and these bad boys were comfy, secure, stable and the traction was superb. Sold my Macv-1 and Macv-2s. Hope they come out with a Coyote color in the future. Don’t debate BUY NOW
The tongue is too thin causing the laces to irritate around the top of my ankle. Unable to get a good lockdown without the laces digging into my foot. May have to try a thicker sock.
Narrow, powerful, locked in. Surprisingly forgiving for easy runs. I would hesitate to wear this for super long runs (they do make the ultra..) due to the narrow outsole as it can run a little harsh, but this shoe just blasts when you want to go fast. The foam and rock plate make give it a snappy ride. The upper is surprisingly roomy so I usually wear thicker socks to get an ideal lockdown. The grip is outstanding especially on wet rock, though not as good on softer trails compared to something with deeper sharper lugs. The ride is so snappy that downhills can sometimes be a little sketchy if you’re not precise with your step choice but once you spend a little time in them these shoes are just a joy.
Bought these to use them for my Spartan Ultra (50k) race and was really impressed. It had rained days before the race and also rained on the race day and with THESE shoes I had no trouble running through slippery rocks, mud or even open water! I saw multiple reviews about them fitting small and even with my a little wider foot I still wore my size and yes they felt tight with my compression socks, I thought that my feet were going to be bleeding after the race as I wore no tape or added inside cushion, but no! No damage to my feet at all(I did apply some body glide to me feet before putting my socks). I LOVE these shoes, been using them for hiking after race day and highly recommend them!
VJ trail shoes just keep getting better!!
I am a heavier runner and these have enough cushion and return for me to not accumulate fatigue through too much impact link longer trail races. Thank you VJ!!
