A RUCKING GAME CHANGER RETHINK EVERYTHINGSome might think MudGear’s evolution from socks to rucking 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 rucking 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 FASTThe first myth we had to demolish was this idea that thick, slow rucking 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 LIGHTA 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 on our rucking shoes. 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 rucking events require full submersion. Your footwear will absolutely get wet and probably filled. That's when waterproof rucking 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 rucking 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!
