Men's McRae 8" Panama Boots Tactical Reviews, Deals, Problems and Guides

9.1
out of 10
9 Positive, 1 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 10 Reviews
Retail Price:
$124.95
Used Value:
$74.97
Sale Value:
$112.46
Back by popular demand, this is an authentic version of the original Jungle Boot as used during the Vietnam era. McRae still makes it with the vulcanized DMS Panama outsole on the original equipment McRae used when the boot was a contract / mil-spec item. These boots, remain popular due to their great durability, comfort, value. Made in USA.

Specifications

Brand:

Full Reviews

10
I'm not sure I would order these. When I got them in the mail, the right boot was kinda off, so the laces didn't line up right and bunched the material in this way that dug into my foot. Left boot fit just fine. Tactical Gear sent me a replacement once I let them know, and the replacement had the same problem. I walked both pairs of boots to UPS and sent them back. The reason I am giving 5 stars is because of how amazing their customer service is. People were kind, helpful, and informative. Even though this was about a two week process and I had no boots at the end of it, not to mention the dollar I spent printing out the return labels, I almost feel like it was a positive experience. If you decide to order them anyway, you should know that the fit is consistent with standard military issue and run a full size larger than what you normally wear. So order one size down, if that makes sense.
Paul, TacticalGear.com
February 18, 2020
7
I normally wear a 10.5 shoe and I have EE wide feet with long toes, so Reeboks are always too tight; Nikes are a little tight on my left foot, which is a EEE. I had to buy these in a 9W to fit because the 9.5W was too large. With a pair of thick military socks (or Dickies steel toe boot socks with shin padding) and a second pair of socks on over them, these fit nice and snug :)

With one pair of regular socks on, they may feel better in a half size smaller. I'd recommend ordering a few sizes and picking the best fitting pair.

I do wish these had the steel shank and the option for regular eyelets instead of speedlaces, but I still love them.

I am probably going to get another pair at some point!
Terry, TacticalGear.com
August 27, 2019
8
If one wears a thin sock the boot may feel a bit loose. With a heaver sock if fits a lot better. In the US Army I originally wore a 9 1/2 W and then switched to a 10R due to the fact that my toes hit the in of the boot, and that is the size that I purchased. My foot arch is 10 size while my foot length is 9 1/2. As the picture show, it fits in nicely with the Woodland camo. Made in the USA. I don't like the speed laces, that's why the 4 star rating.
James C, TacticalGear.com
November 21, 2020
10
These are very similar to the boots I and many others wore in the 82nd Airborne in the early 1980s. It was very hard to fined quality boots like this in 13 med. and that are so comfortable. There are a lot of cheap versions of these out there but these are not one of them. I only wish I could get these without the speed lacing, but overall I am very satisfied and think I will order another pair for when these wear out.
Jim schneider, TacticalGear.com
December 12, 2018
10
Just spent the past 11 hours at work on my feet in these, straight out of the box, and didn't realize the punishment I had been putting my feet through trying to wear all the new-ish, "improved" and modern boots out there. I had forgotten how good these "out-dated" old guy style boots wear. After taking them off, my feet, toes, and ankles felt like I had been wearing sneakers all day. All the new boot designs are so heavily padded and insulated, even the hot weather ones, they leave my feet aching and sweaty after work, but these were cool and much lighter, just like my old ones issued back in the late 80's. Immediately reminded me of the old saying, "If it ain't broke...". Seems like the newer designs were a search for a solution to a problem that didn't exist.
I normally wear 9.5EEE and ordered a 9.5W knowing that they run a bit large. Mine were actually closer to 10's but fit great and were plenty wide enough in the toe box. I just hope McRae doesn't decide to phase these out or limit production to sizes like 15 extra narrow like Altima did, because I'll definitely be picking up a few spare pairs in the future.
Ross, TacticalGear.com
June 9, 2018
8
I am still breaking these in, much like I had to break in my original pair issued 30 years ago. So far so good, and if they break in well the rating will go to 5/5. Sizing is just like the originals from the late ‘80’s-early 90’s. I am normally 8-8.5 w-xw but with these 7.5.

I work mantrailing dogs on a regular basis including in some very wet areas and therefore have lots of boots, including modern Danner hot weather boots that are awesome. But, when you know your boots are going to be submerged over the top in warm weather, nothing beats the originals.
David P, TacticalGear.com
May 19, 2019
10
Boots are great. Just what i wanted. Had an issue with my first pair but the folks at TG took care of it quickly and seamlessly. If you're looking for a quality made classic this is it. These are my go to boots for anything in the summer. They work well in spring and fall too. Wouldn't recommend for winter in colder places. But i would totally recommend these boots to anyone looking for a good pair of boots. I like them better than redwing or thorogoods especially if you like a heritage look and want to be comfortable.
Mike C, TacticalGear.com
March 31, 2020
10
I had many pairs of jungle boots when I was in the Army. They were always comfortable and fit well. They seemed to last for ever. These are a great replacement for the issue boots. I haven’t gotten them completely broken in all the way yet but they are comfortable and do fit great. I’ve been looking for some of these boots for a long time and all I can find are the cheap made ones that just don’t fit like the originals. Thanks for bringing these back.
B. Collins, TacticalGear.com
November 5, 2018
8
I was issued a pair of these when I was in the military when we didn't mind lace in our boots up the speed lasers are a quarter of an inch thick arrest on your ankle bones and the front half of your ankle the only way for them to be comfortable is to leave your laces loose well I'm sorry I was taught to tie my boots on my feet far is this site they are awesome they got my boots to me very quickly even though we're having the Coronavirus the next pair of boots I order from them I will probably take him to a shoe repair store and have regular eyelids put in them. just remember to order your pair one size smaller.
James G, TacticalGear.com
May 1, 2020
10
I was searching for olive drab jungle boots to wear to work on base and I was not about to settle for any cheap Chinese junk, and then I came across these American made original jungle boots. They are absolutely fantastic! Exactly what I was looking for! I would recommend these to anyone who is looking for good quality American made boots. I wear a 13 in bates and the 13's that I ordered fit perfectly! Now I just need to get that perfect shine on!
Brian W, TacticalGear.com
July 17, 2019

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