MCRAE 8" PANAMA Jungle Boots - Gen 2

Back by popular demand with a modern performance upgrade, the McRae 8" Gen 2 Olive Drab Jungle Boot (7289) is a true homage to the iconic Vietnam Era combat boot. Proudly 100% USA-made, this boot is constructed using the same historic design and authentic Olive Drab genuine cotton duck paired with premium black full-grain leather. Built to thrive in hot, wet, and tropical environments, it features nylon-coated brass drainage vents in the inside arch to rapidly expel water and promote rapid drying.

While the upper stays true to its historic roots, the Gen 2 platform entirely modernizes the ride. Utilizing state-of-the-art direct-attach construction, the upper is seamlessly fused to a shock-absorbing polyurethane (PU) midsole and a legendary Vibram® Panama outsole. This manufacturing leap drastically reduces the boot's weight, increases out-of-the-box flexibility, and vastly improves impact attenuation compared to the rigid, vulcanized soles of the past. The result is classic, mil-spec oil, acid, and slip resistance with the comfort of a modern tactical boot.

FEATURES:

• Authentic Vietnam-Era Design: Built to mirror the original tropical combat boots, offering a historic aesthetic with modern underfoot technology.
  
  
• Leather & Cotton Duck Upper: Combines a polishable black full-grain leather foot and heel with authentic Olive Drab genuine cotton duck canvas for highly breathable performance.
  
  
• Hot Weather Drainage Vents: Equipped with nylon-coated brass vents at the inside arch, allowing water to pump out with every step for rapid drying.
  
  
• Vibram® Panama Outsole: The iconic deep-lug rubber tread pattern is specifically engineered to push mud and clay outward, ensuring unmatched traction in swampy conditions.
  
  
• Direct-Attach Construction: Permanently fuses the sole to the upper, creating a lighter, highly flexible boot with superior shock attenuation compared to traditional stitched builds.
  
  
• Mil-Spec Resistance: The vulcanized rubber outsole is built to withstand hazardous environments, meeting strict standards for oil, acid, and slip resistance.
  
  
• All-Day Comfort: Features a shock-absorbing PU midsole and a removable/replaceable polyurethane comfort insert for sustained impact protection on long marches.
  
  
• Made in the USA 🇺🇸: Proudly manufactured in the United States by a legacy Department of Defense contractor.

Product Specifications:

Sizing & Fit Guide:

• Fit Profile: Classic Combat / Supportive. Designed to lock the heel and ankle securely, utilizing the speedhook lacing system to wrap the 8" canvas shaft comfortably around the lower leg.
  
  
• Sizing Advice: Fits true to size (per manufacturer). If you are between sizes, base your decision on your typical combat boot size and intended sock thickness.
  
  
• Pro Tip: Thanks to the pliable nature of the cotton duck canvas and the modern direct-attach PU midsole, this Gen 2 boot is noticeably more flexible out of the box than older all-leather combat boots. The full-grain leather toe and heel will quickly soften and mold to your foot with initial wear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the difference between the older 7189 model and the new 7289?

The 7289 is the modern "Gen 2" upgrade to the 7189. Both boots feature the identical classic upper (Black full-grain leather and Olive Drab cotton duck). The major difference is the sole construction. The 7289 uses a modern direct-attach process to add a lightweight polyurethane (PU) midsole and a Vibram® Panama outsole, drastically improving shock absorption and flexibility compared to the heavy, flat, solid-rubber sole of the 7189.

• What is "Cotton Duck" and why is it used instead of modern nylon?

Cotton Duck is a heavy, plain-woven canvas fabric. It is used on the McRae 7289 specifically to maintain the authentic, historically accurate design of original Vietnam War-era jungle boots. It provides excellent breathability in hot, humid environments and dries relatively quickly in tropical climates.

• How do I care for a boot with both leather and canvas?

Maintenance is a two-step process. The Black full-grain leather portions (toe and heel) should be cleaned with a damp cloth and can be treated with standard black boot polish to maintain an inspection-ready shine. The Olive Drab Cotton Duck panels should only be brushed with a stiff nylon brush to remove dried mud, or rinsed with fresh water. Never apply polish or wax to the canvas.

• Do the brass drainage vents actually work in wet conditions?

Yes. The nylon-coated brass vents located at the inside arch are a functional design from historic jungle warfare. When the boot is completely submerged, the vents allow water to escape. As you walk, the natural flexing and pressure of your foot acts like a pump, pushing the trapped water out through the screens so the boot can begin to dry.