Shoes are a tricky thing for me, and for most people probably. I have sensitive feet in that every time I purchase a new pair I will inevitably end up getting blisters somewhere, whether it be on the bottom of my foot, the back of my heel, or the top of my toes. I know this going in. I always purchase higher-quality shoes. Comfort and durability are what I care about. I've tried various good brands - and been very happy with many of them. These shoes though - they stand above all the others I have tried.
I had no prior knowledge of these shoes going in - I just came across them and liked the style. I already trust the brand - I have owned a pair of Merrell hiking boots before and they were very good. Deciding to give these a shot, I chose the red, which is a shade I very much like, and hoped that they would be a good, versatile shoe. I have worn them for half a year now and they are excellent.
The soles are thick enough for hiking. Some shoes have soles a little too thin so that jagged rocks or uneven surfaces become a nuisance, but these handle everything well. They are not as thick as a hiking boot, but that's good. I want versatility. Hiking boots tend to be very stiff and not as conducive for everyday wear. These are flexible. They're comfortable to walk in so I wear them all of the time. They have an element of stiffness, but without the cumbersome rigidity of many other types of shoes.
Also, somehow I have never gotten a single blister with these shoes. This is the first time I could ever say that about a new pair. I would not hold it against them if I did get some blisters, but I just simply haven't. The fit for me is incredible. They are snug and secure in every way while still affording my toes and sides of my feet the perfect amount of room and cushion to operate properly. I suppose many think that this is what should be expected of a shoe. Well, maybe, but I haven't found it for myself until now. The proportions are perfect.
I use these shoes for everyday wear, hiking, and walking construction sites sometimes when my job requires it. I wear them in all types of conditions including flat, hilly, dirty, rocky, and wet terrains. The fabric is easy to keep clean and the tread has not unduly worn down. These will last me for a long, long time to come. Also, I have experienced with other shoes premature separating of the sole from the upper, whether it be on the front by the toes, or at the back by the heel. No such separation has occurred with these. I am impressed with the manufacturing quality.
Because I have never found the "perfect" shoe for my feet before I always try new or different brands when trying replacements. However, after experiencing the fit and feel of these I know I will absolutely buy these again whenever that time should come. I don't take for granted the fact that these shoes are blister-free, incredibly comfortable, versatile, and durable. Granted - they aren't "perfect" for me as far as their aesthetics. I love the red color, but the gray piping all over the toe and sides is something I would change if I had the capability of doing so. That small quibble aside, I never expected to find shoes that I like this much. Everyone's feet and needs are different, but I confidently recommend giving these a try. 5 stars easily!
Reviews with images
Amazing shoe, fit, feel and performance.
I purchased these shoes exactly one week from the date of my race, the Cateran Yomp, held in Scotland. 54 mile through the Highlands in 24 hours. I literally took the shoes out of the box, removed the packing paper and put them on. I didn't even relace or retie the laces. During the race it was raining the 90% of the time and 75% and the terrain was boggy marsh. Amazingly my feet did not blister or feel uncomfortable at any time! When I was not in the water the shoe expelled the water quickly and did not leave me feeling as if my foot was sloshing around. I've been in the military for 25 years and I've worn multiple pairs of boots, hiking shoes, and running shoes. Never have I had such a phenomenal experience in a pair of shoes like I did in these Merrells.This is my first pair of Merrells, I can tell you, I will be recommending these to all of my friends and they are now my #1 shoe! I look forward to trying the different models available for hiking, running and every day use.Great product, thank you!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2017
I purchased these shoes exactly one week from the date of my race, the Cateran Yomp, held in Scotland. 54 mile through the Highlands in 24 hours. I literally took the shoes out of the box, removed the packing paper and put them on. I didn't even relace or retie the laces.
During the race it was raining the 90% of the time and 75% and the terrain was boggy marsh. Amazingly my feet did not blister or feel uncomfortable at any time! When I was not in the water the shoe expelled the water quickly and did not leave me feeling as if my foot was sloshing around.
I've been in the military for 25 years and I've worn multiple pairs of boots, hiking shoes, and running shoes. Never have I had such a phenomenal experience in a pair of shoes like I did in these Merrells.
This is my first pair of Merrells, I can tell you, I will be recommending these to all of my friends and they are now my #1 shoe! I look forward to trying the different models available for hiking, running and every day use.
Great product, thank you!
During the race it was raining the 90% of the time and 75% and the terrain was boggy marsh. Amazingly my feet did not blister or feel uncomfortable at any time! When I was not in the water the shoe expelled the water quickly and did not leave me feeling as if my foot was sloshing around.
I've been in the military for 25 years and I've worn multiple pairs of boots, hiking shoes, and running shoes. Never have I had such a phenomenal experience in a pair of shoes like I did in these Merrells.
This is my first pair of Merrells, I can tell you, I will be recommending these to all of my friends and they are now my #1 shoe! I look forward to trying the different models available for hiking, running and every day use.
Great product, thank you!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2020
