Registered: 08/16/10
Posts: 1590
Loc: San Diego CA
I am just trying to document what my experience has been with these boots so far. The most important information is that I have fairly large wide feet with a high arch; 13.5eeee and 14eee to be more precise. Check 'em out for yourself...
The bones at the tops of my arches form a point that you can see on profile. Because of this I haven't tied by boots "normally" for 20 years or more. I make sure my feet don't slide around but never have the shoe laces going over the arch. The reason I am giving this much info about my feet is because the fit is all about the type of foot you have.
Trail time; I put at least 30 mi on trial a week and typically over 40. These are not High Sierra miles, but maybe something like a 5 on a scale of 10. I switch out a lot and run trail until about two months ago when I broke my little toe (and had my running shoes die). I had to slow down and surprizingly I could wear the Merrell boots fairly comfortably. This was a nice surprise. These things kept my feet dry during rainstorms (provided I wore long pants or gators). After the rainy months, there was no separation of the rubber lowers from the leather upper portion. That happens a lot with my boots.
The bottom is still holding up well and hardly any chipping has occurred.
The one thing that has bothered me is the HUGE Merrell stamped across the front. I always feel like I am paying to advertise for somebody. Oh well, when they are covered in dirt and mud you can't read it anyway. At least it helped remind me who made the boots because for the life of me I can't remember the actual design name. There are 2 designs that look similar, but neither of the weights match. Mine weigh 2 pounds each. I can jog in them if I feel energetic. Looking forward to really giving them the once over off trial in the White Mountain Range of CA.
Cool beans, er, boots. I've used Outbound Mids the last two winters and still like them a lot. Very good support, handle snowshoes well and still pretty light. Difference from these is fabric and Goretex uppers instead of leather. Too hot for summer, though.
I've got a pair of Merrells that are at the end of their life after 9 years of abuse. I wore them as daily wearers the last 4 years and they held up really well to everything I've put them through. I really like the vibram soles Merrell uses they are grippy but resilent.
You hit the most important point right on the head everybodys feet are differant and boots fit differant you just have to find the right pair.
Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
I've been wearing Merrells for about 6-8 years now and the the comfort and wear has always been good. I burn through a pair of lightweight Mid hikers in about a year.
The biggest complaint I have with them is that they shrink. Mine have all had leather uppers and after a few times of getting wet and drying out they start getting tight.
Personally, I don't know anyone who hasn't loved the fit of a pair of Merrells. Two of my daughter's bought a pair this year and both wear them whenever they can get away with it. They both wear stupid (but very stylish) shoes at work and when going out, so those Merrells are like walking on clouds when they put them on
Registered: 10/29/10
Posts: 185
Loc: Central Texas
I've also got a wide foot with a high arch (12eee) and love the way Merrells fit. I haven't had the time to put as many miles as I'd like on mine but so far they're great.
Registered: 08/16/10
Posts: 1590
Loc: San Diego CA
Just kidding about the planters! Actually they are my favorite all round hiking boots ever. I have reached the 2000 mile mark and they have been comfortable the entire time. Not a single blister. At over 50 miles a week (even my wife is now doing 22 miles with me on the weekend!), I feel I have really put them to the test. SO here is the scoop;
I have gotten them completely soaked (and dried) 8 times, once in the snow.
You will just have to trust me; they are down there somewhere. By the time of that photo I had about 1500 miles on them and was putting in some back to back long days. No pain for my feet and they dried out fairly fast (although it WAS Arizona).
Now I need a new pair. The cushioning is much less than at 1000 miles and my treads are almost gone. I would say if you are worried about cushioning, replacing them around 1000 miles would be best. They still don't look too bad. I am going to get another pair (as long as they haven't changed the fit).
Registered: 08/16/10
Posts: 1590
Loc: San Diego CA
Yes Old Ranger, that shot was taken near the top and heading north from the peak.
Another note. I never took them up to the White Mountain Crest (California) last year. With the amount of snow and the need for crampons, I ended up wearing my mountaineering boots (with the crampons when necessary) instead.
Another little comparison....
A shot from 200 miles
and the shot from 2000 miles
As you can see, they are pretty thrashed (tread-wise) now and I should have replaced them sooner.
Registered: 02/07/07
Posts: 3917
Loc: Ozark Mountains in SW Missouri
I'd say those boots did great. I wear the lightweight Merrell hikers (Refuge) and replacing the insoles about halfway through their life has been a must on the last several pairs.
When the soles wear down on those you can really feel the rocks on your feet, and after a day of that my feet are sore, but I've never got a blister when wearing them.
I just checked and the price for a new pair is $144. My first pair were $90, and they were more comfortable and lasted longer. That's a pretty big jump in price. I don't think I'll be paying that much for my next pair of hiking boots.
I've seen Timberland boots that are less expensive, and I had a pair of those in between Merrells I've went through and I liked them just as much. I'm pretty sure they are made by the same company, so there is probably little difference between some of the models they sell. I can finish out the season here with what I have but I'll be checking into that some more before I buy again.
Registered: 01/11/02
Posts: 214
Loc: Happy Jack, AZ
C'mon, Old Ranger, I've been on Mica Mtn. many times and there's no way you could have guessed that. That snow and those ponderosas look like my back yard here in NoAz!
Registered: 02/23/07
Posts: 1735
Loc: California (southern)
Well, actually that tree at the right of the picture looked familiar. Although the last time I saw it was seventeen years ago, in the dark, so I couldn't be positive......
He had mentioned hiking on Mica recently and being involved with snow then, so an informed guess....
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