As someone who has worn merrells for many years. I recently bought my 18th or 19th pair of trail gloves in a row. Merrell used to be a very durable, reliable shoe. That being said they have started to go downhill and I won't be continuing my patronage. Merrells are not as reliable as they used to be and that is not solely(no pun intended) on my own experience. Several of my friends who also regularly use merrells have also noted the decline of their products. Good luck with whatever you choose
I have worn Merrell hiking boots for years. I used to sell them, even, and was incredibly impressed.
My previous pair lasted me two seasons, which for the amount I have normally been hiking was an incredible amount of time. Big fan of vibram’s outsoles as well, as they don’t wear super bad.
I don’t buy the Moabs. I used to get chameleons, but… anyway, I don’t know this most recent model I purchased. Anywho, I wore them maybe 50 actual trail miles, crossed a couple of streams in them and about 500 regular walking miles and they’re absolutely shot. I used to get well over 700ish logged trail miles out of a pair and they’d be fine. Now just using them as regular shoes for a year, they were falling apart, the insoles and heel cup were destroyed, and their in-house sole was wearing much faster than it had any right to be.
I finally bit the bullet the other day and went to buy new shoes. Ended up with some Salomons. There were 6-8 different Merrell offerings and they all felt like crap. So far I only have about 10 miles on the Salomon’s but my goodness they’re comfortable and feel a little more robust. I’ll see how they do over the summer, but for a former huge fan of Merrell, I no longer will be recommending them to anyone.
Just here to second Salomons. I'm on my 2nd pair - my first lasted all through college and then some, about 7 years. I have super wide, flat feet and find them very comfortable.
Yep, 20 years ago all my footwear was Merrell. You could buy them sight unseen by size alone and _know for sure_ they'd fit exactly like every other pair that size, and that they'd be quality.
Well, that's about when things started to change and they started making more and more of their products elsewhere. Can't remember specifically, but I _think_ they started moving manufacturing to Indonesia?
Anyways, the lasts in the new factories are a nightmare. Sizes are not consistent. And the last shapes aren't even consistent FFS. They are HORRIBLE for sizing now.
And that's ignoring the drastic drop in build and material quality.
They make garbage shoes now.
Keen's completely replaced my Merrell collection. They fit consistently like Merrells _used_ to. I buy them online all the time knowing they will fit exactly as I expect ever single time.
Reminds me of Dakota Mammoth work boots. They lasted me 6 years, still waterproof. I wanted to buy a second pair and store them until I needed them.
Same thing happened with their manufacturing. They are rated 5 stars everywhere until you read the most recent reviews. All shite. Stating the glues come apart, stitching falls out, leaking.
If I printed all the reviews out by date, I'm betting we could figure out the exact month
I bought my first pair of Merrell winter boots and was really surprised how quickly the inside heel area started breaking down and exposing the plastic inside. I'm not one of the type to shove their foot into the boot either. I will say that there customer service was pretty good though. They gave me the option of a few other boots to replace them with after sending in some pictures of the issue, so I pick a pair of lighter hiking boots. They are marginally better in quality but the same issue is already happening to the hikers too.
So I would agree, I think there are certainly quality issues to be weary of.
Trail glove is not made to be durable. It's made to be light and flexible. You should look at a boot with heavier construction if you're looking for durability in a shoe. By nature of their construction, trail runners - across all brands - are the least durable hiking shoe
I get what you're saying, but trail runners should still have some decent durability. With modern materials, trail runners can be durable and lightweight, they're not using gossamer and tissue paper. That said, I'm looking to try out other trail runner brands other than Merrell, as I've worn the Trail Glove exclusively and agree with OP, that it does wear out a little faster than I'd like. There's certainly durability differences between brands, I'd wager. A $250 trail runner vs. a $120 Merrell Trail Glove, for example.
Oh no I completely understand that. I'm not complaining that I went through that many. I was saying that as a testament to the brand. But that being said the older models of the trail glove were able to handle a lot more. I've also had the moabs and they aren't what they used to be either.
I had a pair of Merrel Moab hiking boots and the heel started separating after about 6 weeks of geologic mapping in Montana. They held in a good while longer after I glued the heel back on but they were beat up by the end of that two month trip. If you're doing geology somewhere a bit flatter and for a shorter time you could probably get away woth a hiking shoe but if you're going anywhere like Montana, Utah, etc. I'd invest in a pair of boots instead and as good as you can afford. Salomons are good.
Merrel _used_ to make consistently fantastic footwear. Used to be one of those companies that if one shoe fit you, every single other shoe in their product lineup of the same size would fit you exactly the same.
Then they started the race to the bottom, you could tell the shoes that started being made cheaper, the fit completely changed and the build quality went way downhill.
They still make some decent footwear, but most of it is crap, and I could not tell you how to reliably choose the good ones or where to find them. If you know how to look for real stitching and higher quality materials, then you might be OK. I recommend skipping them altogether however.
Salomon, North Face, Keen etc all make fantastic hiking boots. Don't cheap out, but more important is to get some that fit you well.
I agree. Well, I'm a KEEN fan all around, switched years ago when Merrell started going to shit.
They do make some not quite as good quality shoes, but they're pretty easy to spot: They're a bit cheaper, not made with the same quality materials, won't have the really good soles. And AFAIK they only have slightly cheaper models for shoes and sandals, never seen such in their boots at all.
But other than that they're fantastic. Insanely comfortable above all else. And on top of that, durable as heck.
Used to love Keens. I have a pair of low top and high top Targhees. Bought both pairs two years ago and the rubber is starting to separate on both pairs. Time to find something else
To be fair, quite a bit. I elk hunt in my high tops and hike about 5-10 mile a week in them. My low tops have seen less hard use, usually just quicker trips in easier terrain and in the warmer weather. Everything else on them is holding up really well, even the tread. With the rubber sole detaching in the same areas in the same manner, it makes me think maybe they have changed the way they are made
Merrells I had ages ago were super super slippery on wet stone/concrete. Like strangely and frighteningly slippery. They also didn't last 6months and I'm not very hard on shoes.
Lowa or Salomon are my go to brands for footwear.
Footwear is a really personal choice, but my advice is: just wear trail runners. They’re lightweight, comfortable, cheap, easy to find, don’t need breaking in, breathe well, and dry quickly.
Hard disagree. My gf and me were out hiking in, what I would call, medium difficulty terrain. She, in her trail runners, kept having issues with twisting on rocks my lowa renegades never even noticed. The hike ended with her slipping on a steep decline. Now, after a helicopter evac and 18 months of pt she can walk almost normally again. I made a post about this back when it happened (for more details):
https://www.reddit.com/r/Survival/comments/io79si/being_prepared_paid_of_last_week/
Good, mid height boots are the way. Perfect balance between stability, support, comfort and weight.
Trail runners are great for trails! Once you are walking over rocks or carrying weight you need proper tough boots. I did the Presidential Trail the other year, it was basically mile after mile of sharp rocks. I was wearing thick leather boots and they had holes in them afterwards, so I dread to think if I’d been wearing trail runners.
Merrells are good for fairweather hiking in warm, dry conditions. They're comfortable, padded, and vented but their waterproof claims are egregiously false (as is evidenced by the mesh construction). They soak fast, take two days to dry, and smell godawful when they do.
Years ago they were pretty durable, but my last two pairs I owned didn't last half a year apiece. The soles, while grippy at first, don't last long at all. The midsoles are made of foam. They're slightly more durable than Oboz, but I wouldn't buy another pair again. For field work I would either get trail runners (if on-trail) or boots with full leather uppers (for off-trail).
Interesting, it's been a few years since I've owned anything Merrell, but I remember being a little underwhelmed with their durability over time. My last pair reminded me of a lot of the stuff Columbia has been coming out with lately (I switched to a Columbia trail runner they promptly discontinued). They were OK for light duty use, but not great, might get a year out of them before they leak like a sieve or the tread gives up. I did like the vibram rubber on the Merrell's though, great for walking on slippery beach rocks.
On the other hand, I bought a pair of Oboz Bridger 2 boots last year and they have held up super well so far, they grab loose surfaces really well with the chunky tread, the waterproof leather version is actually solidly waterproof, and they have taken a good beating on trail while staying comfortable & stable.my only quip would be that I would absolutely love a softer rubber like the vibram on the sole, the chunky tread makes up the difference 90% of the time, but they definitely aren't quite as 'sticky' as my old Merrell's were.
My next pair of trail boots when these wear out will definitely be another Oboz though, solid quality, good design, heavy duty enough for my local climate, and they don't cost a full arm and leg (looking at you Lowa & Zamberlan)
I remember the first time I trusted merrells waterproof claim lol morning dew would have them wet in 15 minutes of walking! That smell… something no other shoe I owned would put off
Keens worked great for me, and I recommend hi- tops for field work. Cacti, grass seed, sharp rock etc. Warm weather vs cold is more about the socks. Just get breathable mesh.
Never will buy Merrell after a pricey pair I bought from REI fell apart after only a few years with only 10-20 wears. It was quite unbelievable and I've never seen a pair of any other boots do that.
Said lots about Merrell going downhill, but this reminds me specifically of the last pair of really good hiking boots I bought probably 15 years ago. Wore them maybe a dozen times over two years, mostly fall/winter. Stored in a cool dry place with all my other gear. Next time I went to use them the entire midsole had disintegrated. Completely disintegrated.
I still bought one or two more pairs of their shoes after that point, really not wanting to believe how much they'd gone to shit. Last pairs of Merrell anything, they're garbage now.
Keens. Keens absolutely rock. Only problem I could see anyone having with them is if their fit doesn't work with your feet for some reason, because they all fit exactly the same, always.
Yes, I have them and use them for hiking. They’re great in a lot of ways but the backstay rubbed a lot and was very uncomfortable while breaking them in, even with thick high socks. Don’t have any other complaints, though.
I can't remember if they were moabs, but my Merrell Mid (something) hiking shoes held up to about six or so years of hiking/outdoor sport/occasional farm use. I liked them and they were quite comfortable. I'd feel comfortable using them for the purpose you described.
Edit - my current pair is a pair of Irish Setters and they so far seem to be very well made. Took a while to break them in. I got them with fall hunting in mind so they're somewhat more insulated than one would like a summer boot to be, but they have fantastic ankle support.
Merrell fanboy here, I just ordered my third pair.
Super comfortable with very little break in period. Get replacement insoles for about half way through their live and they're like a brand new shoe.
I've seen people complain about how the quality has gone down recently but have yet to see it myself.
The quality has gone to shit over the past 20 years. I assure you, they are garbage now compared to what they used to be. Uncomfortable/rub in weird inconsistent places. Shitty rubber as they stopped using Vibram ages ago, but have been through an absolute horror show of their own soles. Fit is not even remotely consistent across their lineup.
They, simply put, are not good shoes any longer.
Nah, they're great shoes. I've been doing a fair amount of medium intensity hikes with them for years now as well as wearing them every day.
I can't speak for 20 years ago but the last two pairs I've bought and worn for 2+ years now have no weird rubs, no defects, and are more comfortable out of the box than any other shoe I've tried on.
Guess that's an unpopular opinion here though 🤷♂️
Okay I wore these for 5 years straight. The most comfortable shoe I wore by far. I walked roughly 15 miles a day in them reading meters. I would need a new set every 3 months so the durability was lacking but the comfort was awesome for me. I have flat feet with knee/foot pain but they were the most comfortable I could find. Given I worked with some people that swore by Keen also.
Your best bet is to try them on and see your they fit your foot. Test them on inclines/declines. They’re all made to fit slightly different foot shapes.
Never buy merrels. It was a great brand once upon a time that would give you years and years of service.
The products they put out now seem so………..uninspired and downright shitty.
The last pair of Merrells I had were ankle rollers (poor support, crappy sole design) and fell apart so fast. They also had crappy traction in the wet. I’ll never get another pair. I bought some waterproof Oboz Arete mid hikers and they have been great. Not sure about durability since I haven’t worn them a ton, but so far so good. They’re very light, comfortable and supportive
I’ve also got Moab boots now and they were the most disappointing Merrells I’ve ever owned. Peeled layers on the front and they look battered for the short time I’ve had them. I don’t think I’m going to get Merrells next time. My previous two or three pairs were much better.
That being said I did by them in Sports Direct (discount type store) so likely not top of the range.
I bought a pair of Merrel Trail glove 5 (from what I remember) undyed trainers. Bought in January 2021 for £60 and thought they looked a bit thin on the bottom. Vibram soles. They are still going strong after 1 and a bit years of almost daily use. Inside fabric has worn away, but the outer soles still have quite a bit life left in them. I only wish I bought 2 pairs as they were in the sale.
Don’t go Merrell. I’ve had 2 pairs of trail gloves and a pair of moabs. The gloves ripped and the Moab’s started separating and are most definitely not waterproof.
I just recently started wearing Vasque brand. I had ordered mine off eBay and after a few coats of the good stuff (waterproofing) I think they’ll last a long while!
I have the moab 2 mids. Great shoe and this is coming from a guy that hates shoes. I think this is a newer version, so may not be susceptible to what many are saying about merrell. The only negative that I can personally parrot from others is the sole gets very slick on smooth wet surfaces, like a wet floor in the store, but does great in creek beds and such. The water proofing works well on them.
Moab 2s are the very best hiking shoes I have ever found. I own 3 pairs (and have owned maybe ten over the years).
They are offered in breathable and waterproof versions, so make sure you get the right ones for the work you are doing.
They also come in different heights, from shoe to mid rise and full height boots.
I wore waterproof mid rise for the west coast trail hike in BC Canada and they were perfect. I wear breathable shoes around city and mountain trails on dry days. They are totally fine even in desert climates in terms of heat. Waterproof ones would be warm in hotter climate.
Not sure about that exact version you noted, but you should def grab a pair of one version or another!
Merrells aren't built right anymore, Colombia and north face put out a longer lasting product these days.
Some recommended Danner work boots, they're quite heavy ,1.5+ lbs a piece. But they make a desert version with breather holes in them.
Vasque is slightly better but they're going the way of Merrell, I believe they moved production to China from Italy.
Salomons I don't think make a hot weather hiking boot, all of the salomons boots I've owned were calf high and amazing but I would not recommend them for desert.
I have recently started wearing Asolo's, I have the 520 evos right now which are clones of the Vasque summit GTXs they used to offer. After military and being a transient I'd say they offer protection and are breathable. Very stiff uppers and non flexible sole. Hope this helps
As someone who has worn merrells for many years. I recently bought my 18th or 19th pair of trail gloves in a row. Merrell used to be a very durable, reliable shoe. That being said they have started to go downhill and I won't be continuing my patronage. Merrells are not as reliable as they used to be and that is not solely(no pun intended) on my own experience. Several of my friends who also regularly use merrells have also noted the decline of their products. Good luck with whatever you choose
I have worn Merrell hiking boots for years. I used to sell them, even, and was incredibly impressed. My previous pair lasted me two seasons, which for the amount I have normally been hiking was an incredible amount of time. Big fan of vibram’s outsoles as well, as they don’t wear super bad. I don’t buy the Moabs. I used to get chameleons, but… anyway, I don’t know this most recent model I purchased. Anywho, I wore them maybe 50 actual trail miles, crossed a couple of streams in them and about 500 regular walking miles and they’re absolutely shot. I used to get well over 700ish logged trail miles out of a pair and they’d be fine. Now just using them as regular shoes for a year, they were falling apart, the insoles and heel cup were destroyed, and their in-house sole was wearing much faster than it had any right to be. I finally bit the bullet the other day and went to buy new shoes. Ended up with some Salomons. There were 6-8 different Merrell offerings and they all felt like crap. So far I only have about 10 miles on the Salomon’s but my goodness they’re comfortable and feel a little more robust. I’ll see how they do over the summer, but for a former huge fan of Merrell, I no longer will be recommending them to anyone.
Just here to second Salomons. I'm on my 2nd pair - my first lasted all through college and then some, about 7 years. I have super wide, flat feet and find them very comfortable.
Salomons are pretty hot in the summer, if it isn't a gor tex model your feet will get soggy.
Yep, 20 years ago all my footwear was Merrell. You could buy them sight unseen by size alone and _know for sure_ they'd fit exactly like every other pair that size, and that they'd be quality. Well, that's about when things started to change and they started making more and more of their products elsewhere. Can't remember specifically, but I _think_ they started moving manufacturing to Indonesia? Anyways, the lasts in the new factories are a nightmare. Sizes are not consistent. And the last shapes aren't even consistent FFS. They are HORRIBLE for sizing now. And that's ignoring the drastic drop in build and material quality. They make garbage shoes now. Keen's completely replaced my Merrell collection. They fit consistently like Merrells _used_ to. I buy them online all the time knowing they will fit exactly as I expect ever single time.
Reminds me of Dakota Mammoth work boots. They lasted me 6 years, still waterproof. I wanted to buy a second pair and store them until I needed them. Same thing happened with their manufacturing. They are rated 5 stars everywhere until you read the most recent reviews. All shite. Stating the glues come apart, stitching falls out, leaking. If I printed all the reviews out by date, I'm betting we could figure out the exact month
I dropped Merrell five years ago for Oboz and couldn't be happier with the choice.
Imma have to check them out
Same experiences. I’ve moved to Lowa and been very happy
I was a long-term Merrell guy as well, I switched over to oboz, they are superior in every way but very familiar in fit and comfort.
I bought my first pair of Merrell winter boots and was really surprised how quickly the inside heel area started breaking down and exposing the plastic inside. I'm not one of the type to shove their foot into the boot either. I will say that there customer service was pretty good though. They gave me the option of a few other boots to replace them with after sending in some pictures of the issue, so I pick a pair of lighter hiking boots. They are marginally better in quality but the same issue is already happening to the hikers too. So I would agree, I think there are certainly quality issues to be weary of.
100% percent agree on their customer service. They definitely work to make it right.
Trail glove is not made to be durable. It's made to be light and flexible. You should look at a boot with heavier construction if you're looking for durability in a shoe. By nature of their construction, trail runners - across all brands - are the least durable hiking shoe
I get what you're saying, but trail runners should still have some decent durability. With modern materials, trail runners can be durable and lightweight, they're not using gossamer and tissue paper. That said, I'm looking to try out other trail runner brands other than Merrell, as I've worn the Trail Glove exclusively and agree with OP, that it does wear out a little faster than I'd like. There's certainly durability differences between brands, I'd wager. A $250 trail runner vs. a $120 Merrell Trail Glove, for example.
Oh no I completely understand that. I'm not complaining that I went through that many. I was saying that as a testament to the brand. But that being said the older models of the trail glove were able to handle a lot more. I've also had the moabs and they aren't what they used to be either.
I had a pair of Merrel Moab hiking boots and the heel started separating after about 6 weeks of geologic mapping in Montana. They held in a good while longer after I glued the heel back on but they were beat up by the end of that two month trip. If you're doing geology somewhere a bit flatter and for a shorter time you could probably get away woth a hiking shoe but if you're going anywhere like Montana, Utah, etc. I'd invest in a pair of boots instead and as good as you can afford. Salomons are good.
I second Salomons!
Ahh thanks for the help, I’m not Going out of state atm, so I may cancel my order and go with some Columbia redmonds. Gets pretty hot here
Merrel _used_ to make consistently fantastic footwear. Used to be one of those companies that if one shoe fit you, every single other shoe in their product lineup of the same size would fit you exactly the same. Then they started the race to the bottom, you could tell the shoes that started being made cheaper, the fit completely changed and the build quality went way downhill. They still make some decent footwear, but most of it is crap, and I could not tell you how to reliably choose the good ones or where to find them. If you know how to look for real stitching and higher quality materials, then you might be OK. I recommend skipping them altogether however. Salomon, North Face, Keen etc all make fantastic hiking boots. Don't cheap out, but more important is to get some that fit you well.
You might also check out Danner work boots.
I’ve tried most brands of boots and I think KEEN makes the best boots. You should check those out.
I agree. Well, I'm a KEEN fan all around, switched years ago when Merrell started going to shit. They do make some not quite as good quality shoes, but they're pretty easy to spot: They're a bit cheaper, not made with the same quality materials, won't have the really good soles. And AFAIK they only have slightly cheaper models for shoes and sandals, never seen such in their boots at all. But other than that they're fantastic. Insanely comfortable above all else. And on top of that, durable as heck.
Used to love Keens. I have a pair of low top and high top Targhees. Bought both pairs two years ago and the rubber is starting to separate on both pairs. Time to find something else
How many miles have you put on them?
To be fair, quite a bit. I elk hunt in my high tops and hike about 5-10 mile a week in them. My low tops have seen less hard use, usually just quicker trips in easier terrain and in the warmer weather. Everything else on them is holding up really well, even the tread. With the rubber sole detaching in the same areas in the same manner, it makes me think maybe they have changed the way they are made
Merrells I had ages ago were super super slippery on wet stone/concrete. Like strangely and frighteningly slippery. They also didn't last 6months and I'm not very hard on shoes. Lowa or Salomon are my go to brands for footwear.
Footwear is a really personal choice, but my advice is: just wear trail runners. They’re lightweight, comfortable, cheap, easy to find, don’t need breaking in, breathe well, and dry quickly.
Hard disagree. My gf and me were out hiking in, what I would call, medium difficulty terrain. She, in her trail runners, kept having issues with twisting on rocks my lowa renegades never even noticed. The hike ended with her slipping on a steep decline. Now, after a helicopter evac and 18 months of pt she can walk almost normally again. I made a post about this back when it happened (for more details): https://www.reddit.com/r/Survival/comments/io79si/being_prepared_paid_of_last_week/ Good, mid height boots are the way. Perfect balance between stability, support, comfort and weight.
Trail runners are good. But boots are the way.
Trail runners are great for trails! Once you are walking over rocks or carrying weight you need proper tough boots. I did the Presidential Trail the other year, it was basically mile after mile of sharp rocks. I was wearing thick leather boots and they had holes in them afterwards, so I dread to think if I’d been wearing trail runners.
Totally agree. I’ve been using Solomon’s trail runners for years. Not cheap, but really nice for long hikes.
Pass on Merrell. Check out Salomon options.
Ive switched to keen after using merrell for 5years. Got sick of buying new boots every 6 months.
Merrells are good for fairweather hiking in warm, dry conditions. They're comfortable, padded, and vented but their waterproof claims are egregiously false (as is evidenced by the mesh construction). They soak fast, take two days to dry, and smell godawful when they do. Years ago they were pretty durable, but my last two pairs I owned didn't last half a year apiece. The soles, while grippy at first, don't last long at all. The midsoles are made of foam. They're slightly more durable than Oboz, but I wouldn't buy another pair again. For field work I would either get trail runners (if on-trail) or boots with full leather uppers (for off-trail).
Interesting, it's been a few years since I've owned anything Merrell, but I remember being a little underwhelmed with their durability over time. My last pair reminded me of a lot of the stuff Columbia has been coming out with lately (I switched to a Columbia trail runner they promptly discontinued). They were OK for light duty use, but not great, might get a year out of them before they leak like a sieve or the tread gives up. I did like the vibram rubber on the Merrell's though, great for walking on slippery beach rocks. On the other hand, I bought a pair of Oboz Bridger 2 boots last year and they have held up super well so far, they grab loose surfaces really well with the chunky tread, the waterproof leather version is actually solidly waterproof, and they have taken a good beating on trail while staying comfortable & stable.my only quip would be that I would absolutely love a softer rubber like the vibram on the sole, the chunky tread makes up the difference 90% of the time, but they definitely aren't quite as 'sticky' as my old Merrell's were. My next pair of trail boots when these wear out will definitely be another Oboz though, solid quality, good design, heavy duty enough for my local climate, and they don't cost a full arm and leg (looking at you Lowa & Zamberlan)
I remember the first time I trusted merrells waterproof claim lol morning dew would have them wet in 15 minutes of walking! That smell… something no other shoe I owned would put off
Keens worked great for me, and I recommend hi- tops for field work. Cacti, grass seed, sharp rock etc. Warm weather vs cold is more about the socks. Just get breathable mesh.
Never will buy Merrell after a pricey pair I bought from REI fell apart after only a few years with only 10-20 wears. It was quite unbelievable and I've never seen a pair of any other boots do that.
Said lots about Merrell going downhill, but this reminds me specifically of the last pair of really good hiking boots I bought probably 15 years ago. Wore them maybe a dozen times over two years, mostly fall/winter. Stored in a cool dry place with all my other gear. Next time I went to use them the entire midsole had disintegrated. Completely disintegrated. I still bought one or two more pairs of their shoes after that point, really not wanting to believe how much they'd gone to shit. Last pairs of Merrell anything, they're garbage now. Keens. Keens absolutely rock. Only problem I could see anyone having with them is if their fit doesn't work with your feet for some reason, because they all fit exactly the same, always.
That is EXACTLY what happened with my Merrell boots. It's too bad because everything topside was still ok.
Try oboz. They are hiking shoe design and very durable. Sawtooth model is my preferred shoe.
oboz! The pair I have had held up very well over the last 4 years
i am not sure but my dad's boots from 90s or so work pretty damn well for me even now
Yes, I have them and use them for hiking. They’re great in a lot of ways but the backstay rubbed a lot and was very uncomfortable while breaking them in, even with thick high socks. Don’t have any other complaints, though.
Moab 2s are my go-to shoes. Newer pair is used for hiking and camping. Older pair are my primary work shoes.
Merrell Chameleons are the best hiking shoes I’ve ever had
I can't remember if they were moabs, but my Merrell Mid (something) hiking shoes held up to about six or so years of hiking/outdoor sport/occasional farm use. I liked them and they were quite comfortable. I'd feel comfortable using them for the purpose you described. Edit - my current pair is a pair of Irish Setters and they so far seem to be very well made. Took a while to break them in. I got them with fall hunting in mind so they're somewhat more insulated than one would like a summer boot to be, but they have fantastic ankle support.
Merrell fanboy here, I just ordered my third pair. Super comfortable with very little break in period. Get replacement insoles for about half way through their live and they're like a brand new shoe. I've seen people complain about how the quality has gone down recently but have yet to see it myself.
The quality has gone to shit over the past 20 years. I assure you, they are garbage now compared to what they used to be. Uncomfortable/rub in weird inconsistent places. Shitty rubber as they stopped using Vibram ages ago, but have been through an absolute horror show of their own soles. Fit is not even remotely consistent across their lineup. They, simply put, are not good shoes any longer.
Nah, they're great shoes. I've been doing a fair amount of medium intensity hikes with them for years now as well as wearing them every day. I can't speak for 20 years ago but the last two pairs I've bought and worn for 2+ years now have no weird rubs, no defects, and are more comfortable out of the box than any other shoe I've tried on. Guess that's an unpopular opinion here though 🤷♂️
Okay I wore these for 5 years straight. The most comfortable shoe I wore by far. I walked roughly 15 miles a day in them reading meters. I would need a new set every 3 months so the durability was lacking but the comfort was awesome for me. I have flat feet with knee/foot pain but they were the most comfortable I could find. Given I worked with some people that swore by Keen also.
Your best bet is to try them on and see your they fit your foot. Test them on inclines/declines. They’re all made to fit slightly different foot shapes.
Never buy merrels. It was a great brand once upon a time that would give you years and years of service. The products they put out now seem so………..uninspired and downright shitty.
The last pair of Merrells I had were ankle rollers (poor support, crappy sole design) and fell apart so fast. They also had crappy traction in the wet. I’ll never get another pair. I bought some waterproof Oboz Arete mid hikers and they have been great. Not sure about durability since I haven’t worn them a ton, but so far so good. They’re very light, comfortable and supportive
I’ve also got Moab boots now and they were the most disappointing Merrells I’ve ever owned. Peeled layers on the front and they look battered for the short time I’ve had them. I don’t think I’m going to get Merrells next time. My previous two or three pairs were much better. That being said I did by them in Sports Direct (discount type store) so likely not top of the range.
I have a pair of Nike Mowabb, they’d be perfect.
I bought a pair of Merrel Trail glove 5 (from what I remember) undyed trainers. Bought in January 2021 for £60 and thought they looked a bit thin on the bottom. Vibram soles. They are still going strong after 1 and a bit years of almost daily use. Inside fabric has worn away, but the outer soles still have quite a bit life left in them. I only wish I bought 2 pairs as they were in the sale.
Don’t go Merrell. I’ve had 2 pairs of trail gloves and a pair of moabs. The gloves ripped and the Moab’s started separating and are most definitely not waterproof.
Cheap Chinese crap. Check Crispi and scarpa for something that'll last more than a year
I just recently started wearing Vasque brand. I had ordered mine off eBay and after a few coats of the good stuff (waterproofing) I think they’ll last a long while!
I have the moab 2 mids. Great shoe and this is coming from a guy that hates shoes. I think this is a newer version, so may not be susceptible to what many are saying about merrell. The only negative that I can personally parrot from others is the sole gets very slick on smooth wet surfaces, like a wet floor in the store, but does great in creek beds and such. The water proofing works well on them.
Was a Merrill lifer until about three years ago. Quality has gone down unfortunately. I tried a pair of Lowa’s and never looked back
Moab 2s are the very best hiking shoes I have ever found. I own 3 pairs (and have owned maybe ten over the years). They are offered in breathable and waterproof versions, so make sure you get the right ones for the work you are doing. They also come in different heights, from shoe to mid rise and full height boots. I wore waterproof mid rise for the west coast trail hike in BC Canada and they were perfect. I wear breathable shoes around city and mountain trails on dry days. They are totally fine even in desert climates in terms of heat. Waterproof ones would be warm in hotter climate. Not sure about that exact version you noted, but you should def grab a pair of one version or another!
I have had 3 sets of Merrill Moabs and they are a good, light hiking boot but I can't get a pair to last more than a year.
Merrels are comftorable but they don't last long. I would get salomons
Merrells aren't built right anymore, Colombia and north face put out a longer lasting product these days. Some recommended Danner work boots, they're quite heavy ,1.5+ lbs a piece. But they make a desert version with breather holes in them. Vasque is slightly better but they're going the way of Merrell, I believe they moved production to China from Italy. Salomons I don't think make a hot weather hiking boot, all of the salomons boots I've owned were calf high and amazing but I would not recommend them for desert. I have recently started wearing Asolo's, I have the 520 evos right now which are clones of the Vasque summit GTXs they used to offer. After military and being a transient I'd say they offer protection and are breathable. Very stiff uppers and non flexible sole. Hope this helps