Guide to Merrell Hiking Boots: To Buy or Not to Buy?

... proving that demanding hikers can have the best of both worlds.

Merrell owners tend to rave about this combination of a durable rugged construction paired with a light and comfortable athletic shoe feel.

American footwear company, Merrell has one of the largest catalogues of outdoor footwear.

Ranging from backpacking, winter hiking, everyday hiking, to running, multi-sport, and casual shoe options, there is sure to be a fit for everyone in their lineup.

Although Randy Merrell left the company in the mid 80’s, the eye on quality and performance remained, even after the company changed hands a number of times.

Giving a respectful nod to their roots, Merrell recently launched a new line of footwear called “Origins.”

These boots (like the Eagle Origins) merge retro styling and traditional durability with lightweight performance.

Our Top Merrell Hiking Boot Picks:

1) Top Merrell mid-weight: Moab Mid Waterproof

Paring a Gore-Tex waterproof liner with large areas of mesh, the Moab keeps you dry and well-ventilated for all season hiking.

This is one of Merrell’s most popular shoes and is a good choice for all-around hiking. The Moab will serve you well for moderate day hikes to short backpacking trips.

A mixture of nylon arch shanks, EVA midsoles, and air-cushioned heels provide superb comfort and support and save your feet after a long beating on the trails. You can find our top picks and more Merrell shoes with insightful owner reviews at Moosejaw.com.

Other Info:

• Retail price: $135.00 USD
• Available in Women’s and Men’s models.
• Anti-microbial liners minimize odors.
• Vibram rubber soles
• Average weight: 1 lb 13 oz. / 0.82 kilos (women’s); 1 lb. 15 oz. / 0.88 kilos (men’s)

2) Top Merrell boot for backpacking: Wilderness

The Wilderness lives up to that old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This Merrell hiking boot is a tried-and-true traditional backpacker with full-grain leather and a Vibram sole that has been around for years and will be there when you need to replace the soles one day.

Most Wilderness owners keep them for years and years. This definitely does not have the athletic feel of Chameleons or even the Moab, but will serve you very well for carrying a pack over long distances.

Like all full-grain leather boots, a break-in period is needed for the leather to shift and stretch around the shape of your feet. So please don’t wear them out of the box on your trek down the Appalachian Trail!

Full grain boots like the Wilderness are not for everybody. But if you are the traditionalist type that wants a boot for the next several years, and want to replace the soles when needed. And... you are willing to take on a few extra ounces for a tough heavy-duty boot for all-weather trekking, then the Wilderness just might be for you.

Other Info:

• Retail price: $300.00 USD
• Available in Women’s and Men’s models.
• Steel shanks provide tough stability when carrying a load and on uneven terrain.
• Norwegian welt double stitching.
• Crampon compatible.
• Average weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz. / 1.5 kilos

3) Top lightweight Merrell hiking boot for Women: Siren Sport Cross Training Shoe with Gore-Tex

The Sirens are an all-around great shoe for outdoor activities, and are built around women’s feet and specific body structure.

Super light-weight with sticky Vibram soles Sirens keep you light-footed and sure-footed at the same time.

Gore-Tex liners (non-waterproof version is available also) keeps you dry in wet conditions, while the large patches of mesh keep you well ventilated and comfortable.

These are perfect for light hiking and excellent for day-to-day activities and around town. For longer treks, though, look to a heavier boot like the Moab.

Other Info:

• Retail price: $120.00
• Anti-microbial liners minimize odors.
• Vibram rubber soles
• Average weight: 1 lb 5 oz. / 0.6 kilos

4) Top lightweight Merrell hiking boot for Men: Chameleon 4 Ventilator Cross Training Shoe

Chameleon 4 owners like the flexibility of hitting the trails for a few hours, strolling around town, or even going to work in these shoes.

Chameleons provide just enough ruggedness for moderate hiking with the comfort of an athletic shoe and a style worthy of going out on the town.

These Merrell hiking shoes are perfect for easy trails and moderate day hikes, and just day-to-day activities. Plus, Merrell’s waterproof version, with Gore-Tex liners, steps up the performance in wet conditions.

To sum up: Chameleons are perfect for fast, light hiking in dry or wet conditions , and for looking good while doing it!

Other Info:

• Retail price: $145.00 USD
• Anti-microbial liners minimize odors.
• Vibram rubber soles
• Average weight: 1 lb 13 oz. / 0.82 kilos

Where do Merrell hiking boots fall short?

Well, you may be hard pressed to find negative points in Merrell’s lineup. But, I think as Merrell has grown over the years and become more mass-production oriented, the quality of construction may have suffered a little. A few owners complain that some of the materials fail rather quickly.

This wear and tear is to be expected though, especially in lightweight hiking shoes. By and large, Merrell hiking boots have pushed the bar with innovation and comfort and is among the best hiking footwear makers out there.

Whether this is to their credit or a flaw, I’m not sure, but Merrell definitely seems to please a full range of outdoors-people and serve all walks of life. For the discerning hiker, it makes it a bit difficult to find the “right” shoe from their broad selection.

Beyond some of their “fluff,” Merrell does offer several excellent performers that will please. If you’re still uncertain, check out some honest owner reviews at Moosejaw.com.

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