Merrell Review: Why They‘re My Go-To Outdoor Footwear Brand
Hey there, fellow outdoor adventurer! If you‘re anything like me, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your time in nature. And when it comes to footwear, there‘s one brand I always turn to: Merrell.
I‘ve been wearing Merrell shoes for years now, and I can honestly say they‘ve never let me down. Whether I‘m hiking a rugged mountain trail, running through a muddy forest path, or just kicking around town on a rainy day, my Merrells keep my feet comfortable, supported, and protected.
So what makes Merrell so great? In this in-depth review, I‘ll share everything you need to know about this top outdoor footwear brand, from their company history and best-selling shoes to the innovative technologies that set them apart. Plus, I‘ll share some helpful tips for choosing the right Merrell shoe for your needs.
By the end of this post, I think you‘ll see why Merrell has earned such a loyal following among outdoor enthusiasts like myself. So let‘s dive in!
About Merrell
First, a bit of background on the brand. Merrell was founded in 1981 by Randy Merrell, a custom bootmaker who wanted to create high-quality, affordable hiking boots that would allow more people to enjoy the outdoors. Together with two former ski company executives, Clark Matis and John Schweizer, Merrell launched his eponymous brand and quickly gained a reputation for crafting some of the best hiking boots on the market.
Over the years, Merrell has grown into a global leader in outdoor footwear, with a presence in over 150 countries worldwide. In 1997, the company was acquired by shoe industry giant Wolverine World Wide, but has remained true to its core mission of creating top-notch outdoor footwear.
One thing I really admire about Merrell is their commitment to sustainability and ethical production. The company uses recycled materials in many of their shoes and packaging, and partners with organizations like the Conservation Alliance to support environmental conservation efforts. They also have a robust corporate social responsibility program that includes fair labor practices, community giving, and employee volunteerism.
So not only does Merrell make great shoes, but they‘re also a brand you can feel good about supporting. That‘s a win-win in my book.
Merrell‘s Product Offerings
Now, let‘s take a closer look at the types of shoes Merrell offers. The brand has a wide range of footwear for men, women, and kids, designed for everything from casual wear to technical outdoor pursuits. Here‘s a quick overview of their main product categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Rugged boots and shoes designed for stability and traction on varied terrain |
| Trail Running | Lightweight, agile shoes built for speed and performance on trails |
| Work | Durable, slip-resistant shoes for people who spend long hours on their feet |
| Casual | Stylish, comfortable shoes for everyday wear and light outdoor activities |
| Sandals | Open-toe designs for warm weather and water activities |
Within each category, Merrell offers a range of styles, features, and price points to suit different needs and preferences. They also offer some great accessories like socks, laces, and insoles to help you customize your fit and comfort.
Personally, I‘ve tried shoes from just about every Merrell category, and I‘ve always been impressed with the quality and attention to detail. But of course, every foot is different, so it‘s important to choose the right Merrell shoe for your specific needs. More on that later!
Best-Selling Merrell Shoes
With so many great shoes to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start with Merrell. So I thought I‘d share a few of their most popular and highly-rated models for men and women.
Merrell Moab 2 – Men‘s and Women‘s
The Moab (short for "Mother of All Boots") is Merrell‘s best-selling hiking boot, and for good reason. With a durable leather and mesh upper, a cushioned EVA midsole, and a Vibram outsole with 5mm lugs, the Moab 2 offers the perfect combination of comfort, support, and traction for all your outdoor adventures.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Waterproof membrane | Keeps feet dry in wet conditions |
| Bellows tongue | Keeps debris out of the shoe |
| Protective toe cap | Guards against bumps and abrasions |
| Shock-absorbing heel | Reduces stress on joints |
| Air cushion in the heel | Adds stability and cushion |
I‘ve put my Moab 2‘s through the wringer on everything from muddy trails to rocky scrambles, and they‘ve never failed me. The fit is comfortably snug and supportive, and the Vibram outsole provides excellent grip even on slippery surfaces. If you can only buy one Merrell hiking boot, the Moab 2 is a great choice.
Merrell Trail Glove 5 – Men‘s
If you prefer a more minimalist trail shoe, the Trail Glove 5 is worth checking out. Designed with input from professional trail runners, this lightweight shoe features a zero-drop platform and a snug, glove-like fit that allows for maximum agility and ground feel.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Vibram TC5+ outsole | Grippy traction on varied surfaces |
| Integrated insole | Provides light support and cushion |
| Mesh and TPU upper | Lightweight, breathable and durable |
| Vegan-friendly materials | Contains no animal products |
| Rock plate in forefoot | Protection against sharp rocks and roots |
As someone who loves trail running, I appreciate the Trail Glove‘s barely-there feel and flexible sole. It allows me to really connect with the terrain and move quickly over obstacles. That said, this is a fairly minimal shoe, so it may not be the best choice if you‘re looking for a lot of cushion or support.
Merrell Jungle Moc – Men‘s and Women‘s
For a more casual option, check out the Jungle Moc. This classic slip-on shoe features a pigskin leather upper with dual elastic goring for easy on-and-off. The compression-molded EVA foot frame provides lightweight cushioning, while the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel adds shock absorption.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| M Select GRIP outsole | Grippy traction on wet and dry surfaces |
| Breathable mesh lining | Keeps feet cool and dry |
| Arch shank | Provides support and stability |
| Heel pull tab | Allows for easy on and off |
| Stitch-down construction | Provides durability and flexibility |
I love my Jungle Mocs for running errands, traveling, or just kicking back at camp after a long day on the trail. They‘re super comfortable and easy to slip on and off, but still provide decent support and traction for light outdoor activities. Plus, they come in a bunch of fun colors and patterns!
Innovative Merrell Technologies
In addition to great design and high-quality materials, Merrell shoes also feature some impressive proprietary technologies that enhance performance and comfort. Here are a few of the most noteworthy:
M Select™ DRY: This waterproof, breathable membrane keeps moisture out while allowing sweat to escape, so your feet stay dry and comfortable in any conditions. According to Merrell, M Select™ DRY is tested to withstand 12,000 flexes and 60 pounds of water pressure per square inch, ensuring long-lasting protection.
Kinetic Fit™ BASE: This removable contoured insole is designed to provide flexible, intuitive support for your foot. Made with recyclable EVA foam and a reinforced heel cushion, Kinetic Fit™ BASE molds to your foot shape for personalized comfort.
Quantum Grip™: This durable, sticky rubber outsole compound is designed for maximum traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Developed in partnership with Vibram, Quantum Grip™ features strategically shaped and sized lugs that adapt to varying terrain.
FlexConnect™: This dual-directional flex-groove EVA midsole is designed to provide agility and stability on uneven terrain. According to Merrell Product Developer Steve Workman, "FlexConnect™ acts like a set of independent pistons, flexing to adapt to irregularities in the trail and providing support where you need it most."
What I love about these technologies is that they‘re not just gimmicks – they actually make a noticeable difference in how the shoes perform. I can feel the extra grip and stability from the Quantum Grip™ outsole, and the waterproofing from M Select™ DRY has saved my feet from many a puddle and rainstorm.
What Customers Are Saying
Of course, my opinion is just one perspective. To give you a more complete picture of how Merrell shoes perform in the real world, I combed through hundreds of customer reviews across multiple retail sites. Here‘s a summary of what I found:
The Good
- Comfortable right out of the box with little to no break-in period
- Durable construction that holds up well to regular wear and tear
- Good traction and stability on various terrains
- Waterproofing works well in wet and muddy conditions
- Versatile designs that can be dressed up or down
- Affordable price point compared to other high-end outdoor shoe brands
In the words of one satisfied customer:
"I bought these shoes for a hiking trip to Iceland and they were perfect. We hiked over 90 miles in 9 days through rain, mud, and snow, and my feet stayed dry and comfortable the whole time. I didn‘t even get any blisters! I‘ve since worn them on several other hikes and they‘re holding up great. Definitely worth the investment." – Sarah L., Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
The Bad
- Some durability complaints, particularly with the soles wearing down quickly
- Inconsistent sizing across different styles and models
- Limited arch support in some of the more minimalist designs
- Waterproofing can make shoes feel hot and stuffy in warm weather
- Not all designs are vegan-friendly (some contain leather)
As one less-than-satisfied reviewer put it:
"I really wanted to love these shoes, but unfortunately they just didn‘t work for me. I ordered my usual size but they felt too narrow and constricting. I also found that the insole provided very little arch support, which led to foot pain after a few hours of wear. I ended up returning them and going with a different brand." – John D., Trail Glove 5
Overall though, the vast majority of Merrell reviews are positive, with many customers praising the brand‘s comfort, quality, and value. The key seems to be finding the right style and fit for your individual needs.
Choosing the Right Merrell Shoe
With so many great options, how do you choose the best Merrell shoe for you? Here are a few factors to consider:
Activity: Are you looking for a shoe to wear on rugged mountain hikes, or something for more casual everyday wear? Merrell offers shoes designed for hiking, trail running, travel, work, water sports, and more, so think about what type of activities you‘ll be using them for most.
Terrain: Consider the types of surfaces you‘ll be wearing your shoes on most often. If you frequently hike on rocky or root-filled trails, you may want a shoe with a more aggressive tread pattern and a protective toe cap. For smooth, well-maintained trails or city streets, a lighter, more flexible shoe may be a better choice.
Fit: Merrell shoes tend to run true to size, but it‘s always a good idea to measure your foot and consult the brand‘s size chart to ensure the best fit. Some shoes, like the Trail Glove, have a more snug, glove-like fit, while others, like the Moab, have a roomier toe box. If you have particularly wide or narrow feet, look for models that come in multiple widths.
Features: Think about what features are most important to you in a shoe. Do you need a waterproof membrane for wet weather? Extra cushioning for long days on your feet? A specific type of closure system? Merrell offers a range of options to suit different preferences.
Price: Merrell shoes are generally very affordable compared to other high-end outdoor footwear brands. However, prices can vary quite a bit depending on the specific model and features. Consider your budget and how much you‘re willing to invest in a pair of shoes.
My best advice? Go to a store and try on a few different Merrell models to see what feels best on your feet. Walk around, do some jumping jacks, and pay attention to any pressure points or areas of discomfort. If you‘re between sizes, opt for the larger one – you can always add an insole or wear thicker socks for a snugger fit.
The Bottom Line
So, after all this research and analysis, would I recommend Merrell shoes? Absolutely!
In my experience, Merrell consistently delivers on their promise of comfortable, durable, high-performance footwear for all your outdoor adventures. From the rugged Moab hiking boots to the minimalist Trail Glove running shoes, there‘s a Merrell design to suit pretty much any need or preference.
But beyond just making great shoes, Merrell is a brand I feel good about supporting. Their commitment to sustainability, ethical production, and giving back to the community aligns with my values as a consumer. And with their affordable prices and accessible designs, they make the joys of outdoor exploration possible for a wide range of people.
Of course, no shoe brand is perfect, and Merrell definitely has some room for improvement when it comes to things like durability and vegan options. But overall, I think the pros far outweigh the cons.
So if you‘re in the market for a new pair of outdoor shoes, I highly recommend giving Merrell a try. With their combination of quality, comfort, performance, and value, I think you‘ll be just as impressed as I am.
Happy trails!
