Review Date
January 6, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Lowell Hassler(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $75.00 at sporting goods retai

Summary:
I purchased the non-waterproof model. Wore the boots to work and light hiking for a couple of weeks before an extended backpacking trip into the Beartooths. These boots do not fit my feet well. Heel counters are very hard, unpadded, and unforgiving. I now wear the boots to work (office), hoping to loosen the heel counter or at least get some use out of them. The left boot actually hurts my foot while walking uphill or up stairs. This is the only pair of boots I have owned that have hurt my feet after break-in. Cannot recommend to anyone.

Customer Service:
Have not tried.

Review Date
April 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Henry Spas(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Stow, Ny, USA

Price Paid:  $85.00 at Seirra trading post

Summary:
I work a Boy Scout summer camp, and I am on my feet all day every day. Up until I found the M2 blast waterproofs I had been wearing out a pair of boots a summer. I found the Merrell's an incredable value, and encourage others to try them out. Happy hiking, Henry

Similar Products Used:
Herman survivors, good quality uppers, cheap sole.

Review Date
June 14, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Tom(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago

Summary:
I do not have the waterproof version, but don't need them. I think Gortex liners are over-rated and unnecessary in boots. If boots are treated properly they will repel the water, and breathe better. Having siad that, I've never done extensive hiking in the Pacific norhtwest - perharps they are more valuable there. These are nice light - midweight boots. they are very comfortable and have nver given my blister-prone feet a problem. I have read many knocks against them on this page that I beleive are unjust. It appears as though some of the reviewers expect them to fit everyone's feet, or to be backpacking/trekking boots. They are wide, and they are fairly lightweight. This is not, however, a reason to give them a two star rating!

This is a good, solid, durable, comfortble, versatile boot!

Similar Products Used:
Salomon Exit Mid - great shoe
Vasque Exodus - not as comfrotable, even wider

Review Date
May 22, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
4.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Chris M(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Silver Spring, md USA

Summary:
I hike ultramarathons. Over the last six years I've done day hikes from 32 to 62 miles. With training hikes, I accumulate 300 to 400 miles a year. The terrain is varied from smooth to totally rocky. I've worn out three pair of Vasque boots (two within a year) before buying the Merrells.
While I don't have the waterproof version of the M2 Blast, I would to comment on the non-waterproof version. Bottom line, I like them a lot. They are the first boot I've owned that didn't require an insert for padding and comfort on long hikes. I think the heel cup is fantastic and I usually finish the ultras without any blisters. I've had my current pair for several years and can see no degradation of any kind. I'd highly recomment them.

Customer Service:
The first pair of M2 Blasts I purchased had a defect and the store where I bought them (Hudson Trail Outfitter) returned them for another pair with no hassles.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 13, 2000

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Steve Cirian(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chicago, IL, USA

Summary:

These ended up being too loose. My foot is fairly narrow, and after these loosened up my foot slopped around inside of it. I tried tightening up the laces more, and could not get the boot to feel snug. I did manage to get it tight enough to cut off circulation and it still felt loose. Especially around the ankle. There is way too much padding there to get a firm fit.

Similar Products Used:
None