Review Date
February 4, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Reviewed by: Xavier(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Appalachian Outfitte

Summary:
Its a sad story with these shoes. They were comfortable but I had to backpack the last 7 miles of a trip in Yosemite barefoot because the crappy soles fell off of the shoes. If you are a serious backpacker, stay away from these shoes.

Review Date
July 7, 2003

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: novus777(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Eastern US

Price Paid:  $140.00 at rei

Summary:
Used in conjunction with the Superfeet insoles I broke these boots in for a month wearing them around town. Took them on a week long backpacking excursion to Vermont's Long Trail. Verdict: Love the construction--Superfeet insoles did not provide enough padding to the ball of the foot causing extreme pain after a mere 2 days worth of walking. The Vibram soles used with this boot are horrendous as I found them from week one be slippery when wet, and wore down extremely easily.
I love the construction of the Norwegian welt design however the soles had me falling on a number of occasions walking on wet rock--or slipping while walking to a seat in a train. These are my 2nd pair of Merrell boots in under a year--and certainly my last.
Conclusion: Superfeet insoles were not worth the $32.00 paid for--I had more comfort from a $10.00 pair of rubber insoles purchased from DICKS sporting goods.
After 20 years of outdoor fun I've finally come to the realization that "heavy" boots suck--and cause far more problems. If you're looking for boots to go backpacking with buy something light in weight, and flexible. From now on I will use either light hikers, or waterproof approach shoes (adventure sneakers).

Similar Products Used:
Merrell Altitude
Other boots of which I do not remember
Timberline light hikers--purchased for $50.00 in some department store and gave me 6 years of dependable and comfortable service.

Review Date
April 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike Wolf(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Berkeley CA

Price Paid:  $24.00 at REI

Summary:
Best boots ever of all time. I wanted some for a long time before I found these on the clearance table at REI. I've worn them every other day for 5 years alternating with other boots. I will buy another pair as soon as I find another semi good deal. If I don't find a good buy soon I won't mind shelling out the 250 for a new pair. I walk long distances in the dity, and in the mountains. My feet that were once boarderline healthy are in great shape. My only problem is finding them. I think such care is put into their making that they can't keep up demand, but that's just a guess. PS I don't work for them.

Similar Products Used:
Red Wing, Nike, Vasque

Review Date
April 23, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Mike Wolf(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Berkeley CA

Price Paid:  $24.00 at REI

Summary:
Best boots ever of all time. I wanted some for a long time before I found these on the clearance table at REI. I've worn them every other day for 5 years alternating with other boots. I will buy another pair as soon as I find another semi good deal. If I don't find a good buy soon I won't mind shelling out the 250 for a new pair. I walk long distances in the dity, and in the mountains. My feet that were once boarderline healthy are in great shape. My only problem is finding them. I think such care is put into their making that they can't keep up demand, but that's just a guess. PS I don't work for them.

Similar Products Used:
Red Wing, Nike, Vasque

Review Date
April 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Larry(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Romeo, MI

Price Paid:  $200.00

Summary:
I've Been wearing the wilderness for 8 years just about 365 days a year!
have had one re-sole. Break-in before hitting the trail was about one month for me. I bought them a little oversized for heavy wool socks and the fit was great for my somewhat narrow foot.

Similar Products Used:
None