Merrell Wilderness

Review Date
March 1, 2009

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: JPT(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $175.00 at EMS

Summary:
Had them since the late 80s. Climbed Mt. Blanc in crampons with them. Wonderful boots, very light but strong. I'd still be using them but they were always too narrow and I can't get them stretched enough to keep up with my widening feet. And now none are available in Wide.

Customer Service:
All customer service tells me is that they no longer carry them in my size.

Similar Products Used:
Vasque

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