These boots fulfill my two main requirements in a hiking boot; leather construction and a Vibram sole. In the last couple seasons I have put many miles on these boots and am yet to have a blister. They do a great job of holding my heal in and have roomy toe box. They fit great and seem to be up to everything from short rocky approaches to climbing routes (with minimal weight) to week long hikes with +55 lbs on my back.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque, Doc Martins, Cats, and Nike ACG. The last three I must add as attempts at light weight hiking boots which obviously lack the vibram soles

I just finished a 21 day Outward Bound course with these boots and they were excellent. I did not have time to break them in beforehand but I had no blisters. They fit great and are very comfortable. They also kept my feet very dry in all conditions so I do not understand the earlier reviews except that I understand Merrill just came out with a newer version. I would recommend these boots to anyone.

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None

i had hoped these would be a good boot. but they ended up being the worst experience with a hiking boot i ever had. i did a day hike to break them in, but they blistered my feet. awhile later i decided to go ahead using them for a 3 day sierra backpack trip. both times i used thorlos with a wicking liner sock. i ended up having the worst blisters i've ever had. when i tried tightening them down more, i got the worst foot cramps i ever had. the only reason i could tell is that the boot failed to lock my heel in enough. i could feel it lift up with every step. i even tried heel cups to no avail. luckily rei took them back. i don't think i'll ever try another merrell product.

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None