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).

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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.

I found these at Marshall's, one of those discount stores that sells irregular and last season's products. I couldn't believe they were $32! Mine are brown, but I think these are black now. I generally wear a 10D but these are marked 10N and they fit my foot just fine. I had a very short break in period, and have found these boots just the ticket for supporting heavier pack loads. The Wilderness is the classic hiking boot, no bells and whistles, just a solid all-leather upper on Norweigan welt sole construction. Less is more.

Customer Service

None

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Vasque, Zamerlan, Trezeta, Asolo, The North Face.

I've has mine for over 10 years. The soles wore out, so I replaced the them a couple years ago with the heavier Montanga Vibrams. They are now stiffer and heavier. I like the stiffness better for off-trail use, but needless to say I wish they were just as light as before. This is the best full-leather boot I've ever owned. There was never any trouble with break-in and amazingly the liners have held up. I keep looking at new boots, but I can't think of a good excuse to replace these. I even have the original shoe strings.

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Lowa, Pivetta, Vasque, Raichle, Garmont

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

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

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.

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None

Very nice boots; overall fit and comfort are quite high, especially for wide feet. Break in period went without a hitch, and I have never had foot problems with the boots. I have owned these now for about 5 years.
Nice support for all loads; excellent for trail use, and some rough trail; Off trail is ok, but would like a slightly higher boot with a tad more lateral support.
Waterproofing generally OK: requires lots of attention though, with plenty of Nikwax. After about 2 to 3 days in wet weather, the boots will become sodden. I found using a pair of Sealskinz makes them just about watertight.
Overall wear and tear are just about negligable; Vibram sole shows some wear and tear, but even scrambling about on scree over the past couple of years, the upper leathers show hardly a scratch.
If I had to choose just one boot, it might just be these.

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Vasque
Merrell Superlights M2
Danner Shasta

These boots are the best overall one piece full grain leather boot I have ever encountered. I have had minimal break-in time (if you do it right) and maximum usage. Not a friggin problem at all. Bomber sole, too.

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None

Best boots ever period by a long shot.Took a
month and a half to break in,but once done they
were the most comfortable boot or shoe I have
ever owned.I wore them every day for three years
hiking, motorcycling and working as an electrician.Wiped out twice on the motorcycle and not even a scuff(although I dislocated my shoulder
in one accident).I will by another pair when I can afford them.

Customer Service

Had to get the first pair replaced within two weeks when I noticed perforations in the leather
of my right boot just above the sole. I called
Merrell customer service and my new boots arrived in two days,and they told me not to send my old ones back until I received the new ones.Made me happy.

I bought my Merrell Wilderness boots to augment my Danner Mountain Lights when carrying heavier loads and/or going cross country. I eventually stayed with the Danners for all around trail and cross country use and gave the Merrells to my son.The Merrells aren't a bad boot, I just didn't like them as much as the Danner. Different strokes for different folks.

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Danner Mountain Lights, LaSportiva Maklu, Raichle Rotando