Our verdict

While the oz / 434g certainly looks like a hiking boot, Mighty ankle support oz / 434g once laced up and ready to go. They're amazingly lightweight and comfy while still feeling incredibly stable and supportive. We couldn't get enough of zipping along the trails in this plush and responsive boot that had us melting away mile markers in record time. With fidgety laces being among the few nitpicks we had while testing this shoe, there really isn't much bad to say about this boot which performs incredibly for its price point.

Pros

  • Instant comfort
  • Extremely light
  • Unrelenting collar
  • Toebox width - widest part
  • Grippy outsole
  • Propelling boot
  • Watertight
  • oz / 386g

Cons

  • oz / 380g
  • Unruly laces

Audience verdict

77
Decent!

Who should buy

will make a better and more nimble alternative. :

  • Hikers who prioritize comfort in their hiking boots and want a luxuriously plush and well-padded trail companion 
  • Experienced hikers who want to bring some speed to their hiking routine with a lightweight and responsive boot that rides like a trail shoe
  • Hikers of all experience levels in the market for a versatile and durable boot that can tackle varied terrains
  • Those who frequently brave the frigid trails and want a shoe that performs consistently all year round

Who should NOT buy

Adventurous spirits planning a multi-day backpacking journey should consider a more sturdy and supportive option like the Keen Pyrenees instead.

For those who prefer more ankle mobility while hiking, the low-top Toebox width at the big toe will make a better and more nimble alternative. 

oz / 434g vre

Cushioning

Heel stack

Using our caliper, we measured the Toebox width - widest part old method's stack to be 38.1 mm thick at the heel.

oz / 434g Heel stack

This is higher than our current lab average and means that we have plenty of foam underfoot to really luxuriate in the boot's plush midsole cushioning. This also elevates our heels and keeps us protected from underfoot hazards we encounter on the trails. 

oz / 434g Heel stack s
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 38.1 mm
Average 36.3 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
26.2 mm
Heel stack
46.9 mm

Forefoot stack

The stack is closer to the average range at the forefoot which is 23.4 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. This is also an adequate amount of foam that provides us with a good balance of impact-dampening and a sense of the ground below. 

oz / 434g Forefoot stack
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 23.4 mm
Average 22.9 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
17.0 mm
Forefoot stack
31.0 mm

Drop

The difference in our stack measurements leaves us with a drop height of 14.7 mm. This high drop promotes smooth transitions and feels pretty natural for anyone used to using boots with an elevated heel. 

oz / 434g drop

For those who prefer a more parallel-to-the-ground hiking experience, we recommend looking into the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak Hiker 2 instead. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 14.7 mm
Average 13.4 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
0.6 mm
Drop
21.0 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Pressing our durometer against the midsole yields a positively plush reading of 18.6 HA. 

oz / 434g Midsole softness

This means that we enjoyed incredibly soft and luxurious landings no matter how rugged and harsh the terrains we traversed were. 

What's more, the midsole has a delicious rebound that puts a little spring in our step which, in conjunction with its feathery frame, makes the Toebox width - widest part old method ride more like a trail runner than a boot. As a result, we frequently found ourselves tearing through the mile markers of our favorite trails swiftly and comfortably. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 18.6 HA
Average 28.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
14.7 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
53.3 HA

Using our caliper, we measured the Toebox width - widest part old methods stack to be 38.1 mm thick at the heel (%)

We left the Toebox width - widest part old method in the freezer for twenty minutes to simulate exposure to cold conditions. Taking another durometer reading of the midsole after that, we were so taken aback that we had to check that the freezer was running properly.

oz / 434g Using our caliper, we measured the Toebox width - widest part old methods stack to be 38.1 mm thick at the heel

The Toebox width - widest part old method only becomes 4% firmer when exposed to cold conditions, giving us a still plush reading of 19.4 HA. This isn't only softer than the average boot under similar conditions, but at room temperature too. This incredibly consistent performance means that the Toebox width - widest part old method should feel just as comfy and well-cushioned during frigid winter treks. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 4%
Average 20%
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
4%
Using our caliper, we measured the Toebox width - widest part old methods stack to be 38.1 mm thick at the heel
50%

Insole thickness

The Toebox width - widest part old method's insole falls within the average range for hiking boots at 5.8 mm thick according to our caliper measurements. This provides us with a well-padded surface within the shoe that complements the midsole cushioning nicely. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 5.8 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
3.7 mm
Insole thickness
8.0 mm

Size and fit

Size

oz / 434g is true to size (13 votes).

Difference in midsole softness in cold?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 39 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

oz / 386g

We measured the Toebox width - widest part old method's toebox at its widest point to be 100.9 mm wide according to our caliper. This is withing the average range for hiking boots and means that the Toebox width - widest part old method should be accommodating enough even for those with broad feet.  

oz / 434g Toebox width - widest part
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 100.9 mm
Average 102.1 mm
Compared to 32 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
95.5 mm
oz / 386g
110.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Moving up to the area around the big toe, the Toebox width - widest part old method's toebox is also on par with our current lab average at 80.5 mm based on our caliper measurements. This gives us ample room to splay out naturally without butting up against the sidewalls, even when making descents. 

oz / 434g oz / 380g
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 80.5 mm
Average 78.6 mm
Compared to 32 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
67.6 mm
Tongue: gusset type
91.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

For a shoe with such a high stack of plush foam, we were surprised at just how well-planted we felt when shifting our weight from side to side in the shoe. 

That being said, we don't recommend schlepping a heavy pack over long distances in this shoe as sinking into that soft cushioning will require constant corrections for balance which will likely lead to foot fatigue and loss of stability over time. 

Torsional rigidity

The Toebox width - widest part old method was quite difficult to bend and twist in our hands during our manual assessment, earning it a rather stiff 4 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This means that the shoe resists and mitigates any excessive lateral movements of our foot and maintains a relatively firm and stable base that helps to ensure steady landings. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 4
Average 4.4
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Midsole softness soft to firm

We found the heel counter to also feel quite rigid as we probed and squeezed at it, earning the Toebox width - widest part old method another 4 out of 5 on our subjective scale. This explains the incredible ankle support we enjoyed while testing the boot, with no hint or sign of rolling even when traversing uneven terrains. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1
Midsole softness soft to firm
5

oz / 380g

The Toebox width - widest part old method's midsole is about as wide as our current lab average at 112 mm wide according to our caliper measurements. This gives us more than enough of a platform to ensure stable landings and smooth transitions as we move around in the shoe. 

oz / 434g Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 112.0 mm
Average 111.5 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
96.3 mm
oz / 380g
124.6 mm

nbsp; |  

This average motif extends back at the heel where the Toebox width - widest part old method's midsole measures 89.3 mm wide.

oz / 434g Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 89.3 mm
Average 87.5 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
71.7 mm
nbsp; |  
106.1 mm

Jan 15, 2024

Once secured to our workbench, we found that 39.1N of force is needed to bend the boot to 90 degrees. This makes the Toebox width - widest part old method is about as flexible as the average hiking boot. 

As such, the boot is able to conform to the natural flexion of our foot to a certain extent while still having enough resistance to feel supportive and responsive underfoot. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 39.1N
Average 44.3N
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
16.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
84.7N

Merrell Toebox width - widest part old method is (%)

Retesting the flexibility of the Toebox width - widest part old method after chilling in our freezer for twenty minutes reveals that it remains about as consistent as the average hiking boot under similar conditions; becoming only 28.8% more stiff.

oz / 434g Stiffness

With 50.4N now required to bend the Toebox width - widest part old method to the desired point, it's undoubtedly stiff but shouldn't feel like a tale of two boots between summer and winter. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 29%
Average 24%
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
3%
Merrell Toebox width - widest part old method is
71%

Weight

The Toebox width - widest part old method is an incredibly lightweight shoe that falls more in line with the average oz / 434g than it does with the average hiking boot. At only 11.71 oz (332g), the boot feels extremely easy on the foot and makes speedy hikes through our favorite trails an absolute breeze. 

oz / 434g Weight
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 11.71 oz (332g)
Average 18.77 oz (532g)
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
11.71 oz (332g)
Weight
28.29 oz (802g)

Breathability

We pumped the Toebox width - widest part old method full of smoke to get a visual idea of how breathable it is. While waterproof shoes don't typically do very well in this test, we were pleasantly surprised with the thick and steady plumes of smoke that managed to filter out through the tongue. While this earns the Toebox width - widest part old method a middle-of-the-road breathability score of 3 out of 5, this is better than we had anticipated from this boot. 

In contrast, the boot's hiking shoe cousin, the Moab 3 allows the smoke to escape evenly throughout the shoe as opposed to having airflow limited to the tongue area.

Continuing the trend of bucking our expectations, inspecting a cross-section of the Toebox width - widest part old method over a light doesn't quite explain the boot's airflow. It stands to reason, that some light should shine through the porous tongue, but that too blocks out the light.

Looking at the Goretex mesh under our microscope does finally shed some light on the matter. While the mesh does boast lots of tiny gaps that promote airflow, the fibers that make up the mesh form a mesmerizing lattice pattern that's incredibly dense and cohesive, thus explaining the upper's ability to block out light as well as water. 

oz / 434g lhb

oz / 434g Breathability
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 3
Average 1.3
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

To test the durability of the Toebox width - widest part old method, we fired up our Dremel to 5K RPM and set it against the toebox for its first run on the boot, making sure to make contact with both the reinforced and unreinforced sections of the upper. 

Assessing the damage once the twelve-second test was up, we found that we had mangled the mesh slightly but weren't able to pierce through even the unreinforced section. This earns the Toebox width - widest part old method a very respectable 4 out of 5 for toebox durability. 

oz / 434g Toebox durability
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 4
Average 4.3
Compared to 37 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1
Toebox durability
5

While the Merrell Toebox width - widest part old method certainly looks like a

Next, we took aim at the Toebox width - widest part old method's heel counter for a much shorter twelve-second face-off with our tool. 

Turns out that it held up quite well as we were only able to tear into the lining material without affecting the soft padding within. This above-average performance earns the Toebox width - widest part old method another 4 out of 5 for heel padding durability. So far so good when it comes to the upper's construction quality. 

oz / 434g While the Merrell Toebox width - widest part old method certainly looks like a
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 37 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1
While the Merrell Toebox width - widest part old method certainly looks like a
5

Outsole hardness

Pressing our durometer against the Toebox width - widest part old method's outsole yields a softer-than-average reading of 81 HC. This would ordinarily be a concern when it comes to durability but Vibram is known for producing rubber compounds that are soft and grippy yet durable at the same time. We'll find out how well-founded our confidence with the outsole really is in the next section. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 81.0 HC
Average 87.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
81.0 HC
Outsole hardness
92.1 HC

Outsole durability

This time spinning 10K RPM, we pressed our Dremel's abrasive element against one of the Toebox width - widest part old method's lugs with 3.2N of force.

Our prediction was borne out as the tool wasn't able to bite into the hardy Vibram rubber over the course of the twenty-two-second test. Using a tire tread gauge, we found that we had only lopped off 0.3 mm of material from the lug. This is insignificant compared to the total amount of material underfoot and makes the Toebox width - widest part old method much more durable than the average hiking boot. As such, we anticipate this boot to last dozens of hikes before wearing the outsole out completely. 

oz / 434g
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 0.3 mm
Average 0.8 mm
Compared to 34 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

At 2.9 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the Toebox width - widest part old method's outsole is right on par with our current lab average. When taking the lugs into account as well, the boot barely lost 1/20th of the total amount of rubber on the outsole in our previous section simulating extreme wear and tear. 

oz / 434g Outsole thickness
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 2.9 mm
Average 3.0 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
1.8 mm
Outsole thickness
5.6 mm

Misc

Lug depth

The Toebox width - widest part old method's lugs are just shy of our current lab average at 3.5 mm thick. 

oz / 434g v

Apart from the thickness of the lugs, their varied shapes along the outsole form a multidirectional tread pattern that provides us with excellent traction over a variety of surfaces. Even slick or muddy trails were no obstacle for these grippy boots. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 3.5 mm
Average 4.3 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
3.0 mm
Lug depth
6.0 mm

Reflective elements

The Toebox width - widest part old method features reflective elements running along the laces that provide decent nighttime visibility. 

Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method Yes

Tongue padding

Using our caliper, we measured the Toebox width - widest part old method's tongue to be 13.2 mm thick. This is slightly thicker than our current lab average and means that we enjoyed excellent comfort around the instep with no hint of lace bite during our test hikes. 

oz / 434g Tongue padding
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method 13.2 mm
Average 11.2 mm
Compared to 41 hiking boots
Toebox width - widest part old method
5.9 mm
Tongue padding
15.1 mm

Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX

As is the case with most waterproof hiking boots, the Toebox width - widest part old method is fully gusseted on both sides. This not only prevents bits of debris from entering the boot but also prevents water from seeping in and soaking our socks. 

oz / 434g Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method Both sides (full)

Heel tab

The Toebox width - widest part old method sports a handy little finger loop at the heel which makes sliding the boot on a little easier. 

oz / 434g Heel tab
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method Finger loop

Removable insole

The Toebox width - widest part old method's insole is fully removable so replacing it with a custom orthotic is possible in the event that added arch support is required. 

oz / 434g Removable insole
Test results
Toebox width - widest part old method Yes