Our verdict
This affordable day hiking and outdoor trips during the summer days earned generally positive feedback from the hiking community. It did not fall short on providing comfort and grip. Those who like a spacious forefoot and flexible footgear will surely enjoy its confines too. However, it seems that its default laces were a cause of disappointment. To summarize, getting the Merrell Alverstone may require replacing its laces to optimize and perfect its trail performance.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Immediate comfort
- Flexible
- Excellent traction
- Runs true to size
- Roomy forefoot
Cons
- Top 10% most popular hiking shoes
- Doesn’t give much support
Who should buy the Merrell Alverstone
The Merrell Alverstone is a lightweight and low-cut hiking shoe best recommended for:
- Doesn’t give much support
- Merrell Alverstone offers ventilation and protection
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This lightweight hiking shoe provides all-day comfort and protection to hikers on the trail. Thanks to the design of its mesh upper with leather overlays, it is able to accomplish such.
Under the foot, it comes with an EVA midsole and Kinetic Fit Base Insole. These two elements take care of comfort and cushioning.
The Alverstone delivers reliable traction
Enabling the Merrell Alverstone to adhere to various terrain types is the Merrell-owned M Select Grip outsole. Its sticky rubber compound employs aggressive lugs for traction.
The Merrell Alverstone is a fairly true-to-size low-cut hiking shoe for men and women. It is offered in regular sizes and medium widths. Its lace-up type closure system allows users to customize fit and volume.
Annoyance alert: the laces untie easily
For fit management, its closure system employs leather loops and a pair of metal eyelets. The heel tab facilitates easy on and off.
However, a couple of displeased hikers declared that the laces of the Alverstone from Merrell untie easily.
Provides stability over rugged terrain
The proprietary M Select Grip outsole with 5-millimeter deep boots makes the Alverstone bite into ground surfaces.
Its facade includes large oval-shaped lugs found at the perimeter that provides stability over rugged terrain.
Doesn’t give much support
The end of the forefoot and rearfoot regions are able to support hikers during ascents and descents. Its extension at the front and back, on the other hand, amplifies protection.
Providing a lightweight yet comfy ride is the shoe’s compression-molded EVA midsole. This rubber-like material cushions each step and adds stability.
Annoyance alert: the laces untie easily
It works with a molded nylon arch shank for extra support and firmness underfoot. Merrell’s Air Cushion is placed at the heel area which optimizes shock absorption, especially upon heel strike.
Cradling the user’s foot for enhanced comfort is the Kinetic Fit Base insole. The mesh upper of the Merrell Alverstone hiking shoes comes with durable suede leather overlays.
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The upper material is breathable, comfortable, and flexible. Inside are a mesh lining and the brand-owned M Select Fresh antimicrobial treatment which enhances ventilation and prevents the development of odor, respectively.
Its bellow tongue wards off the intrusion of trail debris while the reinforced rubber toe cap protects the foot against accidental bumps.
