Our verdict
This Merrell hiking shoe gets high ratings for being downright comfortable, light, and supportive. Equipped with some admirable features like a ballistic knit upper and a grippy outsole, this shoe perfectly fits the bill for women looking for gender-specific footwear they can use on and off the trail. Even more impressive are the fun colorways that suit women's varying styles and personalities.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Sturdy
- Lightweight hiker
- varying terrains such as hard-packed surfaces to soft mud
- Keeps the shoe stable
- Beautiful colorways
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Cons
- Durable midsole cushioning
updated 5 Jun 2023
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- female hikers
- day hiking
- Top 24% most popular hiking shoes
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The Merrell Bravada shoes are made with ballistic knit uppers that offer protection, flexibility, and support without the added bulk.
It has a cushiony and durable midsole that efficiently absorbs shock. Lastly, it's equipped with the Merrell Quantum Grip rubber outsole that provides mountain-grade traction on wet or dry terrain, particularly rocky trails.
Bravada offers a comfy, secure fit
Constructed using a gender-specific last, this hiker provides the fit and comfort female hikers need. The stretchy knit upper offers a sock-like fit just like a sneaker and a comfort collar that hugs the ankle without stiffness or pinch points.
It also comes with a removable contoured insole for flexible support and a traditional lace closure for a secure fit.
High-traction outsole
With a lug depth of 5mm, the aggressive outsole of the Bravada hiker survives challenging terrains, including muddy trails, loose dirt, and rocky boulders.
The lugs are also multidirectional for enhanced grip on wet and slick surfaces. At the same time, its high-traction outsole also suits concrete surfaces, such as those in urban settings.
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For the midsole, this shoe uses EVA - a very lightweight yet durable foam that has good shock-absorbing qualities and a high bounce rate.
Made of thousands of air bubbles compressed together, there is no wonder why EVA makes an ideal cushioning material for hiking shoes. Specifically for female feet because generally, women's feet are more prone to fatigue.
Keeps the shoe stable
Lots of good things can be noticed on the shoe upper. One is the quality knit fabric that stretches and hugs the foot like a glove.
Another is the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel which absorbs shock and keeps the shoe stable. One downside though is that this shoe doesn't have a waterproof lining. Thus, it is more suited for hiking in the summer.
Solid heel support
The Merrell Bravada also features a removable footbed that is contoured to the foot which makes it more supportive and comfortable.
The tongue is attached to the upper, preventing the entry of debris. Completing the upper is a traditional lace-up closure ensuring a secure fit.
Solid heel support
All the materials used in this shoe are vegan-friendly. The Merrell Bravada also comes in a waterproof version.
It's designed by the Merrell Women's Collective – a group of 60 women united by the trail.
