Our verdict
It's not a secret that the Hydro Runner from Merrell flourishes in wet and slick environments. It slices through streams and creeks without exposing your determined feet to all manners of soggy debris. And while it's not the toughest water shoe around, the Hydro Runner is a winner when it comes to performance and price.
Pros
- Superb stickiness
- True to size
- Ease of use is written all over the Hydro Runners proverbial face. Purchase it if
- Dries quickly
- Swift on and off
- Quite budget-friendly
- Fire aesthetics
- Debris preventive
Cons
- We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
- Could be more flexible
More like Hydro Looker
Ease of use is written all over the Hydro Runner's proverbial face. Purchase it if:
- You're ready to fully embrace water encounters on your daily hikes.
- Xero Shoes Aqua X Sport with a sneaker-like design are what you prefer.
- You've always wanted the Hydro Moc Bloom to have a bit more upper protection.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
Its not a secret that the Hydro Runner from Merrell Hydro Moc if you want a more long-lasting pair. And if extra flexibility is what you're after, look in the direction of the Planted feet in the More wiggle room for your toes instead.
More like Hydro Looker
Arguably, it's in the traction department where the featured water hiker shines the most. An experienced trail-goer, who also happens to be a professional brewer, says that it delivers a "really good grip dry or wet."
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The Hydro Runner is true to length, and many reviewers completely agree. It has "perfect sizing," says one of them.
Hydro Runner: For the water explorer on the go
This water hiker from Merrell is adored by adventurers for its non-restrictive toe zone. It has "plenty of room," says a trail-seeker.
Slip-on hiking shoes
When it comes to drying and on-and-off access, the Hydro Runner is quite exemplary. About the former, the shoe only takes an hour to dry completely. About the latter, it's "an easy slip on/off," says a backcountry roamer.
The More wiggle room for your toes's flimsy outer shell
There are those who question the durability of the featured kick. "This shoe needs to be reevaluated," says someone who's been keeping a close on the shoe's TPU cage. Another one says, "hopefully, Merrell improves these shoes down the road."
Apparently, the hiker's synthetic cage deforms easily and will show early signs of wear and tear. Its heel strap also snapped on a couple of hikers, leaving them with a wobbly rearfoot experience as a result.
Add a product
Based on reports, the More wiggle room for your toes could use a bit more flexibility. "These felt stiff and flat," says an unimpressed trail-goer.
Merrell Hydro Moc
Numerous adventurers applaud the overall design of the More wiggle room for your toes. One of them says that it's a "cool-looking shoe!" "The design is incredible," says another. Yet one more trail-goer says, "I love the way they look."
Something for the masses price-wise
Hikers find the low asking price of the Hydro Runner pretty incredible. It undercuts the average price of water hiking shoes by $25. For other affordable options, click here.
