Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsMagnificent Merrell's - again ! My 6th pair over many years.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 December 2018
I am a long time 'Merrell fan' that always chooses Merrell's that have the vibram soul, as historically it's the soul in footwear that usually lets me down.
Size wise, I know this fits me, as I tried it on in a shop on the high street. I have a broader foot, so Merrell's have always suited me in this area too.
It sounds silly, bit unfortunately, sizing really only is a guide today, as depending on the manufacturer, I take shoes sized from 10 - 12, so, don't make assumptions, unless you specifically know the manufacturer and model of shoe you are purchasing.
I purchased these for a recent trip to Iceland, and together with some reasonably thick woollen socks, they were perfect, with the added knowledge that should it rain or snow, the Gore-Tex lining would keep my feet dry. The Gore-Tex wasn't put to the test on this occasion, so that will have to wait for another time on these particular pair of shoes.
As with all 'big name' manufacturers these days, one always has to stay alert. Long time fans and die hard users of many well known and often expensive brands are reporting the same thing - deteriorating quality and longevity ! (This usually, but not always, coincidences with a change of manufacturing facility/process or country that goes hand in hand with the deteriorating product?)
I tend to purchase several pairs of Merrell's each few years, one pair for more better, casual going out (which lasts me for many years), one pair for the regular walking, every day out and about I do, and believe me, I live in them and wear them to the maximum.
(I believe if buying a quality pair of shoes, they should be lasting more than 12 months !)
I basically then tend to wear them until they get relegated to garden duties, then the bin.
Having experienced both the non Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex version's over the years, I now just stick to the Gore-Tex versions, as it doesn't take much of a shower or very long in some wet grass, for the non Gore-Tex versions to soak through, but that's just my preference and opinion.
Until my experience says differently, I am sticking with Merrell's.
I hope this review has been of some help?
