Decreasing Quality

By Texas Pilot Ranked #28 - Men's Hiking Shoes February 27, 2009

Wolverine's purchase of Merrell is starting to show in it's quality. I bought a pair of the Cameleon Evo GTX XCR's and was greatly disappointed with the cheapening material's that they are using! It is true the shoe is much lighter than ealier Gore-tex models they have had, but that is about it for pros. This was the first time I ordered a pair of Merrel shoes and they were NOT 'true to size' order at least a half-size bigger. (Consequently, I ordered a different, new model Merrell, and I experienced the same problem.)
Also, the Vibram Outsole on the shoe is not near as beefy (or properly designed for loose ground conditions. The second pair I got held up well in firm ground/soil conditions, but under sandy-gravel mix on top of rock...the shoe constantly shifted.
Lastly, I do NOT recommend this for any mountainous backpacking--of any weight-load on your back, there is no support for your ankle's, and with weight-loads that occasionally shift due to balance and uneven terrain--I recommend some Merrell's older style of hiking boots, or go with Salomon, Danner, or La Sportiva.

View Details: Merrell Chameleon Evo GTX XCR Hiking Shoe - Men's

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