Great Boots!

By Olaf Ranked #18 - Men's Hiking Boots August 28, 2011

I've been wearing Merrells from since the mid 1990's when I was a wee Outward Bound student in Colorado and I've never favored Merrell brand as a true outdoor boot brand in the presence of other boots made by Scarpa, Asolo, Garmont and LaSportiva. Merrell boot just were never tough enough and the "waterproof" was always an issue until now.
I only got these boots because they were around $69 on closeout sale at a shoe wholesaler in midtown Manhattan. The Ecco Receptor X-Treme Viking boots I've been wearing almost daily since 2006 finally worn down to the last layer of rubber and I needed to replace them.

Right out the box these Chameleon's were the most comfortable Merrell boots I've owned and while the fit was slightly loose for the size 10.5 the use of an extra sole insert added more cushion and made the fit exact. They kept my feet warm and dry thru the North East 2010 - 2011 winter season and have been comfortable for both hard pavement city walking as well as year round hiking.

My only gripe has been the lacing system. They lacing tends to get loose on it's own after long durations of wear. Double knotting is a must. Also the tongue has a stiff bit that took some breaking in for it to not rub against my ankle.

View Details: Merrell Chameleon II Leather Mid Waterproof Boot - Men's

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