Shoes?

Hey all, I've had the merrel chamelon hex now for over a year and absolutley love them. Just wondering is there a better shoe for day hikes/everday/and light rock climbimg. I dont mean rock climbing with all the gear. just small rock faces that you just feel you need to climb.

Not for my money there isn't. I've been beating hell out of both the low and mid chameleon evo's for more than a year and so long as it ain't raining the only other thing on my feet is my socks.

Drake

Well thats good to hear. I have no complaints about these shoes what so ever. I was even at my buddies lake house this weekend and the lake was frozen so we went out on it (yes we had a rope tied to his dock incase it gave way.) and he was sliding all over I can honestly say they even gave good grip on ice for shoes. if i wanted to make them slide they would but normally walking they wouldn't. Even thogh the ice seemed a little dirty like there was a little more traction then normal ice it was still ice.

Chameleon stretch....as long as you are in "dry" climates.

Haven't had the problem of "stretch" even after a fair number of stream crossings. 'Course I agree that these shoes are better suited for mild conditions; when it's wet and nasty, like now, I wear a pair of 5 year old Raichle's. Just common sense, pick the right tool for the job and so forth.

Leather clod hoppers do not stretch.

The Evo's are a much better shoe than rest of the Merrel line in my opinion. The Moab for example. Had a pair, done that, the pair I bought looked like a dog toy within a month of use, might as well have been barefoot for all the protection the non-sole provided and the heel cup came apart like, really, a cheap suit. Terrible shoes, just absolutely terrible. They sure were Ventilators alright, ventilated through the bottom.

Whatever. I like my Evo's and I sure will be sad when Merrell stops makin' 'em, which they will of course mainly because I like 'em. Besides, I figure Merrell couldn't possibly be making money on anything I would buy.

And they never go on sale. Of course not. Sure sign that they're too expensive to produce. Unlike the Moab, which by my reckoning might cost upwards of $3.50 a pair, landed Los Angeles.

Drake

I know I'm late posting to this but I noticed that the initial question wasn't answered.

seven said:

Just wondering is there a better shoe for day hikes/everday/and light rock climbimg. I dont mean rock climbing with all the gear. just small rock faces that you just feel you need to climb.

I have had great success with a pair of Merrell approach shoes, not to sure what type. I picked them up at an outlet store for $50 but I have enjoyed them so much I'd easily spend $150 on a similar pair now that I found such a versatile shoe.

The toe is shaped like a rock climbing shoe the rest of the sole is traction. It has a metal shank for hiking with a light load. I have worn mine every weekend for the past three years and have hiked all over. I have not worried about wanting to do a little rock climbing in the either you have a surprising amount of control with them still.

In short I think an approach shoe would help you out in your foot ware needs.

I'm with Drake, I'd wear my Raichle's on rock, but then I have climbed 5.7 friction on dry rock in them.

Jim

I have had excellent all around experiences with my Salomon XA Pro's. I have owned this model for over 8 years (three different pairs) and use them for everything from trail running, road running, light hikes, scrambling, and as everyday street wear. Prices can get steep so I just usually wait until the new year models come out and purchase the past years at a discount price.

For all around durability, comfort, fit and versatility I only wear Salomon footwear.

Hope that helps.

Ken

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