Merrell Edge

Pros: true to size, excellent traction with Vibram Approach Sole (that is non-marking...how'd they do that?), excellent mid-sole/strong shank to protect foot from bruising, comfortable, does what it advertises. The leather tops are tough, unlike the fabric on the Solo and its BS "welded" TPU studs that fell off when my Solo's rubbed against Jello. Good job, Merrell on the Edge, but take the Solos off the market.

Cons: not great on wet rock, but what shoe is? Cheap laces. It is the exact same shoe as the Solo (see above) excpet for the uppers. Why are shoes made in China so expensive, though? When labor costs are soooo low, why are the retail prices so high? Merrell should pay attention to their level of greed and its association with their profit margin.

Used this on the North Face Route on Mt Kenya. Walked to the route, climbed it, ran down the scree afterwards. Comfortable, and I hardly noticed, on this moderate route, that I wasn't wearing rock shoes. The Edge is a little heavy and expensive, and would benefit from more sticky rubber on the outside of the toe, otherwise it's a great compromise for long easy routes.