Merrell LandPro Ultra-Sport

Pretty good buy. Interesting colors. Adjustable lace system is a novelty, probably only to be used once, it adds in extra parts to fail in the field. Comes with factory applied DWR treatment, not that such a low cut shoe would really benefit form that. Breathability is not very good because of the layered leather design.

I've walked maybe 100 or so miles in these shoes over the year I've owned them, on pavement and trails. There is only minor wear on the shoes finish, the leather is pretty tough.

Pros:
-Tough mostly suede leather construction. No tears or rips.
-Plastic toe and hell caps
-Rigid foam/rubber soles break in to be quite smooth and flexible.
-Very wide toothed, grippy, Vibram sole.

Cons:
-Adjustable nylon lacing system introduces about 7 pieces of thin plastic to the shoes design that are completely unnecessary. When I was trying shoes on in the store, I attempted to tighten the lacing system and it snapped the buckle on that particular shoe. Sales man convinced me it was a fluke and produced another pair. I bought them anyways foolishly, but luckily my shoes have been through a lot without having failed in a similar manner.
-One of the plastic eyelets in the lacing system is crooked at all times because of faulty stitching.
-Exceptionally thin lay of foam in the mid-sole, doesn't have much give in jumps or jogging.
-Is not very breathable on a hot humid day.
-Superfeet green insoles tore some holes in the "friction free" lining of the inside, but the shoes still work fine with the hole.

Hasn't failed in any way, but it may because of that ridiculous lace system!

Very comfortable, very rugged. I've dragged these shoes through the mud for almost two years now. Whether climbing, day hiking, fishing, or backpacking I haven't found a better shoe. They cinch tight and stay where you put them.

Too bad they discontinued them. Anyone know where I can still find a pair?