Merrell Superlight

M2 Superlight (Backpacking)
2.4mm Waterproof Perwanger Leather (Sandstone)
2.4mm Waterproof Full Grain Leather (Dark Brown)
Leather/Compressed EVA Bellows Tongue
Silicon Molded Retaining Wall
Instep Control Lacing System
Dynamic Fit Inner Torgue
Asymmetrical Bronze Double Hooks
Rubber Toe Bumper, Sablon Knit Lininq M2 Dual Density Poliyou/EVA Footbed 8mm Tapered Nylon Midsole
PU Footfame/Air Cushion Midsole
Vibram SpeedHiker Sole Trek Rubber

The "Superlight" is just that a super light, incredibly comfortable, stable and supportive backpacking boot.

Having owned this boot for about 6 months I have had the opportunity to wear them through a wide range of activities hiking, hunting, mountain biking, snowshoeing and sugaring. The fit of my 8½ Superlight Sandstone was excellent right out of the box. I did experience a hot spots on my ankles for a brief period which I attribute the to the break in time required with all "backpacking boots" which have stiff insoles or shanks.

The cool looking "Vibram SpeedHiker" outsole offers great traction and has proven to be very durable. The lacing system uses loop hardware on the forefoot, locking instep hooks which keep your ankle drawn back into the heel counter and double asymmetrical bronze hooks which provide easy secure lacing. The double tongue is very comfortable, with a dynamic fitting inner tongue and a leather / compressed outer tongue that dissipates the lace pressure and keeps out dirt and debris.

Although the boots kept out water initially I did need to apply Nikwax to keep the water out with continued use. Over all this has turned out to be my favorite lightweight backpacking boot.

M2 Superlight (Backpacking)

2.4mm Waterproof Perwanger Leather (Sandstone)

2.4mm Waterproof Full Grain Leather (Dark Brown)

Leather/Compressed EVA Bellows Tongue

Silicon Molded Retaining Wall

Instep Control Lacing System

Dynamic Fit Inner Torgue

Asymmetrical Bronze Double Hooks

Out of the box, these boots felt like "slippers" ... super comfortable, cushioned and supportive. They must be good - after just three day hikes, these boots carried me through the West Coast Trail with a 60-70 pound pack (and not a blister to show for it). (I started out with 60 pounds, and ended up with 70 ... believe it!)

I would highly recommend these boots to anyone 175 pounds and under who likes supportive boots, yet doesn't want to be weighed down. The heel contains shock absorption, similar to a running shoe. Despite poorer comments about other Merrell hikers, this model is superb! The double tongue is very comfy. The boots are waterproof to ankle height. If you need more protection from water, do what I did and buy some Sealskinz. This is my third pair of Merrells - and not my last!

Rubber Toe Bumper, Sablon Knit Lininq M2 Dual Density Poliyou/EVA Footbed 8mm Tapered Nylon Midsole

PU Footfame/Air Cushion Midsole

Vibram SpeedHiker Sole Trek Rubber

Almost no break in needed. Very light and comfortable, yet can still handle a 40lb pack. Good Vibram soles. Toe bumper will stand up to a lot of abuse. Not very stiff, my feet tended to roll a bit in them. Waterproof.

They are ugly boots - but who cares?