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Merrell Switchback Gore-Tex

Merrell Switchback Gore-Tex

Average Rating: rated 4.00 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 7 Trailspace users

Description

The Switchback Gore-Tex is a backpacking boot made by Merrell. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 7 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Moosejaw:
"On Sale. Free Shipping. Merrell Women's Switchback Gore-Tex Boot (Spring 2008) The Merrell Women's Switchback Gore-Tex Boot can go hard and go long without overload or leakage in the worst weather.In-Board molded EVA footframe with an integrated, supportive insole lowers the profile while stabilizing the foot. Molded backstay protects the Achilles; double bumpers armor the toes. Complex pattern of lugs and cleats in two densities of rubber define a highly efficient, long-term durable Vibram Hiker Sole. Features GORE-TEX Fabric Bootie Construction 2.4mm Prime Waterproof Top Grain Leather Upper 1mm Waterproof Glove Leather Collar and Waterproof Mesh Bellows Tongue Sierra GORE-TEX Lining Injection Molded TPU Heel Counter Protective Rubber Toe Bumper In-Line Bronze Double Hooks EVA Anatomical Footbed In-Board Compression Molded EVA Footframe with Grade 6 Insole Molded to Bottom Q-Form Alignment System (women) Air Cushion Midsole 6mm Sole Lug Depth Vibram Hiker Sole/Trek & Super Trek Rubber"

From EMS:
"Featuring a special molded foot frame for enhanced stability, the Switchback GTX has all-leather uppers with a Gore-Tex liner for waterproofing and breathability. Designed for carrying medium loads (20-35 lb.), this is an excellent boot choice for long hikes over tough terrain. Waterproof, full-grain leather upper (2.4 mm top grain leather). Gore-Tex fabric bootie construction wraps foot in comfort for all-day waterproofing and breathability. Injection-molded TPU heel. Lateral nylon supports provide torsional stability. Protective toe bumper protects the boot (and you) from rock damage. EVA anatomical footbeds conform to your foot's shape. In-Board compression-molded EVA midsole and Air Cushion heel pockets absorb shock. Vibram Hiker sole made with Trek and Super Trek rubber."

From Backcountry.com:
"It's sunrise after a rainstorm. Crawl out of your tent, lace up the Merrell Men's Switchback Backpacking Boot, and go get some soggy trail. Merrell constructed this waterproof leather boot with a Gore-Tex bootie liner to keep your feet dry on long, wet hikes. This stalwart backpacker gives you lean, light performance and heavy-duty protection. A molded backstay guards your Achilles and rubber bumpers shield your toes. The Vibram Hiker sole features a matrix of rubber lugs and cleats that grip sketchy terrain and stream-polished rock. Midsole air pockets absorb shock and the EVA footbed compression-molds to support and stabilize your feet. Merrell recommends wearing the Switchback hiking boot with a midweight hiking sock."

From Altrec Outdoors:
"Designed with a lower-slung profile than most conventional hiking boots, the Merrell Switchback Gore-Tex boot offers the support and waterproof protection essential for long day hikes and extended backpacking trips. Beneath the top grain leather upper is a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex fabric bootie that keeps the wet stuff out--even if you're spending a cloudy week beneath the canopy of the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park. Merrell Switchback Gore-Tex boots are nearly two pounds lighter than Merrell's mountaineering footwear, but this design doesn't cut out the incredible support of the In-Board compression molded EVA footframe. One of the best features for long hauls is Merrell's Air Cushion midsole, a soft and resilient pocket of air that returns a portion of the energy you use in every stride. A molded backstay along your Achilles helps support foot placement while rubber toe bumpers repel unseen obstructions that rise up to meet you. The Switchback Gore-Tex boot features Merrell's traditional hiking boot last, so it fits best with midweight socks or your favorite combination of midweight socks and wicking liners."

User Reviews

rated 2 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by Leo, Mar 31, 2009

"I'll say flat out that I am disappointed with this boot, particularly with its construction. It may look superficially pretty, but the construction is so poor that the boots fell apart fairly quickly. I have had the boots since late 2007, and have used them perhaps 15-20 times, for a total of no more than 30 days."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by Frank Parry, Sep 10, 2008

"I bought these boots in preparation for a Grand Canyon trip. I was having problems with my feet, and I needed something with enough support to protect a problem area on my foot, but lightweight enough to not weigh me down to much, as I am not an experienced hiker."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by Mike G, Dec 31, 2007

"Saw in a magazine at a hiking store and had them ordered the next day. I typically wear around an 11. 5 and these hit the mark, with a near perfect fit at size 11. 5.

First things I noticed were that these boots were a few inches taller then my previous pair and started to rub a little which lasted throughout the first week (Break in)on my leg, but quickly subsided."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by SteveLX, Aug 22, 2007

"Hi, Bought these boots over the web after having tried on in-store multiple boots at REI. Originally bought the Asolo 520 but they hurt my baby toes with more walking, and concluded they were for European and not American feet. Merrell boots fit American feet so they tend to be a little wider."

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rated 1 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by Nathan, Nov 29, 2006

"I bought these boots and wore them around town for a couple of days to start breaking them in. I took them on their first hike on moderate terrain and found them to severely rub the back of my heels on uphill climbs. The worst part of all is the materials and construction of these boots."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by Zach Janzen, Oct 18, 2006

"These boots by far are one of the most comfortable hiking boots that I have ever worn. When these boots are on your feet you can traverse any trail in confidence. I don't think that you have to get the Gore-tex version. I am sure that the leather version is more than suitable."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Switchback Gore-Tex
Reviewed by jdhtf3, Jun 12, 2005

"This is a great boot....I took them out on a 13-mile hike thru trails covered in snow and mud. Several times I was scrambling across wet granite and with a 50lb pack on I didn't have to worry about losing my footing at all! Great grip and tough, waterproof leather are going to make this pair of boots a real keeper."

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Where to Buy

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