User Review: Merrell Wilderness

Merrell Wilderness
Above: The current Wilderness, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 26, 2008 by goyo

Rating:
Materials: leather, vibram, more leather
Use: dayhikes, day-to-day use
Break-in Period: a month
Weight: around 3.5 lbs/pair
Price Paid: maybe $150?

I've had my pair for about a year-and-a-half, and I guess I'll probably have them for another 20 or 30. It is an absolute wonder to me that anyone still produces something of such simple and perfect craftsmanship! The uppers are nearly one solid piece of leather and, with proper care, probably won't tear or rupture without the encouragement of a land mine.

I do not find the soles ideal; incredibly stiff, flat vibram leaves my feet throbbing if I spend too long walking on hard surfaces (like rocks). They are also h-e-a-v-y. In fact, these Merrells converted me to shoes for almost all longer-range hiking. Still, they're amazing boots and I expect to have them for many years.

Lastly, I have a wide toe, and would suggest that any prospective buyer with the same search out a wide fit for these (mine are medium...).

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