How to Choose Merrell Hiking Shoes to Suit a Trip

Merrell is known for making eminently comfortable outdoor footwear that stands up to rugged conditions and weathers the elements. All Merrell footwear is designed according to the company's theory of versatility, which dictates that footwear should be able to accommodate diverse outdoor conditions and activities, and must also respond to varying degrees of speed and motion. This makes Merrell hiking shoes some of the most comfortable, durable outdoor footwear on the market. When purchasing Merrell hiking shoes for a trip, factor in various considerations to choose a shoe suited to your purposes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Choose a shoe designed for your planned activity. Merrell offers a wide array of styles suitable for any conceivable outdoor activity, from mountaineering to light day hikes. While lightweight slip-ons or technical sandals may be sufficient for day hikes over easy terrain, mountaineering trips or multi-day backpacking require more substantial, protective footwear.

Step 2

Consider your terrain. Many of Merrell's multi-sport styles are designed to accommodate a variety of conditions. If you plan to hike over rugged terrain or off-trail, choose a shoe with enough traction, support and durability. For wet or muddy conditions, choose a shoe with waterproof construction, such as the Chameleon GORE-TEX series, which offers breathable protection and an Air Cushion midsole.

Step 3

Choose a style. Merrell hiking shoes are available in a variety of rises to suit any trail condition. For easy to moderate hikes, shoe height may largely be a matter of personal preference. Low-rise shoes such as the men's Radius hiking shoe are perfectly suitable for light day hikes, but boots with sufficient ankle support are advised for more rugged conditions or for hauling heavy backpacking loads.

Step 4

Be mindful of temperature conditions. For warm-weather hikes, the Moab Ventilator series provides ultra-light construction and breathable fabrics, plus a mesh tongue that further enhances ventilation. Winter or three-season shoes should be waterproof with adequate insulation. The men's Thermo 6 or the women's Thermo Arc 6 is a streamlined waterproof mid-height boot with Thinsulate insulation and a rugged Vibram Thermo sole.

Step 5

Buy only as much boot as you need. If the only thing on your itinerary is moderate hiking or approaching a climbing crag, a heavy backpacking boot will be too heavy and cumbersome.

Step 6

Try shoes on with appropriate seasonal socks. If possible, take a test walk on different surfaces and varying inclines to check for any heel-lift or slippage.

Resources

Merrell hiking shoes on trails.com

Article Written By Karen Eisenbraun

Karen Eisenbraun has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Knox College and has been writing professionally since 2004. She is the editor of a weight-loss surgery support website and is currently studying to become a certified holistic nutrition consultant.

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