Merrell Chameleon Ventilator Low Update
We like these approach shoes a lot, and walked much of the Annapurna Circuit in them, but after around six months use, it looks like we've found their achilles toe....
Posted: 14 June 2004
by Jon
|
Merrell Chameleon Ventilator Low
shoe- Update
|
|
|
Price: £59.95
|
|
Weight: 1140 grammes (pair size
43)
|
|
Features: Pigskin
Leather Upper , Breathable Defense Mesh Panels , Breathable
Padded Tongue , Injection Molded Wishbone External Counter ,
Breathable Airflow Mesh Lining , Omni-Fit/Webbing Loop
Lacing System , 4.5mm Anatomical Footbed, 4mm Tapered Nylon
Grade 4 Insole , Compression Molded EVA Footframe , Air
Cushion Midsole ,Vibram Octogrip Sole/Trek Rubber
.
|
|
Stable, comfortable and nimble.
Not as durable as boots, don't scramble well.
|
We've been using a pair of Merrell Chameleon Ventilator Lows
regularly since last November, so that's around seven months. If you
read the original
test, you'll see that we liked them a lot for their combination
of nimbleness, comfort and stability and trekked most of the
Annapurna Circuit and Base Camp routes wearing them.
 We
did mention however, that approach shoes generally aren't as durable
as boots, a prophecy which has turned out to be fulfilled as the
tough-looking toe protection gave way the the other day rendering the
shoe pretty much useless.
They've had a hard-ish life, but the uppers and soles are both
still in generally good condition. The really annoying thing is that
the reinforcement, which looks like it overlies a suede leather
panel, is actually just a stitched to it and covers a nylon section
along with a stiffener, the white bit hanging out of the bottom.
The fine double stitching joining the reinforcement panel to the
suede area is exposed and the reinforcement has torn along the line
of stitch holes - see pic.
Okay, approach shoes simply aren't going to be as tough as boots, but
we're disappointed at the way the reinforcement has simply torn away
when there's plenty of wear left in the rest of the shoe. We're going
to send them back to Merrell to see what they say and while we
wouldn't say you shouldn't buy the shoes, you should be aware that
the reinforcement may be a bit of an achilles toe...
Know more or want to?
If you'd like to add your own experiences of this product check
out our user review system and post your opinions to the world. If
you have questions you can mail
us direct, ask
Richard Gear or try a posting to our gear
forum.
Discuss this story
I love both Merrell and Brasher footwear for its comfort. Sadly, both companies seem to make stuff that doesn't last. My Brasher Supalites caved in completely (and painfully) after less than 500 miles. My lovely Brasher Orapas are coming apart at the seams after less than 12 months' wear. Merrell's Strider sandals are worn through after less than a year, and my Chameleon Stretch squeak like mad, send me flying in the wet, and they haven't replied to my letter. I would say that Scarpa are going to end up with prety much all of my (considerable) footwear budget for the forseeable future, but unfortunately their stuff doesn't wear out quickly enough to allow me the pleasure of replacing it every 9 months.
Posted: 14/06/2004 at 21:58
See more comments...
|
