Merrell Exotech Men's

ohsmeg
Reviewed: 21 March 2010

7 YEARS OF SUMMER MOUNTAIN USE & STILL GOING STRONG

sturdy, supportive, grippy, very comfortable,

none

what will I do when they eventually wear out?????

p.s. I'm a woman and quite light so maybe that's why they haven't worn down to the extent other reviewers have found?

Chris Hine
Reviewed: 24 May 2003

EXCELLENT COMFORTABLE TRAINING SHOE

The most comfortable shoe I have ever had, I have run in them, walked miles and just gone down the pub. Great

The sole has worn down quickly, particularly the heel. Most annoying, I bought a second pair cos i loved mine, and the second pair were much bigger than the first.

Brilliant shoe, sole should wear better than it does. All shoes should be this comfy!

clive jones
Reviewed: 03 May 2003

EXELLENT ALLROUNDERS.

Lightweight,excellent grip,good stability and they look good!.

Sole does tend to wear quite quickly.Omni-fit lacing system can be uncomfortable if slightly over tightened.

I have used these shoes for some time,from day walking in Torridon,to long distant back-packing and they are one of the best shoes i have ever worn.Just about to buy another pair!

Mike D
Reviewed: 29 April 2003

LIGHT, GRIPPY AND COMFORTABLE.

Lacing system holds your feet securely, stiff sole unit, with great under foot cushioning and superb tread.

Not in the least bit waterproof, but what would be the point anyhow? Tend to quickly get a bit smelly.

I have to admit I've not quite used these shoes for their intended application (low level walking, running etc.). They have been abused mightily, apart from mountain biking where the stiff sole unit transfers power straight to the cranks and the soles seem to stick to the pedals. I've used them for scrambling and high level walking in dry weather. The grip on rock is fantastic and I've used it to my advantage on scrambles in Wales and on the Cuillin of Skye, the increased mobility caused by the low cut and light weight has been a revelation after years of wearing boots. They're not so good for edging, but why edge when you can smear? Lack of ankle support? Well good foot placement works wonders if you're wearing boots or approach shoes on rough ground. Talking of rough ground I found the under foot cushioning really took the sting out of the endless scree shoots of the Cuillin with the result that my feet felt less tired than usual after wearing boot, the light weight possibly helped here.

Downsides? With the abuse they are receiving their life expectancy will be somewhat less than Merrell's expectations. As far as lack of waterproofness goes, if it rains or you walk in wet grass or boggy ground your feet will get wet, so it probably best to use them in dry conditions, though I have worn them with waterproof socks and my feet have kept dry (I have to say I'm not a great fan of waterproof socks as far as comfort goes). Smell? yes they do, funny but I have a pair of Merrell sandals that get whiffy too, but at least you get a spot at the bar on your own easily enough.

They come in half sizes, and I found that wearing thin socks required a half size up from my normal shoe size (thick socks would most likely mean a full size up). The value marking of 5 reflects the fact that I only paid £30 for my pair.

Jack Addison
Reviewed: 28 April 2003

MIGHT LAST A YEAR OF EASY USE ON LOW LEVEL WALKS.

How long would these be expected to last?
Having worn them for less than 12 months, mainly on low level tracks, about 25 miles per week, the heels wore out. The retailer assured me that this was only to be expected since the rubber used was much softer than that used on walking boots!