Merrell All Out Blaze
If you are a hiker, you know that finding shoes comfortable enough to hike in is an adventure in and of itself. You have probably ended lots of hiking trips due to extreme pain and discomfort in your feet. It is important to have a shoe that provides enough support, cushioning, and flexibility in order to make your hiking trip a great one.
A brand that provides good quality hiking shoes is Merrell. Getting to know the needs of hikers and catering to all of them is one of the brand’s specialties. Not only that, but their shoes are fashionable in comparison to many other hiking shoes on the market.
These shoes also feature breathable mesh to allow your feet to stay comfortable and fresh for as long as possible. If you are looking for a hiking shoe that will not be ruining your trip due to its discomfort, you have come to the right place.
- The shoe is lightweight, according to a lot of hikers
- The shoes have a lot of cushioning, particularly in the outsole and in the midsole
- The shoes have a strong grip, preventing any slipping
- These shoes are comfortable and supportive, according to many customers
- Some people believed that the shoe was too stiff in some areas
- Some said that the shoe was half a size larger than they expected it to be
Sole Composition
The outsole of the shoe needs to be able to provide a hiker with the right amount of grip so that they can avoid falling down in potentially slippery areas of the trail they are on. According to many, this hiking shoe has got that down pat. The shoes are created with a material called Vibram, which makes the shoes able to withstand any type of weather or problems on the trail. These shoes also allow for there to be traction coming from all sides.
The midsole of these hiking shoes are made from Air Cushion VIZ foam and EVA midsole material. This means that those who wear the shoes will be comfortable all day because of the extra padding. If the wearer is an individual who has grown more used to running on sidewalks, these shoes are perfect for being able to adapt to running on trails.
Terrain
It is safe to say that the Merrell hiking shoes live up to the expectations. They are able to withstand both wet and dry environments, as well as the unexpected and rough paths that hikers are likely to go on, where there are lots of rocks, mud, dirt, branches, and more.
The shoes are also durable enough to last a long time despite such conditions.
Traction
Luckily, the outsoles of these shoes were created to withstand any weather conditions and to provide enough grip for the person wearing them. They also provide traction from all sides, unlike typical running shoes, which only provide enough traction that will allow the runner to not slip, but run very fast.
Upper
The leather that is on these shoes provides extra durability to the shoe so that it can be able to handle any types of weather conditions. It is necessary for the shoe to have this feature because a hiker can encounter anything while out on the trail.
The shoes also have a mesh material in between these leather parts, which allows for the hiker's feet to get enough airflow, which is key to prevent oversweating. This will provide extra comfort.
Size and Weight
Regarding size, some people have said that their Merrell hiking shoes were true to size. Others say that it took them a day or two in order to be able to break in. Meanwhile, other people say that the shoe was either too big or too small on them. It is recommended that you go to a store where these hiking shoes are sold to try them on yourself instead of purchasing them online to avoid any similar issues.
Airflow and Waterproofing
There is mesh along with leather in these shoes in order to allow there to be enough airflow for the hiker’s feet. Again, these shoes are not comparable in breathability to typical running shoes, but they also will provide enough airflow to anyone hiking on a trail.
These particular shoes are not necessarily waterproof (there is, however, a waterproof version of the Merrell All Out Blaze hiking shoes), but they are made to withstand wet conditions, so a hiker should be fine if the weather becomes drizzly while they are out on the trail.
Comfort and Cushioning
According to many consumers, the shoes have a lot of room in the toe area, which is important especially if they are intended to be worn for long periods of time.
The shoe also has a lot of cushioning, particularly in the midsole. The extra padding available in the heel is perfect for people who are just starting to go out hiking on trails. However, this might not be as great for people who have been running on trails forever.
Aesthetics
For men, the shoes are available in a light brown color with orange details, olive with pink details, black with gray details, and gray with light blue details.
The women’s version of the shoe seems to be available in a gray-green color with light green details, and a light brown color with light blue details.
So, while the color range is not very wide, it should be expected considering the fact that these shoes were intended to hike in, where they will inevitably become dirty and muddy.
Longevity and Quality
The upper part of the shoe is made with leather, which means that the shoe is durable and will handle all kinds of conditions, including getting scraped and scratched by branches, mud, dirt, and water damage. And, the outsole of the shoe is made to withstand the many, many different elements of the terrain that any hiker is bound to come into contact with.
It is worth mentioning, however, that as with any shoe, one should care for these well in order to ensure their longevity. Taking care of any pair of shoes and cleaning them when they get unbearably dirty is the key to making sure that shoes will last as long as possible. But overall, these shoes were made to last a hiker for many years and many miles to come.
Safety Features
The shoes are also very supportive, so if a hiker particularly has problems with injuries such as shin splints, these injuries will be prevented thanks to the Merrell hiking shoes, because the constant impact that comes with hitting the feet on the ground is absorbed by the midsole.
Flexibility
Support and Balance
It is also important to note that the shoe was especially made with new hikers in mind. People who are more used to running on flat surfaces such as roads and sidewalks strike their heel on the ground first, which will be very painful if they are on a hiking trail. Here, the support is in the heel of the shoe, which will allow people who do this to be more comfortable and to adapt to the differences between running on hiking trails and running on sidewalks.
Key Features
-The midsole of the Merrell All Out Blaze hiking shoes is made with enough cushioning and foaming to provide comfort to the wearer.
-The outsole of these shoes has is made with Vibram material, which provides a lot of traction on tough terrain.
-The shoes are made to withstand many types of weather conditions and tough terrain.
Bottom Line
They do provide a lot of support and features that prove that these are highly durable shoes that will last for a long time.
There are great points about these hiking shoes, but there are some negative points which anyone who is thinking about purchasing these shoes needs to consider.