Merrell Terran Lattice
The biggest drawback to sandals is their lack of support to the foot. Unlike running shoes that have an entire system in place to help with support and stability, sandals lack the structure to do so (for the most part). They do tend to come in at a lower price point as a result of this flaw.
We have started to see that athletic apparel and camping companies have started to produce sandal products that are a little more supportive, a little more flexible and offer a little more flexibility which is positive. This, of course, doesn't come without a cost. With increased support comes a need for increased durability and therefore a product made with higher quality materials.
Today we have created an in-depth review of the Merrell Terran Lattice- a heavy-duty, durable sandal made by the popular outdoors brand Merrell. We looked at its composition, reviewers thoughts and came to our own conclusion of how this product performed. We hope that this article helps you with your next sandal purchase. Happy travels!
Comfortable shoe
Stylish design
Decent arch support
Attractive price tag
Some durability concerns
Some tightness for those with wider set feet
OUTSOLE
A sticky outsole helps keep the foot more secure rather than sliding around. It works with the straps to stabilize the ankle which helps avoid strains. A "sticky" outsole is massively important when looking at trail shoes as this will help it stick to surfaces like rocks and dirt. It should also help the hiker avoid slipping and falling. These sandals offer enough grip to protect and stabilize which reviewers really appreciated and we did too.
MIDSOLE
Stepping into these you know that they are going to be both comfortable and easy to wear due to these features.
The issue with a soft midsole is that the material does tend to be a little weaker. We discuss this in a little more detail below, but, this ultra-soft and ultra-comfortable design of the midsole did break down quite easily leaving these shoes a little hard to wear fairly quickly into buying them.
So though the feeling out of the box was nice, this didn't last long for some reviewers which caused concerns for several buyers, especially those using these for longer periods of time.
UPPER
Nuback leather is also quite comfortable when crafted correctly, giving this material an all-around positive rating by those who have footwear that is made of it.
In addition to this feature, the upper offers an adjustable hook-and-loop strap which allows for some adjustability and customization to the shoe. Though the upper straps are adjustable, reviewers did take issue with the straps. Reviewers found that the straps sit too close to the heel and therefore slide under the foot when walking around. This caused discomfort and frustration when attempting to do anything. It also hurts the structural integrity of the product which can lead to injuries sadly.
WEIGHT
BREATHABILITY
The anti-bacteria feature may be particularly interesting and helpful for those with existing foot odor issues.
COMFORT
The straps are adjustable which help with a more customized fit. This all said, there were some immediate issues. As mentioned above, the straps wouldn't stay on all foot types. In fact, many reviewers found them sliding off the foot and under it making them quite uncomfortable to wear.
In addition to this issue, some found that these are not meant for wider feet. Reviewers with wider set feet found that these really dig into the sides of the feet making these unwearable, unfortunately. This should be considered before purchasing this product.
STYLE
They are also available in numerous color options for those looking for something to suit their individual style. The primary issue with these is, though, that they lack durability and they start to break down quickly after purchase. This, of course, affects the aesthetic of the sandals very quickly and definitely takes away from their stylish highlight.
DURABILITY
Overall, the durability did leave a little something to be desired. Reviewers found that alternative products were much more impressive and reliable. Many returned them because they found them unwearable. These are large issues and should definitely be considered before spending money on a product like this.
PROTECTION
Firstly, it comes from the grip. A shoe can offer the highest level of support and stability but without grip, falling over, trips and scrapes become the reality. Luckily there is more than enough durable grip offered to keep the walker safe. In addition to that, the Nubuck leather straps are strong and adjustable, offering stability to the ankle and the heel.
Reviewers found that the protective features of the Merrell Terran Lattice were appealing and reliable. Outside of some issues with the straps staying where they are supposed to at the back, the front straps seemed to satisfy reviewers and didn't take away from the contoured nature of them.
RESPONSIVENESS
Sandals do have a flexible nature in general due to their lack of structural integrity. Luckily between the arch support, the adjustable straps and the natural flexibility of this product, they are a triple threat.
SUPPORT
The adjustable nature of its straps also help stabilize the foot and keeps it tighter to the midsole. This means that the foot is supported and safe, even when in riskier situations.
TERRAIN
PRICE
Our biggest concern is durability. Because they aren't very durable it is hard to justify their price. Though this is the case they do offer some versatility being that they can be worn out and about as well as on the trails.
Overall, the price point is nice but their longevity is definitely questionable.
TRACTION
It also offers the stability required to keep the foot safe on sliding surfaces (often experienced on trails with loose rocks and dirt). They are also great for uneven terrain which reviewers really appreciated.
FLEXIBILITY
STABILITY
DROP
KEY FEATURES
- Lycra spandex lining for flexibility
- 3 mm memory foam footbeds for impact
- Nylon arch shanks for support
- M Select Grips for traction
- Anti-bacterial lining for odor protection
- Attractive design for versatility
- Super comfortable midsole for long term wear
BOTTOM LINE
When it comes down to it, they may be better suited for shorter distances and less vigorous terrains. They are reasonably priced and nice to wear with skirts or dress pants which is appealing to the majority of consumers.