Merrell FORESTBOUND WP Hiking Shoe - Your Ultimate Companion for Long Hikes
The Merrell FORESTBOUND WP Hiking Shoe is designed to take on rugged trails while ensuring comfort and protection. With a waterproof PU coated leather and mesh upper, these shoes are built to withstand various environmental conditions, making them an excellent pack-ready choice for any hiking enthusiast.
Whether you are trekking through muddy paths or rocky terrains, this shoe's protective die-cut rubber rand and toe cap offer added durability where you need it most. The Kinetic Fit BASE insole is another highlight; it contours to the natural shape of your foot, providing flexible support that helps maintain stability during your adventures.
Features
- Waterproof PU coated leather and mesh upper
- Protective die cut rubber rand and toe cap
- Kinetic Fit BASE insole for intuitive support
- Molded nylon arch shank for enhanced stability
- EVA midsole for improved comfort
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning for long hikes
- Excellent water resistance
- Durable construction suitable for rugged terrains
- Great traction with rubber sole
Cons
- Low-top design may not provide enough ankle support for some users
- Can feel a bit heavy compared to other lightweight options
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell FORESTBOUND WP | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | BROOKS Cascadia 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | No |
| Cushioning | Kinetic Fit BASE | Contagrip | DNA LOFT |
| Sole Material | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Arch Support | Molded nylon shank | Molded EVA | BioMoGo DNA |
Detailed Review
When it comes to all-day comfort, the Merrell FORESTBOUND WP shines brightly. Its EVA midsole provides ample cushioning, allowing your feet to remain comfortable even after hours of hiking. The Kinetic Fit BASE insole adds a personalized fit that adapts to the unique shape of your foot, enhancing stability on uneven ground.
The waterproof feature of this shoe deserves special mention. The PU coated leather and mesh upper effectively protect your feet from moisture, making it ideal for unpredictable weather conditions. Whether you're crossing streams or navigating through wet grass, you'll appreciate the built-in assurance against water ingress.
On the downside, if you’re accustomed to high-top designs for increased ankle support, you might find the low-top style of the FORESTBOUND WP lacking in that area. Additionally, while they are incredibly durable, the weight of the shoe could be a consideration for those who prefer lighter hiking footwear.
Overall, the Merrell FORESTBOUND WP Hiking Shoe stands out as a reliable option for serious hikers seeking comfort and protection over varying terrains.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning makes long hikes enjoyable. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | Built with tough materials for extended use. |
| Water Resistance | 4.6/5 | Highly effective waterproofing keeps feet dry. |
| Traction | 4.4/5 | Reliable grip on various surfaces increases safety. |
| Weight | 4.0/5 | On the heavier side compared to competitors. |
User Reviews
Are you looking for a worry-free decision on a men's all purpose hiking shoe? Look no further!The Merrell Men's Forestbound Wp Hiking Shoe has got the right stuff for outdoor durability and comfort. A real rubber sole with a non-slip tread design provides a solid base and a ton of grip. The upper is a combination of coated leather and mesh for a lasting waterproof experience. The insole conforms to, and protects your foot, ensuring hours of comfort while hiking or walking.This terrific shoe runs true to size in foot length and width and provides plenty of room in the toe. Fit is snug when laced up, yet allows for available room for a gel insole [if you require one]."Rock solid" best describes both this shoe, and my decision to purchase!Good luck with your search.
Very comfortable. In fact, they might be the most comfortable shoes I own. I've been able to walk and stand in them for long periods without any discomfort. I'm not sure how, but they feel surprisingly light for hiking shoes. They look great in solid black too (though the laces have some darker blue threads in them). As a diabetic, I wanted shoes that helped keep my feet warm and these do the job better than any other shoes I own. I've not had the chance to test the waterproof feature yet, but worth every penny so far. My only complaint is that the laces are too long, which is hardly even worth mentioning.
Update, 74 days of everyday use - the soles are peeling off at the front and rear edges. I will need to re-glue them... Removed one star because this is substandard for such expensive shoes. Cosmetically they look as good as new, tread is not unevenly or over-worn which is good.Also what I said before about the shoes' water-proofedness or resistance or whatever being no big deal... Well... I put on my old beaten pair of Keen trail running shoes which are not waterproof, which are MUCH lighter weight and breathable for a hike... They were much nicer to wear, I don't go across enough wet ground to justify the weight, the stuffiness._____________________________________________________This is exactly the shoe I've been looking for for years. I live in a rural area, have to go through damp dirt, loose rocks, don't really like to have to make shoe-changes unless I'm going out hiking. I have bought the whole gamut of trail runners, hiking shoes between $100 and $200, so far, (provided they don't wear prematurely,) I think these are my favorite.The only negatives... I guess the texturing on the sides of the outsoles are odd looking. They catch light, and really stand out. If you don't keep them clean, they stick out even more, with built up dust/dirt. Then... The insole is pretty stiff. No aches or pains or anything, but, I will probably add some dr scholl's of some sort.You should also be aware these aren't incredibly well ventilated. My previous pair, some Keens... were VERY well ventilated, so, the lack of ventilation bothered me initially, that might not be the case for you.Overall I do recommend these. I will update the review if they wear prematurely or if they last decently well.
I bought these to replace the exact same item purchased over 2.5 years before. These are not just used for hiking (for which they are great) but I also use them daily. Expensive but to last this long, they are well worth the price. Looks great with jeans and are super comfortable
Just 3 months old and the toe is already coming apart. These LOOKED like quality shoes. Disappointed with current direction Merrell is going. Will not buy again
Typical decent quality from Merrell. Very light. Fit as expected. Problem for me is the shallow heel. Feels like it won't hold my foot in, can slip on and off like slipper even when tied securely. I prefer a heavier shoe with snug fit all around. Other Merrell shoes have been much better fit for me than this. Good brand, just not my style on this particular shoe.
These shoes are very comfortable and look great. I was worried be a use my foot, while not extra wide, is on the wider side of a D. Many of the reviews said they were too narrow, I find their width not to be narrow at all. They provide plenty of room. Very pleased with this purchase.
These shoes are what I would say is a cross between a walking shoe and a hiking shoe. Great support for hiking yet comfortable enough to wear around the house, walking which I do a lot or hiking. I would buy these again and other Merrill shoes now that I see how much I like them.