Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Hiking Shoe Review
The Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Hiking Shoe is designed to offer both comfort and performance, making it an ideal choice for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted with a combination of durable materials, this shoe boasts a cushioned leather upper that provides the support needed for long treks. Its unique blend of style and functionality ensures that whether you are on a rugged trail or a casual walk in the park, you'll look great while feeling comfortable.
Features
- Nubuck and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Vibram outsole for enhanced traction on various terrains
- Nylon arch shank for structural support
- EVA midsole for excellent cushioning
- Breathable mesh lining to keep your feet dry
Pros
- Exceptional grip and traction from the Vibram outsole
- Comfortable cushioning suitable for extended wear
- Stylish design that can transition from trail to casual outings
- Durable construction that stands up to rugged use
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Outsole Type | Cushioning Technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Annex Trak | Leather/Synthetic/Textile | Vibram | EVA Midsole |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Synthetic | Contagrip | EnergyCell |
| Columbia Men's Crestwood | Leather/Textile | Omni-Grip | EVA |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The cushioning provided by the EVA midsole is remarkable, allowing you to tackle long hikes without discomfort. The breathable mesh lining helps manage moisture, keeping your feet feeling fresh.
Traction: The Vibram outsole excels in providing traction across different terrains, ensuring stability on slippery or uneven surfaces. Whether you're hiking on rocky trails or wet ground, this shoe performs exceptionally well.
Durability: A combination of nubuck and mesh materials not only adds to the style but also enhances the longevity of the shoe. It's built to withstand the demands of outdoor activities.
Fit: Users may find that the fit initially feels snug, but it tends to loosen slightly after a short break-in period. It's advisable to try on the shoes with the socks you plan to wear during hikes to ensure proper sizing.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and fit, perfect for long treks. |
| Traction | 4.8/5 | Superior grip on various surfaces, enhancing safety. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | High-quality materials ensure lasting performance. |
| Style | 4.4/5 | Versatile design suitable for both trails and casual wear. |
User Reviews
I was looking for black shoes for work and stumbled upon these. I have had other Merrell products in the past and had been very pleased so I took a chance and ordered them. I had read several reviews stating that they are narrow or too tight, but I would have to disagree. I have low arches, wide feet, and Plantar Fasciitis, so I was VERY happy when I tried them on and found that if I loosened the laces a bit they were the perfect width. Plus, it has really nice built in arch supports. I have to be on my feet for work and walk a lot, I am in LOVE with the support and comfort these shoes provide. I strongly recommend trying these for yourself. As I found out, reviews aren't always accurate.
Fantastic shoes for all terrain and occassions. from grip to comfort and durable construction, very happy. years ago I had a more casual pair and the toe cap construction was bad, others had same issues. They've since vastly improved the toe seal design and I will purchase another pair.
I can only best describe this as willful negligence as there’s no way a established shoe company Such as Merrill does not possess the skills and knowledge to build a shoe well. I was Convinced it was just a fluke and this is actually my second pair. After the second pair self-destructed before I even got to wear in the soul it’s became apparent that I got got. however it’s OK because I met someone named Ariat whom actually seems to have their Priorities straight and believes in delivering a good product and standing behind it. Meryl I’m disappointed in you and I believe this is the end for us, it was a good run until my shoes fell apart at the start of the race.
I wanted to wait to give my impressions of this shoe until after doing a bit of day hiking. I got these to replace an earlier, different model low-top Merrell hiking shoe. I was quite satisfied with those, so I decided to stick with the brand but try a different model. Overall, I find the Annex Trak to be a good buy, living up to my expectations from the earlier Merrell shoe. The test came in the form of a camping trip involving much walking on rough, rocky trails and slick coastal crags. The tread gripped well in all circumstances and the sole was well cushioned. The shoes didn't slip at all but were snug around the mid-foot and I felt no hot spots or irregular points against my foot. My one single complaint, and it's minor, is that the heel lifts slightly out of the heel cup when walking. There is no heel-lock lacing hole on this model. I imagine this is a common phenomenon with low hikers and if it's a key concern for you or if you have weak ankles, get the high-top version. For a good, solid, comfortable rough-terrain walking shoe, I would easily recommend this one.
These shoes are great. I've owned several pairs of Merrells, Solomons, Aslos etc... Wore them the first time push mowing my lawn, over 95 deg in the Carolina humidity and feet were abnormally dry, no hot spots. Especially considering the whole leather construction. Can't wait to take these out on a long hike... more to follow.Also, usually wear a 12, downed the 1/2 size for Merrell's (typical) has once again hit the nail on the head.Lastly, have gotten quite a few compliments on the appearance (the least of my worries, but always welcome). Great all around shoe.
First time use was a little tight, but loosened up some to fit very well. I love these shoes, wear them everywhere, Snow, Wet, Muddy, Sandy. They are very comfortable to wear, and have not shown much for wear or tears. Tread is aggressive, with the right balance of hard to soft, great traction on all surfaces, even greasy. If they ever wear out, I will repurchase again and again.
EDIT:I've lowered my rating from 4 to 2. After receiving my replacement pair from my first defective order, the Right shoe of the replacement busted a seam on the 4th day of wearing them. Fortunately the Right shoe from my original order was still ok, so now I'm wearing the new Left shoe and the original Right shoe.I bought these shoes as an every day winter shoe. So far, they keep my feet warm. Maybe a bit too warm when indoors, but not unbearable. I did wear them in the rain for the first time today, and my feet did get wet so I'm a little concerned about that going forward...I did have to return the first pair I ordered, as the left shoe was defective. I could feel a ridge on the ball of my left foot. The inside of the foot felt lower than the outside, like the sole caved in. The replacement pair did not have this problem.The shoes feel a little snug and the arch is pretty high, but after a few days to break them in they are pretty comfortable.
they are excellent hiking shoes for the countryside, they can even be used for daily use very comfortable they are not light but they adapt well to the foot