Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Hiking Shoe Review
The Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Hiking Shoe in Sodalite is a performance-oriented shoe designed to provide comfort and stability on your outdoor adventures. Featuring a combination of durable materials and advanced technology, this shoe is ideal for both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers alike. With its cushioned leather construction, it promises to keep your feet protected while ensuring breathability and flexibility.
Features
- Nubuck and mesh upper for durability and breathability
- Vibram outsole for superior traction on various terrains
- Nylon arch shank for added support
- EVA midsole for enhanced cushioning
- Breathable mesh lining to wick away moisture
Pros
- Exceptional comfort thanks to the cushioned design
- Great traction and stability on different surfaces
- Stylish look suitable for everyday wear as well
- Lightweight design enhances mobility
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal fit
- Not waterproof; not suitable for very wet conditions
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Waterproof | Outsole Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Annex Trak | Lightweight | No | Vibram |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Medium | Yes | Contagrip |
| Lowa Renegade GTX Mid | Medium | Yes | Vibram |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Hiking Shoe excels in comfort with its EVA midsole that provides ample cushioning during long hikes. The nubuck and mesh upper not only enhance breathability but also offer a stylish aesthetic, making them versatile enough for both trails and urban settings.
When it comes to traction, the Vibram outsole performs exceptionally well on various terrains, giving you confidence on rocky paths or slippery surfaces. The nylon arch shank adds an extra layer of support, which is particularly beneficial if you're carrying a backpack during longer treks.
However, it's worth noting that while the shoe is breathable, it is not waterproof. If you're planning to hike in wet conditions, these may not be the best choice. Moreover, some users have reported needing a break-in period before achieving the perfect fit, so patience is key.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Highly comfortable with excellent cushioning |
| Durability | 4/5 | Constructed with high-quality materials |
| Traction | 4.5/5 | Outstanding grip on varied surfaces |
| Style | 4/5 | Modern look suitable for multiple occasions |
User Reviews
This shoe is stiff and fits snug in the width, out of the box. Wearing them for several days breaks in their flexibility and they are beginning to conform to my feet. The break-in period made me doubt whether they’d work out for me at first; in terms of width across the instep.I really like the footbed cushion, my favorite feature in this shoe! It’s a great walking shoe, which is what I hoped for. Very durable construction...I think they’re going to last as my favorite shoes for the year!Since I have other Merrell shoes I was able to choose the same size I’ve always worn in this brand and found it to be consistent.
I was expecting a brighter blue as show in the ad. Color is much more muted.Shoes are good but definitely fit a little more snug than the Moab model. Also the outsole strikes the ground much differently and I’ve nearly stumbled more than once. Just takes a little getting used to.
Although stylish and comfortable these shoes just didn't hold up. These shoes fell apart after about 6 months of mild use. After contacting Amazon for a refund or replacement I was told I could " buy them again" I would not recommend these shoes unless you like to waste your money.
These are definitely comfortable and fit well but 2 pairs now failed after a few months. The 1st pair split on the side over the winter while walking on some icy snow. I figured it was my fault so I bought a replacement pair. Now, after a few months the 2nd pair split in the same place. Faulty construction.
I was really happy with these shoes when I first got them. I’ve had several Merrells before so these seemed like a sure thing. Unfortunately after not even 3 months, the outer sides of both shoes have pulled apart from the sole leaving huge openings. I noticed my feet getting wet a little too easily starting about a month ago so this likely started happening even sooner than I thought. Makes me rethink buying Merrells in the future.
These may be the best shoes I've ever had. Comfortable and sturdy. I wear these as an everyday shoe also, not just for hiking. Very breathable and my feet don't sweat. I have other Merrell boots but these are the only ones I have where I can wear them standing all day and my feet don't hurt.
Very nice but started to split vertical on the side where toes bend
Freakin' amazing shoes! So unbelievably comfortable. Extremely high quality build quality and materials. Lightweight. Phenomenal grip. My first pair of Merrell's and I am an instant fan.