Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Multisport Shoes Review
The Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Multisport Shoes in Black/Black are designed to provide comfort and support for casual wear and light outdoor activities. Constructed with a blend of synthetic materials and leather, these shoes combine style with functionality, making them an ideal choice for those who appreciate both aesthetics and performance.
Features
- Cushioned leather shoe for enhanced comfort
- Molded nylon arch shank for added support
- EVA contoured footbed with organic odor control
- Protective rubber rand and toe cap for durability
- 100% Synthetic fabric type
- Machine washable for easy care
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning suitable for casual wear
- Durable design with protective elements
- Stylish appearance that can be worn in various settings
- Odor control feature enhances freshness
Cons
- Intended for casual and low-level walking only, not suitable for heavy hiking
- May feel bulky for some users
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low | Cushioned leather, molded shank | Casual walking, low-level trails |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Waterproof, aggressive traction | Moderate to hard hiking |
| Columbia Bugaboot III | Insulated, waterproof | Cold weather and snow |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Men's Annex Trak Low Multisport Shoes stand out for their impressive comfort level. The cushioned leather construction ensures that your feet feel pampered during long walks. Thanks to the molded nylon arch shank, you’ll appreciate the additional support, particularly if you're prone to fatigue.
When it comes to the footbed, the EVA contoured design provides a snug fit that accommodates the natural shape of your foot. Plus, the organic odor control feature helps keep unpleasant smells at bay, even after extensive use.
Notably, the protective rubber rand and toe cap add a layer of durability, making these shoes suitable for light trail exploration. They have been crafted with a stylish edge, allowing you to wear them casually without compromising on looks.
However, it's essential to note that these shoes are intended for casual and low-level walking. If you’re looking for something to tackle more rugged terrains, you might need to consider other options. Additionally, while they offer a good amount of cushioning, some users may find them a bit bulkier than desired.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and support for casual walking. |
| Durability | 4/5 | Sturdy build quality with protective features. |
| Style | 4.5/5 | Attractive design suitable for multiple occasions. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Good balance between cost and quality. |
User Reviews
Love Merrell shoes
So I've had a lot of Merrells... I think this must be my 7th pair or so. I purchased these because the pair of leather Moab Rovers I bought in 2009 are finally beginning to wear (that's another story entirely - *those* shoes went around the world for nearly 2 years, climbed mountains and streets and came home still ready to keep going) so I went to find a similar sort of shoe from Merrell.Initial impression was 4-star... these are MUCH stiffer and supportive, and really just overall robust than I was expecting. Translation: they are going to take some serious breaking-in, *but* from what I can tell it will be very worth it. My only concern is how much thicker and not-so-breathable they are in comparison to the Rovers, but we'll see. I bought they for a winter shoe anyhow, as in summer I wear Merrell Trail Glove 2 and 3 almost exclusively. I'll report back how these wound up after a few months. They seem like they'll be quite nice.Wearing them around the house for a day (not going on trails or anything) they seem too stiff and clunky for what they are. I think a mid-rise shoe of thick size would be better. They're far stiffers than the Moab Rovers were when they were new. The sole and upper is VERY inflexible at the mid-foot and heel - so lateral support is fantastic but foot flex is next to zero. I'm debating whether I even want to keep them at this point as I think break-in will be a long process. That would be fine if I didn't have dedicated boots and the Moabs already. I really thought this shoe would be more flexible. On the plus side, they're very warm so good for the winter time. I'm still on the fence about them, but don't want to take them outside for real paces and ruin my return window. Hmmm....
I wanted to like this shoe: it looks good in the pics, and have had several Merrell shoes over the years, inc a few versions currently...The 'Sodalite blue' is cosmetically much darker in real life vs the photo. No big deal.However, the sizing is a tad large/long vs the 'size 11' I have been and do wear over the past 60 years; it seems that Merrell, et al sizing really depends on what 'factory' they were made in. Online shoe buying has become very hit or miss, in my experience.Additionally, the insole is very thin and during my first few hours of wearing, I could feel the bottom lug pattern poking into and through that very thin insole. Not very comfortable and not sure what the target mkt is for these shoes. The design is 'nice looking', the wearability is suspect and crummy, imo. Form over function these days for many shoes. I need to find a good store where shoes can be tried on vs the online shoe buying roulette game.
Didn’t hold up like other Merrill’s I’ve owned. The sole split open after a few months of normal wear