Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Hiking Shoe, Earth, 14 Review
If you're in search of a hiking shoe that seamlessly blends comfort, durability, and adaptability, look no further than the Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Hiking Shoe. Designed with a nod to the chameleon's ability to navigate various terrains, this shoe is crafted to meet the demands of avid hikers.
With its nubuck leather and mesh upper, the Chameleon 8 ensures breathability while providing essential protection against the elements. The elastic cord and lock lacing system allows for a quick, secure fit—perfect for those spontaneous outdoor adventures when you need to slip your shoes on or off swiftly.
Features
- Nubuck leather and mesh upper: Combines durability with breathability.
- Elastic cord and lock lacing system: Offers a quick and secure fit.
- Bellows tongue: Prevents debris from entering the shoe.
- External rear sling: Locks in the heel for added stability.
- Breathe mesh lining: Enhances airflow to keep your feet cool.
- Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole: Provides flexible support tailored to your foot's shape.
- Merrell Air Cushion: Absorbs shock and improves stability.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole: Ensures comfort during long hikes.
- Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole: Delivers superior traction on varying surfaces.
Pros
- Outstanding grip and traction thanks to the Vibram outsole.
- Lightweight design makes it easy to wear for extended periods.
- Comfortable cushioning enhances support over long hikes.
- Stylish appearance suitable for both trails and casual wear.
- Easy to clean and maintain with machine wash care instructions.
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing runs slightly small.
- Less insulation compared to dedicated winter hiking boots.
- The price point may be higher than budget options.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Columbia Men’s Redmond V2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | No | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium weight | Lightweight |
| Traction | High | Very High | Medium |
| Cushioning | Good | Excellent | Good |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Hiking Shoe excels in several key categories, making it a top choice for hikers of all levels.
Comfort: This shoe includes a lightweight EVA foam midsole and Merrell Air Cushion technology, delivering exceptional comfort even on longer treks. Whether you're navigating rocky trails or flat paths, the cushioning supports your feet effectively.
Fit and Stability: The elastic cord and lock lacing system ensure a snug fit while the external rear sling locks the heel in place. This combination provides stability, which is essential for maintaining balance on uneven terrain.
Durability: Constructed with a blend of nubuck leather and breathable mesh, the Chameleon 8 offers both durability and ventilation. The bellows tongue helps keep out debris, making it ideal for outdoor adventures.
Traction: With the Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole, you can confidently tackle various surfaces without worrying about slipping. The high traction is particularly beneficial in wet or muddy conditions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and support for all-day wear. |
| Fit | 4/5 | Secure fit with slight concerns about sizing. |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use. |
| Traction | 5/5 | Outstanding grip on various terrains. |
User Reviews
I discovered merrells about 5 years ago, and now it's the only brand I'll buy. I put more miles on my shoes than most people do with their cars. The biggest thing for me is the soles, they actually last. Even when they do wear down, they still have decent grip. Also the side wall where the pinky and big toe are, I usually bust holes right there with any other brand. They're extremely comfortable. I really like the way they hug your feet, but they're not too tight. When I ordered the chameleon 8s I didn't realize they had no shoesteings till I received them. I was a little concerned about that at first, but I actually really like having the elastics pull tie set up over strings. The best part is, the more you wear them, the more comfortable they become!
I have worn this brand & style for several years. Comfortable & wear well both for work & play. They lasts really well. The shoe lace system makes the easy get on & off. I always spray them with a water repellent.
I had a pair of these some years back and they were my favorite hiking shoes, I heard they had been discontinued and I was disappointed.Fast forward to this year, I saw these of the same Merrell brand and the design is very close to my old pair.These shoes are so comfortable and the bungee laces make it so you can adjust the perfect snug fit around your foot without any binding, even when your feet swell from hiking.The pattern and color goes well with most outdoor attire and the only downside is that they don't last forever. I will definitely buy these shoes again, I highly recommend these shoes:)
Fits foot well once you get it on the foot; very tight to get on the foot.
These are a great all around shoe. I have bought a new pair every summer for the past several years. They hold up well and provide good stability and grip.
My 1st pair was purchased about a year ago. I started daily walks and these have held up very well and are comfy. I first started walking 1.5-2 miles a day. Then decided to walk 2 miles twice a day. My 1st pair is still good but I am headed for a huge vacation next year, and decided to break in the new (2nd pair) for my trip. I do not think these are the waterproof ones, but I do spray Scotch Guard on my shoes every so often. I have other Merrills and love the brand.
I have owned more than 6 pairs of Merrell shoes. I’ve never been disappointed.
I like them just fine there very comfortable and a lot warmer than I thought they'd be, wore them a few times now for short hikes ,but I've been accustomed to wearing barefoot running shoes so all the extra padding & weight and zero flex in these are taking some time to get used to . These chameleon ones definitely run bigger, though, than the moabs ,I ordered size 11.5 and these are a full size up it seems where the moabs 11.5 are way too tight . Would love to see merrell make a barefoot shoe design though with the same vibram soles but with a zero drop sole like my everyday barefoot running shoes . Or something with more room in the toe box ,my toes are kinda smashed together in these shoes which I really don't like. But they aren't squeaky like others have said