Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Waterproof Hiking Shoe in Charcoal is designed for hikers who value both functionality and comfort. Inspired by the adaptability of reptiles, these shoes provide a seamless blend of protection, stability, and lightweight construction. Ideal for outdoor adventures, this hiker promises to keep your feet dry and comfortable in various terrains.
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Features
- M Select DRY BARRIER impermeable membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
- Waterproof nubuck leather and mesh upper for durability
- Elastic cord and lock lacing system for a quick, secure fit
- Bellows tongue keeps debris out
- TPU molded heel counter for enhanced security
- Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole offers flexible support
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- EVA foam midsole provides additional stability and comfort
- Vibram XS Trek Evo with 5mm lug depth improves traction
Pros
- Highly waterproof, perfect for wet conditions
- Lightweight design enhances mobility during hikes
- Comfortable and supportive insole adapts well to foot shape
- Tough materials ensure durability over time
- Secure fit prevents slippage, enhancing safety on trails
Cons
- Initial break-in period may require some adjustments
- Sizing may run slightly small, recommend trying on before purchase
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Chameleon 8 | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | KEEN Targhee III Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per shoe) | Lightweight | Medium | Medium |
| Insole Type | Kinetic Fit BASE | Ortholite | Metatomical |
| Lug Depth | 5mm | 5mm | 4mm |
| Fit Type | Elastic Cord Lock | Sensifit System | Secure Fit Lace Capture System |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Waterproof Hiking Shoe excels in several categories:
- Comfort: This shoe features a Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole that molds to your foot, providing excellent support during long hikes. The EVA foam midsole aids in cushioning and stability, making every step feel confident and secure.
- Durability: Constructed from waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh, these shoes are built to withstand rugged terrains while keeping your feet dry. The quality of materials used ensures longevity, even after extensive use.
- Traction: The Vibram XS Trek outsole with a 5mm lug depth provides superior grip on varied surfaces, essential for navigating slippery or uneven ground. Whether you're hiking up a muddy trail or traversing rocky paths, you can rely on these shoes for solid footing.
- Design: The elastic cord and lock lacing system allow for a customizable fit, which not only enhances comfort but also keeps debris out thanks to the bellows tongue. Their sleek design allows them to seamlessly transition from the trail to casual wear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort with a supportive insole and cushioned midsole. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity and resistance to wear. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, enhancing safety. |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Effective waterproof barrier keeps feet dry in wet conditions. |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | Pricey but worth it for serious hikers; consider alternatives if budget is tight. |
User Reviews
Fit like a glove with great support. Very happy with purchase! Sized perfectly for me.
The chameleon shoe is a bit pricy, but a better fit than the Moab with a little more ankle support. Great traction.These are hard to get on when new due to the top opening, but once you get your feet in you can feel the stability of the fit. And after they have stretched out some, it goes on and fits well for a long time. My last pair lasted 10 years and many hikes and camping trips.
Merrell has been my go-to footwear for many years now. Had 4 or 5 pairs of the Chameleon Stretch 7's, they were the best! This will be the second Stretch 8's for me and the quality just isn't quite as high as the prior model. I had some stitching failures with my first pair of 8's... hoping that it was just a fluke. Still, I wore the first pair for 8's over a year, and they are comfortable. I wore these on concrete floors for years and NEVER wore out the soles! Merrell makes a great outdoor shoe.
I've been using Merrell sneakers for years now. They have a great selection and durable ones.
This shoe has always been my favorite. The most recent purchase doesn't disappoint. Everything I get a new pair, I have a 2-3 week break in period before they become a better fit. These are no exception. They seem to relax a bit in the uppers after this period and feel so much more comfortable. But the only thing is that they do seem a slight bit tight getting them on at first. Fortunate, after the first 2-3 weeks they are fine.Chameleons have been the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn!
I really wanted these but in the end I had to return just didn't fit
I use them as my outside goto shoe when I'm not in sneakers/shoes. They are very tough and take a beating without looking shabby so 10 for toughness. I use them for working around the house, in my light-contracting businessh and hiking. Need for improvements: The soles could be more plyable/flexible, they are very stiff so score 7. I love the easy pull-ties, great feature score 10, but when tightened they are very long and can cause you to step on them, score 7. I shorted them by tying a knot in them so they are not as long. Merrell leadership need to start wearing their products in the field. Hey Merrell CEO, get out and use this product, you will make a good product a Great one. I would by them again unless a compeditor is listening and makes a similar and improved product.
I actually returned the shoes because I already had a pair and thought I was buying more of a vented style sneaker. I actually like the shoes for traction and water resistance. Keep in mind they're more of a neoprene bootie than a running shoe so you are giving up that secure fit of a sneaker/hiker for the water resistance. I would like to add that the seller was very easy and quick to work with on my return. I hope this helps.