Merrell Women's Ontario MID Hiking Shoe, Boulder, 07.0 M US Review
The Merrell Women's Ontario MID Hiking Shoe combines nostalgic style with modern performance, making it an excellent choice for adventurous women who appreciate both function and aesthetics. Featuring rich full grain leather, this shoe not only looks good but is built to withstand various outdoor conditions. The Vibram® Megagrip® outsole provides unmatched traction, ensuring your confidence on any terrain. Whether you are hitting the trails or navigating through rugged landscapes, these shoes have got you covered.
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Features
- Vibram® Megagrip® outsole for superior grip
- Merrell Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured footbed for flexible support
- Durable leather and textile fabric type
- Machine washable care instructions
- Imported quality construction
Pros
- Exceptional traction and grip from the Vibram outsole
- High-quality leather gives a premium feel
- Flexible support with the removable contoured footbed
- Easy to maintain with machine wash capability
- Stylish design suitable for casual wear too
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Some users may find them slightly heavy
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Outsole | Support Type | Fabric Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Women's Ontario MID | Vibram® Megagrip® | Kinetic Fit BASE | Leather/Textile |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Contagrip® | Ortholite® | Synthetic/Textile |
| Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus | Omni-Grip® | Techlite™ | Leather/Textile |
Detailed Review
When it comes to hiking footwear, durability and comfort are key factors, and the Merrell Women's Ontario MID Hiking Shoe does not disappoint. The use of high-quality leather ensures that the shoe is not only robust but also adds a touch of class to your hiking gear. With a well-structured midsole, this shoe supports prolonged wear without leading to fatigue, making it ideal for long trails.
One standout feature is the Vibram® Megagrip® outsole, which excels in providing traction across varying terrains. Whether you're traversing rocky paths or muddy trails, the grip keeps you stable and secure. The flexibility provided by the Merrell Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured footbed adds a personalized touch, allowing you to adapt the shoe based on your comfort needs.
Maintenance is straightforward, as these shoes can be tossed into the washing machine, which many hikers will appreciate after a muddy trek. Despite their advantages, it's worth noting that some users report needing a break-in period to achieve maximum comfort, and the weight might feel slightly heavy compared to lighter alternatives.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent support and cushioning, may require break-in. |
| Traction | 5/5 | Unmatched grip on various surfaces, outstanding performance. |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | High-quality materials ensure longevity even in rough conditions. |
| Style | 4/5 | Nostalgic design appeals to both hikers and casual wearers. |
| Maintenance | 5/5 | Machine washable, easy to keep clean post-adventure. |
User Reviews
First, I own several Merrell Siren Q2 mid Hikers. In most shoes I wear an 8.5 to 9 and I wear orthotic inserts. I also have a fairly narrow foot - but always wear a Medium width. I own the Merrell Q2 in a size 9 and purchased the Ontario Mid Hiker in a Size 9 figuring they would be a similar fit. But I was wrong and I returned them as they were way too large. Purchased again in an 8.5 and again returned because they were too large. However 3 Times must be a charm. Ordered these in Size 8 and with my own orthotic inserts these shoes are now a perfect fit. Now for the shoe - it looks great. Feels and looks more like a sneaker than a hiker...which is what I was looking for. Very light weight - not heavy like most hikers. I've worn them for a few weeks, there was no break in time and I can walk for hours with no foot fatigue.. These will be my travel shoes for a 6 week walking trip. Hope this info is helpful regarding sizing.Dec 2019 I liked these boots and tried them out for a few weeks before a long trip that required a lot of walking - and they did not work out for me. They have lots of room in the toe box for me (that might not be a problem for others ) and I could never cinch them tight enough to keep my foot from moving around. Disappointed in this shoe after putting them to the test. Back to the Merrell Siren...it's for a more narrow foot.
I bought some hiking boots like 3 years ago and they always gave me blisters, but I hadn't put enough wear on them to really justify new boots. But then I was planning this hiking trip to the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia and knew I needed GOOD footwear.Enter these Merrell boots. I wanted some more traditional looking leather boots, so I tried both these and another pair, and on first fit, these won hands down. I didn't have much opportunity to break them in, but this week I put them to the test - 44 miles in the past 7 days, much of it scrambling up and down mountainsides! I wore them with SmartWool socks and synthetic liners in temperatures ranging from 75degF down to 25degF. My feet were never too warm or too cold, and I have no blisters or hot spots. They survived mud, rain, and streams without allowing my feet to get wet, and did a great job supporting my ankles as I wobbled my way down goat tracks.These are hands down my favorite hiking boots I've ever worn. I wish I could give them more than 5 stars! I might even buy another pair to keep for when these wear out!
Great shoe! It’s waterproof except for the tops where it ties. Comfortable and easy to hike in. Really cute too. Got my normal size and fits great.
Love the look and that the top 3 laces are the hook kind so it offers easy in and out and tightens well. The toe box is a little tighter than expected. The leather around the ankle is stiffer than Merrells usually are, but hopefully it will loosen up with wear. They’re not really a cold weather boot, but I wanted them for walking back and forth for work so they fit my needs perfectly. I think with thicker socks they would also work when it’s colder. Also very light weight, which I love about them.
I trek Brooklyn daily in all weather and these trekkers rock it in the urban environment. Great comfort, cushiness and traction. Held up well in light-to-moderate rain without waterproofing. They keep your feet very warm without overheating, so they can be worn from fall to cold winter days. I would not use them in snow, however. They are too nice and can work for work environments as well. Another great thing is that they don't get the ugly leather crease across the top of the foot, and I have bent down in them a bunch. Well done, Merrell. I am happy to see that some American companies have retained their quality at decent prices.
I have been wearing these for a few months now, on hikes and just general walks. They are definitely waterproof as I live in the Seattle area and have not had any problems with them soaking through. The shoe is so lightweight yet offers good ankle support. I have issues rolling my ankles, and this provides me with enough support while not neglecting comfort. I like these as opposed to other brands because of how lightweight they are.
I’m completely in love with these boots. I have planters fasciitis and a heel spur. It is really difficult finding shoes that provide cushion support for my heel with enough support for my arch. These have been amazing out of the box with no need to replace the insoles! Slightly wider than I expected, which I love because my toe box is more wide than narrow. I’ve worn them in icy/snow conditions and dry conditions. Great on both urban and rural terrain. Plus, they’re way cute. I get lots of compliments on them, whether I’m wearing them with jean or leggings.
No blisters on first day out, 8 miles in lassen national park, doesn't even feel like you need to break them in. Great leather look and great hiking laces that click in to their slots and stay put. My daughter and I both got a pair, she's 16 and 56 and were satisfied and love the look.