Merrell Women's Bravada Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The Merrell Women's Bravada Waterproof Hiking Shoe in Aluminum is designed specifically for female hikers who appreciate the feel of a sneaker combined with the ruggedness of a hiking boot. This shoe prioritizes comfort and function, making it an excellent choice for your next outdoor adventure.
Utilizing a waterproof membrane, the Bravada effectively seals out water while allowing moisture to escape, keeping your feet dry and comfortable during wet conditions. The combination of a breathable mesh and TPU upper provides durability without sacrificing ventilation.
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Features
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and allows moisture escape
- Mesh and TPU upper construction
- Traditional lace closure for a secure fit
- Bellows tongue design keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap for added durability
Pros
- Exceptional comfort with a soft Achilles collar
- Great grip and traction for various terrains
- Lightweight design that doesn't compromise on support
- Stylish appearance suitable for casual wear
Cons
- May require a short break-in period
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Women's Bravada | Salomon Women's X Ultra 3 GTX | KEEN Women's Targhee III Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Membrane | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per pair) | Lightweight | Moderate | Moderate |
| Fit Type | Sneaker-like | Standard | Wide |
| Grip/Traction | Excellent | Superior | Good |
Detailed Review
Fit and Comfort: The Merrell Women's Bravada features a comfort Achilles collar that significantly reduces common hot spot zones, ensuring that long hikes remain pleasurable. The traditional lace closure allows you to customize the fit as needed, making these shoes adaptable to different foot shapes and sizes.
Performance: With its waterproof membrane, the Bravada excels in wet conditions, making it ideal for rainy hikes or muddy trails. The rubber sole provides excellent traction across various surfaces, giving you the confidence to tackle even the slickest of terrains.
Durability: The shoe's mesh and TPU upper not only facilitate breathability but also enhance durability, making it a solid investment for regular hikers. The protective toe cap adds an extra layer of defense against rocks and roots, ensuring the longevity of the shoe.
Style: Beyond functionality, the Merrell Bravada is stylish enough for casual wear. Its sleek design means you can transition from the trail to town effortlessly.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Soft collar; cushioned insole perfect for long hikes |
| Performance | 8/10 | Waterproof and good traction for varied conditions |
| Durability | 8/10 | Quality materials used; resistant to wear and tear |
| Style | 7/10 | Aesthetically pleasing for both outdoor use and casual outings |
User Reviews
These are the best hiking shoes I have ever owned. I wore them everyday on a 3 week trip to alaska in August/September. it rained 80 % of the time I was there. I hiked through soppy, wet terrain and creeks, over glacier silt rocks, wet hilly pebble beaches, etc. Not once did my feet/ socks get wet. Also, when they say these shoes get good traction, they mean it. I have feet issues...some neuropathy & knee issues that contribute to instability, and these shoes are incredibly comfortable and stable. I brought extra hikers thinking I would need to change out when they got wet, but ended up wearing these everyday. Whoever designed these shoes....great job. I have ordered another pair in case, like most good shoes, they are not available in the future. Oreder a size up, I normally wear an 8 to 8.5 in everyday shoes. A size 9 is perfect.
Shoe fit great. Wish They didn’t hurt around the ankle. They are cut too high on ankles for me
I love these! I actually bought them to go hiking but decided to “break them in” at work. I work at the hospital and walk miles a day. I didn’t realize I NEEDED so much ankle support until I wore these. They hug my ankle and keep my hypermobile joints from flopping around so I ends up with no foot pain at the end of the day unlike the 3 other shows I’ve bought in the last 6 months. I also took these hiking and they’re great. Durable. Sturdy. And CUTE for hiking shoes unlike some of the other Merrells that look a bit chunky and unappealing on your feet.
I wore these through London and the Yorkshire Dales on a two-week trip in winter. They were comfortable and kept heavy rain & snow out very well when I wore them along with inexpensive shin gaiters. This way I didn’t have to bring boots along. Be aware though that these are hiking shoes and, while comfortable, they are not as cushy as running shoes. I love that the dark grey color lets them look nice with jeans or dark pants for evening activities.
I purchased these shoes for our trip to Alaska. I wanted waterproof and something that looked good with jeans or hiking pants. They kept my feet dry during rain/sleet. The shoes were very comfortable!!
As others have noted, the tongue is very short and it is extremely difficult to get your foot into this shoe. I like the look but the fit is very odd.
I kind of feel bad leaving a negative review but I just didn't like them at all. They were kind enough to give me a refund. I really wanted to like them too. I have normal nothing out of the ordinary size 7. The top of the shoe just dug in terrible. It hurt. I originally thought I just tied them too tight. I had to put my finger in the back to even put them on. It's not that they were too small. They fit. It was plenty of room. The shoe was actually quite comfortable except the top. I never thought I had a high instep but maybe I do. They didn't even need the laces in them. They were just tight right where the tongue is. The tongue is sewed in so it's one piece. I just didn't like them. I could just be used to my sketchers. I have friends who like them. I just don't.
I needed shoes to hike in Europe that would be lightweight for packing. These are terrific. I have just been using them at home to break them in before my trip begins. Working great!!