Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux Stretch Carbon Fiber Industrial Shoe Review
When it comes to durability and comfort in industrial footwear, the Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux Stretch Carbon Fiber Industrial Shoe stands out in the crowded market. Featuring a sleek bracken color design, this shoe blends style with utility, making it an intelligent choice for those who spend long hours on their feet.
The shoe's upper is crafted from waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh, ensuring your feet stay dry and comfortable even during the most demanding tasks. Its unique COMFORTBASE™ footbed cradles your foot, providing all-day support and alleviating common fatigue issues associated with longer wear.
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Features
- Waterproof nubuck and mesh upper for breathability and durability
- Elastic cord and lock lacing system for a quick and secure fit
- COMFORTBASE contoured insole for enhanced comfort during extended use
- Slip and oil resistant durable rubber outsole; Mark II tested for superior grip
- Carbon Fiber Safety Toe for industry-standard protection; rated ASTM F2413-18 I/C
Pros
- Exceptional comfort due to the advanced footbed technology
- Robust waterproofing capability for varied environments
- Lightweight yet sturdy, enhancing mobility
- Excellent traction from the slip-resistant outsole
- Stylish design suitable for both work and casual settings
Cons
- Price point may be higher than some budget options
- Fit may be snug for wider feet
- Requires occasional cleaning to maintain appearance
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Chameleon Flux | Similar Alternative 1 | Similar Alternative 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Upper | Yes | Yes | No |
| Safety Toe Rating | ASTM F2413-18 | ASTM F2413-05 | ASTM F2413-18 |
| Slip Resistant Outsole | Mark II Tested | Standard | Mark II Tested |
Detailed Review
Your feet are essential for tackling daily challenges, and the Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux offers an impressive blend of performance and protection. The carbon fiber safety toe ensures that your toes are safeguarded against heavy impacts, while the innovative lacing system allows for quick adjustments, enhancing usability.
These shoes excel in wet conditions due to their water-resistant materials, which help keep you dry without compromising breathability. If you're walking on oily or slippery surfaces, the slip-resistant rubber outsole provides confidence with its superior grip. Users have noted how light these shoes feel, making them ideal for moving quickly on job sites or during outdoor activities.
However, it's worth mentioning that individuals with wider feet might find the fit a bit constraining. Additionally, while maintenance is relatively simple, regular cleaning is recommended to keep these shoes looking their best.
Overall, if you are seeking a reliable, comfortable, and protective work shoe, the Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux is certainly worthy of consideration.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and support for prolonged wear |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure long-lasting use |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent grip on various surfaces enhances safety |
| Protection | 9/10 | Meets industry standards for safety toe protection |
| Style | 7/10 | Modern design suitable for both work and casual environments |
User Reviews
Came on time and exactly what I was looking for. Great product and will definitely be buying again.
I have owned several iterations of Chameleon, and am an avid Merrell fan. One of the things I love about Chameleon is how flexible they are. I have used them both for hiking and climbing/bouldering, and the grip points rising high up the sides are super useful; you can bend your foot almost unrestricted and find grips on more than just the soles. However, the safety version of this shoe has a rigid shank, and obviously a protected toe, which removes all of the flexibility of the shoe. The cuts in the upper that normally make the Chameleon so flexible I can roll the entire shoe up like wrestling shoes, are feckless in the safety version of the shoe. Normally when I step on a cobble-sized rock, I can bend my sole over or around it; not so with a rigid shank. The toe box protection extends so far up the sides and top that there is no toe flexibility. I understand this is a limitation of safety shoes, but it makes for a very uncomfortable shoe. A rigid shank and large toe box protection need a rigid upper. The flexibility of the upper makes the shoe wobbly at the ankles, and the stepping/walking action is more of an elephantine clomping than a smooth heel-to-toe flex and push-off. It feels like wearing paint can stilts on your feet. My mistake for assuming the safety version of the amazingly comfortable Chameleon would be comfortable in the same way.As for durability, the shoe appears as durable as the hiking version, which is to say, very well constructed. The grip is solid, albeit a bit less aggressive since they attempted to incorporate non-slip-on-smooth-wet-surfaces type grip rather than the aggressive, large grip treads of the hiking shoe. Standing still for long periods is as comfortable as any hiking boots I've worn. It only hurts when you have to walk somewhere.Overall, a solidly durable shoe, but not a well-executed or well-thought-out implementation of a flexible hiking shoe as a safety shoe.
I love merrill but these are very uncomfortable
I have been wearing these for about a week now and so far I really enjoy them. Others mentioned the fit was off, but i did not feel that it was. They fit about the same as the Keenes and Merrells i have had in the past. The cushioning on the soles are excellent. After a 10 hour active day my feet do not feel fatigued. The shoe fits on your foot almost more like a sock. Instead of a tradtional tongue and lace system, these have a neoprene inner boot that wraps around your upper foot/ankle. An elestic clip can be used to tighten the inner boot slightly. The result ( for me anyway) is a shoe that i hardly feel like i am wearing. They are light weight and do not put pressure on your foot.All of that being said, if you are somone that likes having your shoes wrapped tightly around your anlkes you might want to look elsewhere. The other warning is for those with really wide feet. My feet are not wide and i did not order the shoes wide. Even so i noticed the composite toe area is slightly tighter than in most of the previous safety shoes i have used. It is not enough to cause me any discomfort, but if i had a slightly wider foot it might bother me.
Not as comfortable as I hoped they would be. They are slip resistant on the restaurant floors
Way too long. One size too big!
These shoes are horrible quality for a work shoe. Broke down and torn all over in a matter of a few months. Even the insole has holes in it.