Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux Stretch Carbon Fiber Industrial Shoe Review
The Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux Stretch Carbon Fiber Industrial Shoe is expertly designed for individuals who require both durability and comfort in their footwear. Featuring a combination of waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh uppers, these shoes manage to provide excellent grip and traction akin to that of a hiking boot.
With the integrated COMFORTBASE™ footbed, your feet are cradled in all-day support, making them an ideal choice for those long workdays. Furthermore, the carbon safety toe adds a layer of protection, ensuring you can tackle your tasks with confidence.
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Features
- Waterproof nubuck and mesh upper
- Elastic cord and lock lacing system for a quick, secure fit
- COMFORTBASE contoured insole for all-day comfort
- Slip and oil resistant durable rubber outsole; Mark II tested
- Carbon Fiber Safety Toe rated ASTM F2413-18 I/C
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for extended wear
- Strong grip and stability on various surfaces
- Stylish design suitable for both work and casual wear
- Waterproof feature keeps feet dry in wet conditions
Cons
- May run slightly large in size
- Initial break-in period required
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Upper Material | Safety Toe | Slip Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Chameleon Flux | Nubuck and Mesh | Carbon Fiber | Yes |
| KEEN Utility PTC Dress Shoes | Leather | Steel | Yes |
| CAT Footwear Threshold Work Boot | Leather | Steel | No |
Detailed Review
The Merrell Chameleon Flux stands out significantly when evaluated across several important categories:
- Comfort: The COMFORTBASE™ technology provides a tailored fit, significantly reducing foot fatigue during prolonged wear. Users have reported excellent arch support, making it a go-to option for those with active jobs.
- Durability: With the added strength of carbon fiber in the safety toe and reinforced rubber outsole, this shoe is built to resist wear and tear, providing long-lasting performance even in challenging environments.
- Traction: The slip and oil-resistant outsole ensures superior grip, making these shoes reliable even on slippery or uneven surfaces. Ideal for industrial settings where footing is crucial.
- Style: While functionality is key, Merrell's thoughtful designs mean you won’t sacrifice style for comfort. The sleek black finish makes these shoes versatile enough to transition from work to after-hours.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | Excellent cushioning and arch support. |
| Durability | 9/10 | High-quality materials with robust construction. |
| Traction | 8.5/10 | Reliable grip on various surfaces. |
| Style | 8/10 | Modern design suitable for different occasions. |
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.