Merrell Men's Wildwood Aerosport Water Shoe Review
The Merrell Men's Wildwood Aerosport Water Shoe is designed for those who love to explore summer trails while ensuring comfort and breathability. Crafted with ventilation panels and made from quick-dry materials, this shoe effectively enhances your outdoor experience. Whether you're crossing streams or trekking through damp terrains, these water shoes provide the perfect blend of athleticism and cushioning.
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Features
- Synthetic leather and mesh upper
- Elastic cord and lock lacing system for a quick, secure fit
- Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole for flexible support
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- Molded nylon arch shank for additional support
Pros
- Excellent breathability due to mesh construction
- Quick-dry fabric ideal for water activities
- Secure fit with elastic cord lacing system
- Shock-absorbing air cushion adds comfort on rough terrains
- Machine washable for easy care
Cons
- Sizing may run small; consider ordering half a size larger
- Not suitable for very cold weather conditions
- May take time to break in for some users
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Closure Type | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Wildwood Aerosport | Synthetic Leather and Mesh | Speed Laces | Yes |
| Columbia Drainmaker IV | Mesh and Synthetic | Lace-Up | Yes |
| Nike Aqua Sock 360 | Synthetic | Slip-On | No |
Detailed Review
When it comes to outdoor footwear, the Merrell Men's Wildwood Aerosport Water Shoe stands out for its combination of functionality and comfort. The synthetic leather and mesh upper not only provide durability but also enhance airflow, making them highly breathable. This feature is crucial for summer adventures, where keeping your feet cool can make a significant difference.
The elastic cord and lock lacing system offer quick adjustments, ensuring that the shoes remain securely fitted no matter the activity. This design element is particularly beneficial when traversing uneven terrain or engaging in water sports. Moreover, the Kinetic Fit BASE removable contoured insole provides flexibility, allowing for natural foot movement while still offering ample support.
One of the highlights of this shoe is the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel. This specific feature effectively absorbs shock, which is vital when you are walking on hard surfaces or rocky paths. It contributes greatly to overall stability, further enhancing confidence in each step.
Care is simplified, as these shoes are machine washable, a must-have for anyone who enjoys muddy hikes or splashing through streams. However, it’s wise to note that some users have reported that the sizing runs small. Therefore, trying them on or opting for a larger size might be prudent if you’re between sizes. Additionally, while they excel in warm, wet environments, they aren't suitable for colder climates.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and fit |
| Breathability | 5/5 | Outstanding ventilation and quick-drying capabilities |
| Durability | 4/5 | Solid build quality with durable materials |
| Support | 4/5 | Good arch and heel support |
| Care | 5/5 | Easy to maintain and clean |
User Reviews
Did the Subway hike in Zion with these. They were great for walking in the water and did well on the trails too.
I have had maybe 12 pairs of waterproof sandals and shoes over the years these are the best I found. I want easy on, sturdy sole, stable support, and quick dry. Oh, and comfortable, a consideration no other shoe had. This has it all. Because it’s soft on inside be aware that it takes overnight to dry, but there is no residual moisture. As comfortable as a running shoe. Interestingly it’s from Merrill, from whom I bought some slip ons, best I ever owned after 6 pairs over the years. I think they are on to something.
These shoes are great except for 3 small areas.1. Fitment - Narrower than expected, almost uncomfortably narrow2. Construction - The tightening lace is WAY too long. I had it hanging over the front of my shoe.3. Dry time - These are definitely NOT quick-drying which surprised me for a hybrid shoe.Now for the Pros.These are durable, have great grip, are light weight, are easy to tighten, and do a good job of getting the majority of water out if your shoe.
got these today was terrified they wouldn't fit. i haven't taken them off since i got them! i can't say what they're like as water shoes but as shoes to kick around the house in. they're great. comfortable light weight and nice look. i wore without socks for a bit but ended up putting socks on just cuz I'm not used to skin against shoe. never have been able to wear shoes that way but i imagine you could and itd be fine. good so far. hope they hold up in water on vacation
I did a 14 mile hike wearing these shoes, just to testing for hiking performance. They did fine but the rubber insole wasn't as comfortable as expected for hiking. So I removed the rubber insoles and inserted my Merrell "Flight" insoles. The Flight insoles fit in these shoes perfectly and are much more comfortable for hiking. Merrell insoles are interchangeable as long as it's the same size shoe you're changing to. Happy trails!
Cool all summer and good support.So comfortable, this purchase is my second pair of this exact shoe. Still wearing the old ones more than two years later. Tops still fine but starting to wear through the bottom.
Super fast delivery. Great product
I bought these shoes to replace a pair of ecco water shoes that I have been wearing for years, which unfortunately I can no longer find for sale. With these new shoes I tried to cross a creek that I crossed many times in my old shoes and fell right on my back. Stepping on a wet rock with these Merrels was like ice skating. It could have been bad. They also run small and are uncomfortable.