Unfortunately, a few other reviewers seem to question the breathability of this membrane so that you may get a little sweaty on scorching days. However, this combination ensures superior protection from wet conditions. Merrell provides long-lasting hiking shoes at reasonable prices, with the Alverstone waterproof a prime example. As mentioned, the materials of this shoe are darn robust, resulting in a durable hiker. With that said, Gore-tex is one of the best fabrics for doing both– keeping water out of your shoe from rain and other forms of precipitation while letting heat escape and moisture evaporate from within. Merrel’s cushioned underfoot support I’m yet to find better shoes than Merrell’s for the price, and the Merrell Alverstone Waterproof Hiking Shoe is no different. On first impressions, this hiker is well-made and performance geared. In addition, it has all the support and grip you need for all-terrain use as a superb trail-ready shoe.

This is a shoe that wants to run, and we found ourselves bounding along the trail! We twisted the shoe in the lab, awarding it a 4/5 for torsional rigidity, putting it among the more rigid shoes. Our force gauge confirmed these findings, registering a whopping 54N for flexibility - a big change from the average of 36.4N. Evidently rigid, it has excellent rebound, and we felt it was a cross between a trail running and a hiking shoe. When choosing a waterproof membrane, you often lose breathability for hot hikes unless paying a premium for the famous Gore-Tex (GTX) waterproof membrane.It is a common trend to believe that support, specifically ankle support, comes from the high-top cuff of hiking boots. Consequently, it’s common to believe that Merrell hiking shoes do not provide adequate stability because they have low-cut cuffs around the ankle. However, this is simply not true. Low-cut Merrell hiking shoes still offer stability The cushioned midsole kept a spring in our step while out hiking. In the lab, we applied a durometer and found the midsole measures 36 HA. 9% firmer than average, it kept our feet protected from sharp objects, while still giving that cushioned feel which kept us going all day. Various materials go into the Merrell Alverstone Waterproof hiking shoes to make them reliable and comfortable. Boasting an upper comprising rugged suede leather overlays, mesh panels and the M Select Dry membrane combines comfort and durability. Some hiking boots can also be more expensive than hiking shoes. Purchasing Merrell hiking shoes is a great way to get all the traction and support you love about hiking boots for a more economical price. Toe bumper technology is a critical component of a shoe’s durability. The fronts of our shoes go through intense wear and tear on the trail. As a result, separating between the upper and midsole or outsole is a common failure point. Toe caps help prevent this, like those on the Merrel Moab 3. Breathable and waterproof options from Merrel

No, Gore-tex is not the only waterproof fabric used in Merrel hiking shoes. Merrell uses their proprietary M-Select Dry technology in some hiking shoes. However, Gore-tex does tend to be the most popular material. For example, the Merrell Moab 2 GTX utilizes a Gore-tex membrane on the interior of the shoe. The durability of Merrel’s hiking shoes is related to material choice, the technology used, duration of use, terrain type, and how the shoes are stored. Leather is a hard-wearing material, whereas the mesh materials allow airflow. The M Select Dry membrane also keeps water out whilst allowing excess moisture to escape, although some users have questioned the breathability of this shoe. Although most seem to find the fit spot on, a handful of comments suggest the fit is on the small or narrow side. So you may need to size up if you have wide feet or just like a roomy fit.

Internationak Delivery

It’s been well commended due to its minimal break-in period, super grip, and arch support. Although some find the fit a little on the small side, you should get a darn comfy fit once you find the size to fit. Each Merrell hiking shoe reviewed in this article is made with synthetic materials or a mix of synthetic and leather. Synthetic materials are popular in hiking shoes because of their ability to breathe. Treating these hikers with Merrell patented M Select Fresh technology also reduces the chance of odour-causing microbes. What’s more, very minimal wear in period and good arch support creates extra comfort. Effective traction is a critical component of hiking shoes. To measure traction, shoe manufacturers like Merrell carry out tests to measure the coefficient of friction and slip resistance.

High cuffs provide stability, but only when the cuffs are noticeably stiff. If the cuff is soft and flexible, it may not provide any extra stability.Moab 2 has advanced versions with Gore-Tex (Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX) and waterproof technologies (Moab 2 Mid Waterproof). Such features are absent in Merrell Alverstone, as Merrell created this style for hiking typical trails- rather than harsher surfaces and water bodies. ➤ Merrell Alverstone vs Moab 2 – Design Comparison ✦ Material This suede trekking shoe is designed to provide all-day comfort and full-foot protection on your trekking outings. There is no doubt that the Merrell Moab 3 is a highly breathable shoe. Our microscope images showed large ventilation holes in the tightly woven fabric, and when we performed our traditional smoke test, it scored an impressive 4/5 for breathability. 5 is the most breathable, and the average for hiking shoes is 2.3, so the Moab 3 definitely classes as breathable! As hiking shoe designs and technology improve, more avid hikers are transitioning away from hiking boots. This is true for fans of Merrell footwear, also. Instead, they are hitting the trails with Merrell hiking shoes. And for good reasons.