Customer Reviews

Merrell Men's Cham 3 Stretch Kangaroo 9

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

I have purchased Chameleon stretch shoes by Merrill since the first year they came out, perhaps as many as seven pair, including the newest version that I just bought. I still have an original pair of the Chameleon shoe with its smart orange laces and trim, so this review is based on a side-by-side comparison. This will be the LAST pair of Chameleon or Merrill shoes that I ever buy. Merrill has sought to maintain the price point of these shoes rather than maintain the integrity of the shoe and its service as one of the best light hiking shoes around. While the front of the shoe was necessarily redesigned a few years ago to eliminate the "peeling" of its rubber toe, since then the shoe has consistently been made cheaper and less sturdy. The rear sides of the shoe used to be high enough to partially shield the ankle, but now the edge falls well below it, allowing for increased lateral movement. Instead of five laces, there are now just three, resulting in less support across the bridge of the foot. Black rubber has now replaced much of the shoe's real estate that had formerly been constructed of suede or breathable fabric. So the shoe is also heavier. The top edge of the shoe along the ankle used to be made of a supportive foam-filled fabric band, but now it is simply stitched "frankenstein" fashion. It looks and feels horrible. All this shoe is good for now is to wear for short walks or for trips into town. The new Chameleon3 stretch is a waste of money. Merrill should be ashamed itself for producing and selling this shoe.

After just two weeks of wear the rubber sole began to separate from the front of both shoes. I returned them and after just three weeks the second pair began to experience the same defect.

These shoes are too expensive to experience this sort of defect with such little use.

The first time I wore these shoes, they were great. When I finally wore them on a short day hike I understood what everyone was talking about with the back of the shoe digging into the back of my ankles. I continued to use them, with moleskin of course, and after a few more hikes they seemed to break in and now I have no issues with the shoe digging into the back of my ankle. They are an extremely comfortable shoe, but it seems you might have to break them in a little so the shoe won't dig into the back of your foot.

So I have been wearing the Chameleon Stretch shoes for more than 5 years. They have been the most comfortable and durable shoes I have ever worn until recently. I wear these shoes every day through all kinds of situations from working around the yard to full blown off trail hiking. Generally I was able to get 6 months to 1 year out of them. The last pair I purchased though wore out in the heel area after only a few weeks until I had a big hole in the heel, which was quite uncomfortable. After putting some pressure on Merrell and returning the shoes they sent me a replacement. Unfortunately the replacement had the same stitching on the heel and ended up wearing out just as quickly. Now I have to search around for shoes that work for me and will last. I buy more expensive shoes because I am tough on them. Merrell used to be a sign of quality, but like all companies that get too big for their britches, they have become more concerned about profit than quality and their shoes no longer hold up. Too bad for them...too bad for us.

I've had these shoes about a month, loved them so far until now. Under very light wear (no hiking, barely any outside walking) the soles are coming off already. I remember when Merrell meant quality, but that's not the case with these. Very sad, the fit and style were exactly what I wanted, but what good is it if they fall apart so quickly?

First off, this is a very comfortable shoe and I love the slip-on capability. There. I said something positive. HOWEVER, I just put two weeks of normal wear into my latest pair and it's already fraying/coming apart at the heel on the inside. I blame myself for being in this situation, as I've bought several pairs of this otherwise appealing shoe over the past few years and always end up disappointed when they inevitably fall apart after a short period.

Why did I buy my latest pair of crappy Merrills? Hmmmmmmmm.... hope springs eternal? I, for some outlandish reason, thought the company might have fixed the material/stitching problem and my $120 could be spent on a quality shoe.

WRONG!

My latest pair are the worst ever, and I will N-E-V-E-R buy anything from Merrill again. Never. Ever.

I had every intention of writing a stellar, raving review for the Merrell Marauder sneaker, now called Chameleon stretch, all pros and NO cons. I STILL have my original pair from circa Y2K, 11 years later!!! While the inner linings of both heels are worn thru from thousands of on/offs, they still offer a moderate amount of support after a decade of treading, and tree climbing! (I am an arborist. I wear these sneakers during recreational climbs, and climbs where spikes are not appropriate.) Their grip and support, expecially when new, was among the best I have experienced. And like most active people, I am into sneakers, and in the past have owned New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Asics, Airwalk, Puma, and Sketchers... so many. I'm sure I'm missing some.

I now have three pair of Merrells. My original, which I wear in the dirtiest conditions. A newer Chameleon pair, purchased perhaps 3 years ago, that is my everyday good looking sneaker and workhorse, and a brand new pair I purchased last year in summer 2010 which I have not even worn once yet.

Sure enough, I have to agree with the negative review I read here on Amazon: the pair I purchased 3 years ago, while standing up very well to the rigors of daily use, did separate at the toe last summer to a significant degree. I had to glue the rubber back onto the shoe with Goop. My original 11 yr old Merrells have shown very little sign of exterior breakdown. The sole in front, where it wraps up and around the toe, is lifting maybe a 1/4", if that, after all this time. But let me say this about the three year old pair: a few days ago I sprayed them with auto upholstery cleaner foam, brushed them gently with a damp soft bristle brush and gently dried them in a warm room. And they look brand f__kin' new. Unbelievable. I even washed the bottoms and I'm wearing them all thru the house now like a deluxe pair of slippers. One thing about Merrells, if you've never worn them, you don't know... your feet feel better with them on then off, a lot of times.

Now, unless the manufacture of the shoe has changed drastically in the last year, I must say that my most recent unworn pair of Chameleons purchased in 2010 is exactly the same shoe as the original Marauders that were a Christmas gift around 2000. Inspected closely and under magnification, everything is identical from a quality standpoint. Now I'm no shoemaker, so I cannot attest to the physical composition of the rubber, thread or other materials. But with the exception of a slight design change in the shape of the breathable net and suede patch material, every single seam, cusion, padding etc. is of the exact same standard of luxury as the old shoe. And when you look closely, it truly is a gloriously well crafted shoe.

So while yes, I did need to repair the 3 year old pair with a little glue, I don't mind. They are still the most convenient and comfortable shoe I have ever worn. I am not a runner anymore, so I can't recommend them for hyperactive sports like track, tennis, etc. But for sure, the elasticized bands that make up the "laces" are THEE MOST welcome innovation. I use a shoe horn mostly to put them on, and that minimizes the wear to the inside when slipping them on. (I keep shoe horns handy at every door.) The finger loops, while a bit small to get your finger in if in a hurry, work well when a shoe horn isn't handy.

The Merrell Marauder. Seen first in Herrington catalogs, now on Amazon. Just buy a pair and see for yourself.

After a month and a half, the lining has ripped and seperated from the shoes side wall. Not bad for driving to the office and back. Great for bedroom slippers. Merrel has had a decline in QUALITY. Amen

Bought these Chameleon 3's and broke them in for several days before taking them out on the trail in North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest. After a 35 mile hike in mountain terrain, the rubber virbram sole starting coming unglued from the toe. This shoe's rubber vibram doesn't come up and cover the top of the toes, it just covers only the front. Along with additional blisters I had in the same spot on both feet, and the elastic part behind my anke continually cutting into my achilles, ouch. I'd recommend a different shoe, or atleast don't take them out on the trail, or, if you do, hike minimal distance, and wear crew socks that rise atleast 4 inches over your ankle.

I'm in the process to see if Merrell will warranty the rubber sole coming unglued from the bottom of mine.

I bought a pair of the Cameleon's on October and I wear them about once to twice a week for moderate hikes less than 4 miles. The rubber started peeling off the toe within the first few months and now its peeled away about a half inch or more on both shoes. The heel stitching is all torn and the plastic is jabbing into my foot. I can't believe the poor quality of this shoe which is selling at a premium price. I am a lightweight hiker and not hard on shoes. I had a pair of Keen's that lasted better than 5 years under the same conditions and they're still going. Merrill's products seem to be going downhill in the quality department and I would steer clear of these until management realizes that they can't sell cheap products at premuim prices and expect return customers.