Customer Reviews

Merrell Men's Chameleon3 Ventilator GORE-TEX Shoe - Gunsmoke 11.5 D(M) US

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm your average Asian with wearing size US8. I wanted a pair of waterproof and warm comfortable shoes for walking in the city or offroad. I chose this because it wasn't hi cut but still the sides rubbed my ankle bone on both feet. It was too uncomfortable to wear for long walks. Then I added inserts to raise my foot heel and ankle area. So far it's been comfortable so no complaints now. Wish the original fit was better though.

Let me begin by listing words that I would convey to describe the user experience of these shoes: hard, strong, rigid, unflinching, comfortable, protective, effective barrier, and shoe. I neglect to add the word Richard, because I have a friend named Richard who is the living embodiment of these shoes. Sadly, you don't know Rick. So his inclusion would leave you confused and angry. And I just want to be friends.

These things are impressive. I wasn't expecting them to be so heavy, but they weigh a very noticeable amount. Which is fine because these shoes are f'n amazing. Waterproof? Check. Make your feet feel like they have a small army protecting your toes? Absolutely. Feel like you could kick an SUV and it would land six miles away? No. That's just silly. But you could really make a satisfying dent. They are solid with a very noticeable mass. If you're in danger of people dropping bowling balls on your feet these would afford adequate protection, so feel free to attend those Parkinsons charity bowling tournaments you enrolled your father in.

These shoes are the Honda Element of hiking sneakers. You can get 'em all dirty in the mud and sand and then just hose them down. They'll take plenty of punishment, and if you put them on correctly (untie and then tie up rather than just slipping them on and off already tied) they will last you for years. I've noticed my other Merrells tend to experience interior heel destruction when you just leave 'em tied and slide them on and off. It wears down the padding and the uncovered plastic sticks you in the ankle. But to be fair, that's true of any brand of shoes. And quite sad really that I've ruined shoes because of my own laziness. ::stares at a lonely waterfall::

I first came upon the Chameleon line at REI, at one of their garage sales 5 years ago and picked a pair up for $15. As our family is very involved in Boy Scouts and Geocaching I quickly became very impressed with the shoe. 6 months later I found my size at another garage sale, and for $20 I felt I had walked away with a steal! Needless to say those shoes are still in use for cutting grass, and muddy fishing/hiking trips although the soles are wearing thin. I paid full blow for my latest pair that I wear to work-money well spent! They do tend to size somewhat small, as I wear a 12 Wide, however I fit snugly into a 13. They take some miles to break in , but I feel that is due to their heavy duty construction. I'm a big guy, and I feel many shoes aren't made for the beating our weight puts on them-these shoes can take the punishment!

These are the first pair of Merrell shoes that I've purchased and I cannot be more satisfied with them. You really do need a good breaking in time before actually taking them out hiking, but it will be worth it. I've already put 5 miles to these shoes and they are a splendor to have on those days where you don't know if you will run into mud, puddles, or anything other than normal conditions. I would only recommend for those who need shoes that can take on water and harsh terrain, if you're only going on light hikes, then there are other, cheaper shoes around, if you want an all around good hiking shoe and don't mind breaking them in and have the money to spend, this is for you.

Merrell Men's Chameleon3 Ventilator GORE-TEX Shoe

This is my 3rd pair of Merrells and they just keep getting better! The only downside is the break-in period. About 10 days of constant wear will leave you with sore toes and the balls of your feet aching but if you make it through that, you'll have the most comfortable, and best performing hikers you've ever owned. I'm a large guy (5' 11", 240 lbs.) so I ask a lot out of my shoes. I think my size probably effects the break-in somewhat but I also think it makes it a little more grueling for me than for a smaller, lighter person. You may not have the painful break-in I experienced with these shoes, but there is a reason I keep buying them. They just plain work! I hike, work, and drive in these shoes and they perform absolutely great in every environment I put them in. They breathe well and keep my feet dry as long as the water stays below the top of the shoe and they look great too!

I purchased these shoes and they are a great shoe. I love the way they look and feel. All around very rugged shoe. The only down fall to the shoe is they are not slip resistant. I went into a fast food establishment after it had been raining and it was like skatiing on ice. Very slippery, but on the other hand they are hiking shoes and not really made for floors. All in all very satisfied with the shoes.

Being a contractor I thought I needed to live up to the cliche and buy Merrells. These were $130 and I have thrown them in the bottom of a foot locker. The are entirely too heavy, too stiff, too big and clumsy, too hot, and to top it of they run a half size too small. I would find another shoe, these things are ridiculous.

When I bought I was hoping that I am buying a pair of working shoes that is going to last for couple of years. Unfortunately, after 3 month working in a restaurant, it's already started to fall apart, especially inside. Too bad, they look very strong, but I guess they aren't that strong : I am giving it 3 stars only because I started to like them otherwise, I wouldn't buy this product again

I purchase alot of Merril shoes. This hiking shoe was extremely comfortable. They give you great support. Un fortunatly the sole wore out rather guickly. I contacted Merril and the were very good and replaced my shoes very quickly. I still buy Merril shoes. They could be a little cheaper, but you get what you pay for.

Bought a pair of these shoes, and they're great. A little stiff at first, and had to be broken in, but now that they've 'peaked' they're very comfy, supportive, and rugged.

Bought these because a lot of other military aviators suggested them to me, and owned pairs themselves. $100 shoes ranks right up there with a $200 surefire flashlight... (See other review), but they're worth every penny. They mine (might) as well be a pair of Rocky Boots S2V Military Boot - Tan but for civilians.

Merrells have a long tradition of being outstanding, well made, high quality shoes. I whole heartedly agree, and unfortunately because of that I can't be the repeat customer I wish I could be !

Pros:
Durable
Mostly water proof
Breathable
Very supportive of ankle
Rugged sole that conquers every type of terrain I've tested it on
Interesting design

Cons:
Very stiff at first
Leaves blisters on back of ankles if proper socks aren't worn (Only at first. then it softens out. But still. Wear good socks !)
Developed a short lived squeak in left shoe (That mysteriously disappeared, as it mysteriously as it appeared)

Bottom line:
These shoes (Or any of the other merrell Chameleons for that matter) + iBungee Stretch Laces = Me having awesome shoes that I can depend on and wear anywhere, comfortably. Beat that !