Women's Merrell Siren WP Mid Leather

I found out that I would be going on a 20 mile backpacking trip in 2 weeks. I didn't feel that was long enough to purchase and break-in some heavier duty boots, so I bought these because I already have and love the low top Siren Ventilators, but would need something with a little more support and that was waterproof for this hike. These boots delivered right out of the box. I took them on a short 3 mile hike to test them out and as expected they were comfortable right away. Though for the longer backpacking trip I could have used a little more support they really did their job: My feet were kept dry, comfortable, and I only got a couple small blisters in places that were not bothersome. We had some snow on the trail and later very muddy and wet trails and these kept my feet nice and dry. Additionally, the aggressive tread pattern provided excellent traction on slick surfaces. I'm sure that over the winter these will also get use daily due to their comfort and warmth. While I'd like to get something a little stiffer for longer hikes, these boots performed great overall. I am a huge Merrell fan, and I'd happily recommend these or my Ventilators to anyone. For those of you who wear orthotics, I do recommend doing so with these as there is not noticeable arch support. I also recommend buying a half size up if you want to accommodate thick hiking socks. I usually wear an 8.5, but the 9 worked out great.

I got the non-waterproof version. I bought them to use while volunteering in northwestern Ecuador. They provided great traction and comfort while hiking in the Andes. Their waterproofing holds up well in moderate rain, but I wore them while hiking in the Redwoods during a downpour and water soaked through to my socks after about a mile of hiking. Although I like them a lot, I wish I would have spent the extra money and gotten the waterproof.

I've worn these boots for almost one year now. No break in was needed. I've gone on 7-8 mile day hikes with light pack. I wear orthotics and these boots accommodate them well. I can wear mid weight socks or sock liner with heavier sock and I have no problem with fit. I usually hike on fire roads or dirt/sand and some loose rocky trails. I think they are too light for really rocky trails as I can feel the rocks when hiking. I would get the heavier weight backpacking boots if carrying 30-40 lbs. These are fine for day hikes or light pack. I have not tried them in water but I have hiked in 30 degree weather and they are warm.

I've done a 3 day and a 4 day backpacking trip with these. They were very comfortable from the start. They seriously feel like pillows surrounding your feet. No blisters. I did a lot of harsh/steep scrambling on the last trip and they surprisingly held up great. Great traction. I'm skeptical about how durable they are. They are very soft and flexible. I will just have to wait and see. I think these boots are more water resistant than waterproof. They stand up to rain, but not to walking through shallow streams. Use the rocks/logs. The original insole they came with was not comfortable for me. I switched it out for the Lynco orthotics. Also, my measured shoe size is 6 1/2 and I had to buy a 7 1/2.