MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

Bought these boots after 9 yrs with EMS summit gtx. These are lighter. Good stiffness for carrying heavy loads, without the feel of needing to be broken in. I might go back and get another pair for the future

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

First, let me say, I am very picky and very hard on my boots. I'm a Land Surveyor and my jobs take me from construction sites to deep in the woods. I'm always on my feet and I expect the best out of a boot. I purchased these for a light weight summer boot. Initially, they felt comfortable in the store and walking around town. There was little to no break in required. However, after long days at work, my feet would sweat like crazy. The combination of rubber, cordura, and gortex, simply don't let your feet breath. Even with light weight "smart and tough" wool socks, by the end of the day my feet were soaked (and smelly)!
These boots may be ok for the occasional hiker, however if you do serious work/hiking, I'd stick to a more traditional full grain leather boot.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I bought these boots hoping for a little more ankle support but unlike all the other Merrells I have owned these are so uncomfortable I can't even wear them to see if they will brake in. I was hoping to wear them on a two week trip on the Long Trail but that's not going to happen.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I've had these for two years now and they have all the features a medium weight pack carrying backpacker could want. They would also make a great boot for someone who just wanted a sturdy, supportive, mid weight boot with the comfort of a running shoe. I like how they have the Aegis antimicrobial feature since I will start hunting in them soon and need to keep my scent down. They also have a very aggressive lug pattern/treat, which I was striving to find. My only pet peeve about them is that they didn't have a slightly wider size in this available at the store I purchased them at (blue ridge mountain sports outlet outside of Richdmond, VA). Merrell may not even manufacture a wider width in this boot. I haven't been on any drawn out backpacking/hunting adventures with them as of yet to determine if this will be a major nuisance, but it could because I have a regular to medium-regular width foot. I believe these are discontinued, as they are not featured on the Merrell website as of 01-21-2013. I say that they are ideal for vegetarians because they are made of 100% synthetic materials although some vegetarians argue that the biodegradability or lack thereof is equally important in purchase.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I bought these Merrels because they look good, but after trying them on the tongue kept popping out. It just wouldnt stay seated, and you could feel the laces rubbing . I took them back and ordered some Scarpas. Merrel os not what they used to be. I could tell they were going to annoy me. Scarpas are the real deal made in Italy like merrels used to be.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

Good boots for everyday activities. Long hikes or short walks or just a full day on your feet. So far so good I am really pleased with them.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

Merrels aren't for everyone. You must try this boot on and get the size that fits and not the size you may normally get. This is a warm boot and I don't even pull them out unless I'm hiking in conditions below freezing. They are agressive and look great! They don't breath extremely well at all. If you run hot in the feet don't buy these! I'm not a heavy foot sweater and these work perfect for me. One small problem is that even after 6 months, they still smell like a cow. Every room I leave them in stinks like rubber and leather like I'm in a barn. Other than that, all is good!

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I bought these boots to use for walking my dog along power lines. It's very flat grassy terrain with a few rocks. I liked the rubber rand all around for the toughness. I thought this would also help to keep my feet dry. They were comfortable right out of the box. As a few other people commented, my feet got warm and sweaty quickly, mostly on warmer days.
What I did not like, was there seems to be no Gortex in my pair. My get will get wet just walking accross a soccer pitch. Within 15 minutes of starting my walk, my feet are soaking.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I am training to thru-hike the Tahoe Rim Trail. I bought these to help handle the wet spring mountain environment and the remaining patches of snow at higher altitudes. I immediately replaced the original insoles with Superfeet Greens. I am using these boots on and off trail from 6,500ft up to about 10,000ft with between 40 to 60 lb. rucks.

The boot is very stiff out of box, but comfortable. The laces are fast and secure. I was able to take them out of the box straight into a 15mile hike with no issues. The treads are very aggressive and did well on ice, snow, loose rock and clear forest floor. They are so knobby, I do worry that they may wear down quickly.

In 60 degree temperatures, my feet have gotten rather warm and occasionally sweaty, but with smart sock changes, I haven't had any blisters or hot spots form as a result.

I am pleased with these boots, but they may sit unused for the summer. I'll pull them back out this fall.

Comments about MERRELL Men's Outbound Mid GTX Backpacking Boots, Bungee:

I do a lot of winter/snow hiking and the comfort and traction are ideal. On ice, I use in tandem with Kahtoola micro-spikes, the combo is unbeatable.
I have a medium width foot and the 72" laces were too long. I replaced with 63" laces and these work just fine.