Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot

I committed the hikers cardinal sin of ordering these and wearing on my next hike with no break-in period. I took them out of the box, put them on my feet and left for the an all day hike. As it turns out my risk was low as they wore like all terrain slippers. No blisters, no hot spots, no problems. Of course I have been wearing Merrell hikers for years so my risk at discomfort was in reality very low. A NOTE - I have learned to buy them one size larger than I would buy other hikers. I wear 10.5 US and get these in 11.5 which does the job. I have read other comments that a half size larger will work. I like mine a little loose in case I decide to wear thick socks (which I normally dont) and I like the fit. I will definitely buy these again and will, and have recommended them to friends. Note: in the check-the-box feedback segment regarding size I checked "fit as expected" because I expected them to be a bit small. I recommend that buyers add a half size to a full size over your regular US size for a better chance at a good fit.

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The initial order was size 9, which are my other Merrell shoe sizes. They were too small, with my big toe touching the interior at the end. Worn only on carpet and only long enough to determine the fit was bad, I repacked them with the cardboard shoe trees and laces exactly at they arrived and submitted those for a return. I then ordered size 9.5 at the same price. Those boots arrived obviously not new and damaged: 1. Both soles showed rock dust embedded in cracks. 2. The right sole near the toe showed obvious abrasion damage on one of the "studs". Hello, lets try these out on rocks to see how they work... 3. The cardboard shoe trees were both missing. 4. The laces were untied. 5. The right lace was significantly damaged near the "hook", indicating poor tying or undue stress by a previous user. That lace wont last much longer. I wonder if sending out used goods in place of new goods after a return is a policy by Amazon or its sellers? Ive no problem receiving an item that doesnt have wear-and-tear, but Im not gong to accept an item that does as that is obviously what I paid for, obviously not "new." So I am returning the second order and found the re-order is price higher. Customers shouldnt have to pay a higher price when Amazon or one of its sellers ships a damaged product to begin with.

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When these first arrived, I was very pleased. They fit well on my big feet with adequate toe room. Ive worn them on only a few short desert hikes for what proved an unnecessary break-in. Today, on a ~4 mile hike, as I began the downhill phase, I stopped to re-tie my boots. Just insurance to keep from bumping my toes. Many if not most experienced hikers do this. "POP" That was the sound of the top, right lace-loop of my left boot tearing right out of the boot. Never had that happen on any other boot. Looking more closely at these fabric lace-loops, I see that they are just barely stitched in. Three or four stitches run across each loop near the tongue. A quarter-inch back, another row of 3-4 stitches may or may not catch the loop material. I liked these boots, but Im disappointed that I cant trust these lace-loops anymore - and with less than 25 miles on the boots, one is already busted!

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My third pair of Merrells and I expect the same great performance and durability as the last two pairs. I purchased the Gore Tex version because it is waterproof and breathable (my 8th pair of Gore-Tex shoes or boots) and worth every penny over the "Dry M" or other liners. I unpacked and inspected every sewn seam, every mm of sole where it attaches to the shoe, there were no problems. Every stitch was in place and even. No over-stitching, no loose threads and no gaps at all where the sole joins the shoe. They do run tight. I wear a size 9.5 and typically order size 10 shoes. Im sure after a little use they will stretch to a good snug fit. Revision: Shoes remain tight but tolerable. A problem that has arisen is that the insoles are not even. The heel pad inside of the left shoe is noticeably higher on the inside of the heel (right side) and makes my left foot lean outward. In addition to that the entire insole of both feet is uneven and doesnt support my foot evenly. Ive never had a pair of shoes with this problem, even cheap tennis type shoes for $15 at Costco. At $119, my expectation is that these would be manufactured inside and out. Its apparent that Merrell quality has declined significantly. If I had not worn them I would have returned them. I recommend that you look into another shoe / boot before spending premium prices for Merrell hiking shoes.

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They are just a little bit wider than expected.But it is good to know when you order a wide width you get what you order. Its nothing that a thicker pair of socks wont take care of. As for the boot themselves they are totally awesome. This is my third pair and my old ones (which I still use on occasion) are 5 1/2 years old. They are the best boots that I have owned, and I have worn many pairs of boots in my 40+ year career in the Sawmill and Logging industry. Most importantly of all they are extremely comfortable. Thanks

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