If I had to choose between those two, I’d go with the Merrells.
Bryn said:
If I had to choose between those two, I’d go with the Merrells.
Both were Christmas gifts from friends who knew I wanted some boots. I’ve been very fortunate to receive a variety including Mastersons, Wolverine, Merrell, and Timberlands. The Wolverines are cowboy waterproof Wellington style, and the Mastersons are fine leather dress cowboy boots, which aren’t suitable for hiking, though the Wolverines might be.
I own those Timberlands and really like them. I haven’t tried the Merrells, though.
Comfort is subjective, especially for footwear intended for hours of hiking. I recommend trying them on if possible. What feels comfortable to one person may be uncomfortable for another.
Harper said:
Comfort is subjective, especially for footwear intended for hours of hiking. I recommend trying them on if possible. What feels comfortable to one person may be uncomfortable for another.
Since both were Christmas gifts, I plan to test each pair by hiking 4-5 hours on the same trail, spaced about a week apart. I’ll compare their comfort and then decide which to use for hiking and which to keep as a day-to-day or backup pair. Both seem comfortable for office wear, but that’s not a good test for hiking terrain.
@Kerr
That sounds like a solid plan. Just be cautious with new boots on long hikes; if they cause discomfort or blisters, it could ruin your experience. Maybe wear them around the house first to break them in a bit before hitting the trail.
@Harper
Thanks! I’ve been wearing them to the office, and they’re comfortable so far. I’ll also try them out for a day of errands or yard work to really see how they handle prolonged activity.
Kerr said:
@Harper
Thanks! I’ve been wearing them to the office, and they’re comfortable so far. I’ll also try them out for a day of errands or yard work to really see how they handle prolonged activity.
Perfect, that’s exactly what I’d recommend!
I would choose the one that fits better. If other options were available, I might choose differently.
Juno said:
I would choose the one that fits better. If other options were available, I might choose differently.
Which brands or models are your go-to choices?
Juno said:
I would choose the one that fits better. If other options were available, I might choose differently.
Which brands or models are your go-to choices?
For sturdy support, I prefer Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo. For something lighter and synthetic, Asolo Fugitive GTX works well. If I’m after extra cushioning, Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker is great. What kind of activities are you planning to use them for?
@Juno
I’m looking for something versatile that I can use for both cold and hot weather hiking, as well as dynamic outdoor activities like shooting and hunting in tough conditions. Any suggestions?
Kerr said:
@Juno
I’m looking for something versatile that I can use for both cold and hot weather hiking, as well as dynamic outdoor activities like shooting and hunting in tough conditions. Any suggestions?
Given your needs, I’d recommend boots with a durable one-piece leather upper and a waterproof membrane for protection and support in rugged conditions. Brands like Asolo, Lowa, and Scarpa are excellent for these purposes. Make sure the fit is right for your foot shape and activity level.
@Juno
Thanks for the advice! I’ll look into those brands and find a fit that works best for my hiking and outdoor activities.
I’d probably lean towards the Merrell for hiking, but it really comes down to which one feels better on your feet.