I put these babies on out of the box and declared life good as I proceeded to do aerobic leaps of joy with my new boots. But...all good things must come to an end. The end of my joy came the first time I tried to ascend with these boots. Every time I hit an extended incline, my heels resemble hamburger meat with a side of e-coli. For the life of me, I can't find a way to "fix" this problem. If I have the choice of doing one more ascent with these boots or slitting my wrists in a bath of warm water, Show me the Bath!

Customer Service

Have anyone noticed that Merrill does not have an e-mail address on thier website so discontents like me can't write hate mail. Or.. you can call thier 888 637 7001. I'm gonna call them after new years and see if they have any suggestions.

Similar Products Used:

N/A

Interesting that I see so many people with heel problems because I have the same problem with these boots. I purchased them on sale for $199. They felt fine in the store, I wore them for three months climbing 22 flights of stairs in my office repeatedly, but the first backpack I had a bad blister within 3 km. I have tried everything from Superfeet to liner socks but still get heel blisters. I think the plastic on the heel causes this and does not allow for break-in.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Merrell Explorer, Vasque Sundowner both very good. Sundowner is probably the best boot I ever had.

When I first took these boots out backpacking I definitely experienced some pain. But it had been a while since my last backpacking trip so a new pair of boots and 45 lb. on my back again was something I was not used to. Anyway, the second day in I began to feel some pain in my forefoot and it slowly got worst. However, prior to this trip I didn''''t break them in which was my stupidity. So far I''''m not convinced that they are broken in and I am hoping that once they are the comfort will be better. But the one positive thing I have to say is that no other boot will come close to the support these give. I almost rolled my ankles a couple of times and if not for the support I would have sprained them. So if these fit, you got your self a killer boot; if not don''''t bother unless you want the support. Hope this helps.

Customer Service

Don''''t Know.

Similar Products Used:

Hitec and Merrell

I had the same heel problem with these boots - I''ve been assuming it has to do with the rigid plastic heel piece and how some people walk. Other than that, no problems except their drying out and cracking slightly. This, however, is mostly due to my laxity treating the leather.

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Vasque vagabonds which were worse.

These boots felt great in the store and on long gently rolling hills. On incline, however, they tore my heels to shreds. Other hotspots developed and as well, the toe section of the boot sole separated.
Good support on decline and great protection in the scramble though the heel problem never left, in spite of sock variation and combination, insole variation, and orthodics. The leather wore quickly on the toes and then the laminate on the inside of the toes wrinkled so badly I could not wear them without excrutiating agony. A cobbler told me flat out that they were useless and irreparable in only two seasons.

Customer Service

My dealer gave me great support though the company itself has been difficult to contact.

Similar Products Used:

None

At first these boots caused me pain but that was during the breaking in period. I went on a month long backpacking trip about 2 weeks after receiving the boots, carrying up to 27 kilos and I didn't get a single blister or foot related problem. The leather on the toe gets easily scuffed but I think it only adds character.

Similar Products Used:

None

I initially purchased these boots based on formal reviews that I had seen on the internet. My initial reaction to these boots was very positive. I had worn these on a couple strenuous hikes without developing any blisters. After about putting 80 miles on these boots, I decided to go for a steep hike. My heels were torn to shreds. Once healed, I then decided to do the strenuous hike on which I put most of my 80 miles and I still got blisters. It actually seems that these boots get worse as time goes on. With these boots I wear a light synthetic sock liner and a lightweight outer, synthetic trekking sock. I'm now looking for a different boot. It's funny that I saw others here with the same complaint about the heel issue.

Similar Products Used:

None

These boots are awesome, the best I've had. they're incredibly stable and secure, and provide excellent support. I had a small problem with fit initially (heel was a little loose), but a pair of superfeet solved that problem. As of right now I have put roughly 300 miles of backpacking on these boots and am yet to have a blister. If you're looking for a good, solid pair of boots these are an excellent choice. And no matter what boot you look at, try a pair of superfeet in them. the improvement in fit for all boots is amazing.

Customer Service

I got these boots at the flagship REI in seattle, and the service there is excellent. I had several guys helping my for an hour trying to fit a boot, and I was told that if I developed any problems to bring them back. They also custom stretched my dad's boots to help get a better fit. great store, good place to shop.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Sundowners
REI Monarchs
Zamberlan Civettas

I bought a pair of Grand Traverse last year and after just six hikes the toe bumper started to come unglued. Right now I'm fighting with the company to fix the problem. They say it isn't their fault. They fixed them once but after just one hike they came apart again. The say if they send me a new pair they may have to pro-rate my boots. I can't believe they won't stand behind their product 100%. After the outcome I will write an addition to this review.

Customer Service

They're polite enough when they can't help you.

Similar Products Used:

None

These boots perfect for my low to medium volume feet. Most boots I've tried require extra socks to fill out width. Their unique lacing system allows for a precise fit over the instep. The boots are relatively lightweight for their sturdiness. Sole grip on Sierra granite has been excellent and I've had no problems with durability yet. Break in was easy, especialy considering it is such beefy trail/off trail boot. Requiring only about 3 days of around town use.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Vasque, Lowa, Galibea, Brixia,