I purchased the non-waterproof model. Wore the boots to work and light hiking for a couple of weeks before an extended backpacking trip into the Beartooths. These boots do not fit my feet well. Heel counters are very hard, unpadded, and unforgiving. I now wear the boots to work (office), hoping to loosen the heel counter or at least get some use out of them. The left boot actually hurts my foot while walking uphill or up stairs. This is the only pair of boots I have owned that have hurt my feet after break-in. Cannot recommend to anyone.

Customer Service

Have not tried.

I have them for their second season now. I started day hiking last year and was not willing to pay 200$cdn for one piece leatherhiking boots. I SHOULD HAVE...

They told me at the store that they were pretty boots. I tried them and walked in the store for about an hour. Then decided to buy.

My first hikes were difficult. The boot is not stiff enough and the lacing/tongue were hurting in the front of my right hankle. No hankle support.

BUT. I have treated them with NIKWAX and they are yet pretty waterproof. If continuous walking or short wait at the bus stop, they make nice winter boots.

The front piece of rubber has already started to unattach from the boot.

Poor quality.

I work a Boy Scout summer camp, and I am on my feet all day every day. Up until I found the M2 blast waterproofs I had been wearing out a pair of boots a summer. I found the Merrell's an incredable value, and encourage others to try them out. Happy hiking, Henry

Similar Products Used:

Herman survivors, good quality uppers, cheap sole.

I have had these boots for about a year now. they tend to squeek since i got them soaking wet this summer. The sole is great, but the leather has begun to wear through between teh toe and the laces. I oil them meticulously. They are dry adn relatively comfortable.

Similar Products Used:

None

I bought these for day hiking and killed them within a year. I didn't abuse them. I waterproofed them according to manufacturers recommendations. I don't usually kill boots that quickly. The upper got so soft that it offered less support than a pair of tevas. The Vibram sole is great but the uppers suck.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque, Raicle, La Sportiva, Nike

I'm now on my second pair of this boot (warranty replacement). Blew out the first pair after 370 miles on the AT and seven straight days of hiking in rain and water swollen trails. They leaked like a sieve (despite waterproofing treatments) and water squished out on either side with each step. The toe bumper began delaminating too. Loved the fit since I have large feet (they don't make women's boots large enough) and need a wide toe box. Tried on lots of other boots but nothing fit this well. Wish the overall quality was better because this is a great boot on the trail when it's dry outside! Hugs the trail on descents and provides plenty of ankle support.

Customer Service

Galyans replaced the boots, no questions asked when they looked them over. Assuming they will receive reimbursement from Merrill.

Similar Products Used:

Hi-tec--love the fit and the lightweight but was afraid to take them on extended heavy duty backpacking on the AT.

The shoes have been quite comfortable and durable but I haven't given them a strong beating yet. Just some day hikes in fairly good weather. The soles are holding up well and the uppers look like new still.

Similar Products Used:

None

These boots provide almost no lateral support. The uppers are, as others have said, ""mushy"". They haven't leaked yet or developed other problems, but I would discourage anyone from buying these other than as street shoes. I was planning a few fall weekend backpacking trips and bought these to use, but after about 50 miles in them, I have decided to take my old Vasque Alpha boots.

Customer Service

I spoke to Merrell and they will replace them only if they fail. They were, however, up front and told me they have been experiencing problems with the boots. Notably, that a piece of the plastic structure has poked through in the heel. This is a different problem than the other reviews noted. So they get an A for honesty, but I would have rather had different boots.

Similar Products Used:

Vasque Alpha; Timberland trail shoes

The M2 Blast is, for the most part, is a very comfortable boot. It is not too stiff and didn't take to long to break in. My only major complaint about it is its lack of ankle support.

Similar Products Used:

None

Not knowing what type of footwear I needed for this specific type of terraine I called the customer service for Merrell and they informed me the best footwear in their line for day hikes would be the Blast. After taking several hikes with my family I have found these to be perfect for what I needed.

Customer Service

The customer service department for Merrell was who suggested the blast for which I am thankful.

Similar Products Used:

None