superb lightweight boot i pack very heavy 80-100lbs stood up to heavy packs very nice summer boot

Excellent shoes. Very durable. I have walked on average 3 miles / day for the last 3 years in these shoes and thought very highly of them. I cover mostly field, trail and sidewalk (sidewalk is almost as rough as the trail). I have taken them on numerous day hikes in the rockies and East coast trail. They are a great dry weather shoe but I find them more than adequate in the wet as they don't seem to puddle water inside (just get wet socks) and they dry very quickly.

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I do a lot of day hikes on rough trails in the Rockies and was looking for a boot that had a decent sole with fair support (for a low). I have been wearing Rockport Daddy-O shoes for about 2 years and have worn out 2 pair. I purchased these after trying them on at an EMS outlet, they felt so good on my feet at the time, but when I got out on the trail they had no heel stability and made me very nervous on unstable trails. I don't think this is a fault of the shoe, as the Vibram sole is really solid, but more of an issue with my feet being used to the wide heel of the rockports (and the fact that they fit like a glove). If you are interested in 10.5 " pair that was worn one day, I'll give you a great deal! Meanwhile, I see that Rockport released another trail shoe i gotta try out...

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I bought the Ventilator Lows, wanting something for day hikes in the Texas climate; i.e., mostly very warm to hot. In fact, my first long hike in these boots/shoes was Telephone Canyon Trail in Big Bend NP. The temps started in the high 60s, ran right up to the mid-90s (this was February), and hung there in breathless air. The shoes were comfy, well ventilated (not just a marketing name), with a great Vibram sole. They shrugged off rocks, ledges, dust and sweat with ease.
I would have to note, however, that my final assessment for these, and other Merrells I've tried, is that they just don't fit my feet quite right. Not the fault of the shoe, as each manufacturer makes shoes based on their concept of foot shape, and while my Asolo 520s hug my feet as though they were my feet, Merrell boots and shoes move around too much for my mental comfort. Excellent comfort, but a weird fit that prompted me to give these away (to someone who raves about them).

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Currently, I'm using a pair of Salomon X-Hiking boots for day hikes, and I like them fine enough. Their first big hike was the Dodson Trail (also Big Bend), which was ten miles of in and out of drainages in the shadow of the Chisos Mountains, in low 90s temps. Very padded (maybe too much, though few would agree with that), very stable, though I like the Ventilator's Vibram sole, and the Vent's stiffer sole as well.

I've worn these hiking for 4 days in Maine, and on some very long day hikes in PA and Jersey. They have some of the best gripping soles, are relatively cool, and look good on the foot.

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Excellent boots. I have worn them everyday for about a year--many many miles of wear. Been on some long trips and have been extremely comfortable. The Vibram sole is still in good shape. Watch out for rain and moisture. Because of the ventilating design your feet will get wet. Great summer hiking boot.

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I love mine,wear them for everyday use as well as on day hikes.I've fitted mine with a pair of super feet insoles though for much better comfort,I soon plan on buying a second pair to have in reserve in case style is discontinued. very pleased with style and performance,hard to get both when you are 250lbs.