(8 votes, average: 3.88 out of 5)
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Before we get into this, let me set the scene. You are heading out on a backpacking trip that will last for multiple days. After studying the map you see that you'll need to do several stream crossings. The topo map shows some serious elevation gain and from the guide book you know it's going to be very rocky. Not to mention you could be crossing some snow. You know your trail runners or low top hiking shoes probably aren't the wise choice for this more technical trip. So where do you turn? Hardcore Backpacking Boots.
The Merrell Outbound Mid Gore Tex is just about the best backpacking boot we've tested in a long time. Here are the things that really stood out to us on these shoes.
Lug Love - Oh the love I feel for these lugs. Long sharks teeth of Vibram jutting out from below your feet, gripping the granite below, and carrying you up, up, up. Poetry in motion.
Gore Tex - Winter will be here before we know it. Hell, Canadians are already seeing snow up north. Soon the US will be seeing snowfall. That doesn't mean you have to stop hiking. Thes heavy gore tex on these boots makes them ideal for crossing creeks as well as sloshing through show. Wear your gaiters with these guys and you'll stay dry in on the wettest trails. Quick dry socks are a must however, the boots can get hot after a long wear.
Ankle Support - When you slip your foot into the Merrell Outbound don't get clausterphobic. I am quite comfortable in a trail runner or light hiker. So sliding this big shoe on my foot seemed cumbersome at first. But once out on the trail I quickly saw that this high shoe is going to save an ankle or two before it's done. The ankle support was a big winner for me since I tend to take several trips a year where I need to scramble up summits and I always roll my ankle.
Hardcore Construction - Go to your local REI. Ask to try the Outbounds on. You'll see what I'm talking about. The lower outer section of the shoe is plastic, and remniscent of plastic mountaineering boots you see on big climbs. And he metal loops keeping the laces look like you could beat them with a hammer and not scratch them.
Snow Monsters - The hard outer sole of the Outbound will perform well on snow drifts and short glacier crossings. And with the minimal amount of bend in the sole when you roll your foot from back to front you can easily use these shoes with crampons for the more serious snow crossings.
Although these shoes are versatile, and will work in a variety of conditions I don't recommend them for a quick day hike through your local city park. The Merrell Outbound's are like a performance automobile. They deserve a good hard run every now and then. So plan a good long backpack and let your mind wander and gaze up to the summits while you forget about foot problems for one trip.
Key Specs
- GORE-TEX® Gasket Construction
- Cordura, Synthetic and Ripstop Mesh Upper
- Comfort Padded Lycra® Collar
- GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Lining Treated with Aegis®
- Breathable Padded Bellows Tongue
- Metal Hook and Lacing Eyelet
- Reinforced Silicone Molded Synthetic Instep and Heel Stability Arm
- Molded TPU Abrasion Resistant Full Length Toe and Heel Bumper
- 4.5mm Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed
- Merrell Spring Motion™ Technology Insole; Grade 4 Men’s, Grade 3 Women’s
- Lightweight Direct Injected Polyurethane Midsole
- Merrell Air Cushion
- 7 mm Sole Lug Depth
- Vibram® Outbound Sole/ CT Rubber
- Men’s Weight: 3 lbs.
- Colors: Black/Red or Black
- MSRP: $185 at Merrell.com
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Sweet boots