Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought the Merrill Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking boot because I felt they would be perfect for hiking across the Grand Canyon. The boots did not really need any breaking in, but I did not know that and I hiked in them almost every day for about 6 weeks while getting myself in shape for the Canyon. The boots loosened enough that I had to lace them fairly tight in order to keep my toes from jamming on long downhill stretches. Just before heading to the Canyon, I replaced the Merrill insoles with aftermarket footbeds and gave them the oven treatment. This worked very well, and the Merrills were remarkably cool, extremely comfortable, slightly supportive for my ankles, and pretty protective on sharp rocky surfaces. I hiked across the canyon rim to rim, and also hiked top to bottom to top with side trips. All combined, with hikes in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona, I now have about 600-800 miles of occasionally very rough terrain in my Moabs, and I consider them my most comfortable boot. They are terrible for wet areas, so I bought a pair of waterproof Merrills that I will review when I get enough experience in them. There are more expensive boots on the market, but I would not trade the Merrills for them when my goal is foot comfort. Overall, I am surprised that I like them so much because I am usually struggling with foot problems. Merrill will be my summer hiking boot until they disappoint me or I find something better. I have boots that cost twice as much, but I just don't wear them.