Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I just finished the first 1000 miles of the AT from GA to Harpers Ferry. I bought these boots too late to break in properly but used them anyway. The boots worked fine from the beginning. I got one blister during the brief breakin, but a couple of weeks of duct tape and then the boots worked well without any help. I do wear backpacking weight socks with liners, no insoles. The exterior of the boots are showing wear on the top where the foot flexs. The soles are in great shape for the mileage and the traction is still very good. The soles shed mud quickly and the only traction problems is on leaves over rocks and roots, but I don't think there is a solution for that. I've hiked in snow, rain and dry weather since March 1st. I did get them completely submerged one time. I took them off and inverted them to drain the water out. After an hour I put them back on to hike with dry socks, and the fresh socks got on slightly damp due to the Gore-Tex wicking out the water. The outers dried from the heat generated by the walking the next few miles. While heavy by some standards, I like the support and the stiff sole, especially on the rocks. So I feel it's a good trade off for me. We're jumping up to MA to tackle the White Mountains and Maine while it's still warm and then we'll SOBO the MA to Harpers Ferry to finish the trail. I hope they last through PA, which has a history of destroying boots.

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I live in Alaska, and am outdoors virtually 365 days a year. The weather can be wildly variable, and my gear has to perform... or, I don't use it. So far, the "Phasers" have worked well.

On the minus side, out of the box, the "Phasers" had several small stitching defects around the right ankle which probably shouldn't impair functionality. Otherwise, the boots appear sturdy and well made.

The boots use a waterproof liner that feels a bit hotter than Gore-Tex, suggesting best usage for cool to moderate conditions. Waterproofness has been maintained through numerous stream crossings.

The Vibram soles are quite grippy, offering superior traction on both wet rocks and tree roots. It's still too early to tell about durability, but so far, no obvious signs of premature wear.

The boots required minimal break-in time, but seem best suited to people with medium-to-high volume feet. Hikers with narrow heels will probably need to use an after-market insole to achieve heel lock.

All-in-all, an excellent boot for general hiking and medium duty backpacking. If spending allot of time off-trail and/or carrying heavy loads... you might want a little heavier boot just for the additional support. Traction is exceptional!

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

Before I go on with this review, I think it's necessary to give a little background so you can gauge my hiking experience when reading my review. I'm an intermediate hiker who just started to do longer hikes in 2009. My day hikes this year varied from 4 to 9 mile roundtrip with a trail rating of moderate to moderately strenuous in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. My backpack usually weighs somewhere between 15-25 lbs. (mostly photo equipment). and I have fairly wide feet (at least a D). I've never done an overnight hike.

I was torn between two hiking shoes: the Merrell Phaser Peak and the Keen Targhee II Mid. The Keen Targhee was definitely more comfortable because they make shoes for people with wide feet. However, the reviews I've read about the Keen Targhee model suggested that it wears too quickly and had mixed reviews about waterproof performance. I did try both shoes at a local REI and I really liked them both. I decided to go with the Merrell Phaser model because it "felt" more durable but not necessarily more comfortable.

The Merrel Phaser Peak fits a little more snug than the Keen model. I usually wear a size 8.5 but had to go with a size 9 which gave me ample toe room (but not too much). The Phaser Peak was stiffer while the Keen Targhee had a good flex to it. The Merrel Phaser Peak felt like it had a better ankle support though. I'm hoping that the Merrell Phaser will eventually stretch out to accommodate my wide feet. The first day, I wore them to work and they felt okay. The second day, they felt uncomfortable around the ankle area maybe because I'm not used to wearing high top shoes. By the third day my feet were accustomed to the shoe and they felt fairly comfortable.

I went on a 14 mile day hike in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado. The trail I took was rated as "moderate" with roughly a 2,000 feet gradual net elevation gain. The shoe held up very well and gave great ankle support. I usually have problems trekking down the mountain because my toes would bunch up on the tip of the shoe on previous hiking shoes that I wore. I have to say that my toes did not hurt with the Merrell Phaser. The shoes were nicely broken in on this hike and if felt that they "stretched" out enough to accommodate my wide feet. No blisters on this hike. I didn't encounter any wet spots on my hike so I didn't get to try out how water proof the shoes were. Traction on dry rocks was very good and the shoes got a pretty good beating on my day hike. The extra protection on the toes really helped. On the particular hike I took, they shoes were a little warm and didn't seem to run too hot on a mild 70 degree weather.

Previously, I had a pair of low top Merrell hiking shoes that lasted me six years of light hiking so I'm hoping this pair will last just as long.

I do recommend this shoe based on the quality and comfort but keep in mind that my opinion is subjective to the size and shape of my feet. Everyone has different foot sizes and shape so the only way to know if they are truly comfortable is to try them out personally at a local store before buying it.

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I purchased these boots for two reasons. First, I needed to replace a pair of worn out hikers and the price and style attracted me. Secondly, I needed a pair of boots that would withstand the riggers of rocky, desert terrain, where I spend most of my backcountry time. I'm also an avid geocacher ([@]) and am always tramping through rocks and weeds, and over hill and dale to get that next find. I was also looking for a boot to protect my feet and socks from the millions of foxtails that drive their way through my Merrill Ventilators.So far, boots have really fit the bill. They are comfortably, relatively lightweight, sturdy (but not stiff), and impervious to foxtails. My only complaint is that they are a tad worm for desert use, but I knew that when I bought them. I use them with a lightweight sock and it's all good.I highly recommend these boots anyone who needs a durable hiker that is a step up from a trail shoe.

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I'm currently deployed in Afghanistan and wore these boots on patrol and couldn't be happier. Any Merrell shoe in a size 12 fits me like a glove but these have made it through some rough terrain. I'm a big guy, 6'4 and 240lbs. Add all my military gear and ammo and that's a lot of weight to support. Much better than any boot the Army has issued me!

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

These are some truly great hiking boots. I have had them for about two moths now and have climbed two of Colorado's fourteeners in them. Walking through snow and bogs all day, my feet only began to get wet at the very end of the day. Many boots when you walk down-hill in them your tows will get shoved to the front of the boot, with these boots that does not happen. Over all these are some amazing boots for the price.

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I had always had problems with any boots I ever had. Not these! I purchased these boots right before doing the 220 miles of the John Muir trail with a 50lb. pack. They required no break in, never had one foot problem. Now I use them backpacking and dayhiking in Oregon and Washington. They're light and very comfortable. Still water proof. I may just order another pair in case they stop making them.

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

I'm a Michigan brush duster...over hill and dale, rivers and streams, muck, swamps, slush, and occasionally a nice open meadow. I'm at a "solo" level of my outback experience. I've owned a lot of boots, and compared to my first pair of Vasque's years ago, I'd have to admit that these are the best yet. Technology sure has come a long way in the last 20-years. I ordered these on-line a half size bigger than my shoe size and when they arrived at my local store for pick up they fit like a glove. I know backcountry, and the last thing I need is blisters. Not gonna happen here. Talk about light? Walking is a breeze...these boots have become incorporated as a part of my body. Waterproof? You bet. Merrell did a fantastic job with this boot. They know hikers. You can't go wrong with this boot for light to medium packing. No wonder when I ordered them they were on backorder. On top of everything else, they're a great looking boot so I wear them every day just because I like them so much. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with this boot. Kudo's to Merrell!

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

After returning 3 pairs of boots due to unhappy feet, I was really hoping that the Merrell's would be my ticket to ride. I ended up lacing up a pair and I immediatley noticed just how comfortable the boot felt. It didnt feel like any of the previous hiking/backpacking boots I had tried, but more like a slipper to be quite honest. After walking around in the boots for a good 15 minutes I thought I had finally found the right pair of boots.

I took them home and went on a light hike with them to try and see if they required a break in. Astonishingly, they didnt, and felt quite comfortable for the majority of the hike. The traction was great, and the ankle support was second to none. No slips whatsoever.

However, my good luck ran out when I commenced the downhill portion of my hike. It was on the downhill, where I was putting pressure on the top of my foot/toes, that I noticed the flaw in these boots. The grommets on the outsides of the boot, near my little toe, were digging into my foot and actually pinching my nerve, causing me some severe discomfort. The grommet runs down through the inside of the boot, down to the sole of the shoe, and that was where I had my trouble. You see, the grommet design actually impedes into the toe box and it is not a negotiable factor. (ie: not something you could fix by breaking them in) The grommet anchor will always be there, and for me it was too bothersome.

I thought a size up would fix the problem, thinking that more room in the toe box would help me out but unfortunately it didnt. So, for me, the boots didnt work out to my foot. However, overall, they are very comfortable and shape to your foot quite well. The lacing support from the middle if the boot provides a great ankle support and eliminates heel slip completely.

My dad owns a pair and he has had no problems whatsoever with the grommet design so I really think it depends on your foot. But for most, I would reccomend this boot. Give it a shot, and happy hiking!

Comments about Merrell Phaser Peak Hiking Boots - Men's:

Bought these boots a few days ago and have gone on 2 hikes since then. These boots do need a break in. First hike was a little uncomfortable but second hike wasn't too bad.

I haven't been able to test the waterproof ability of these boots yet though but i'm sure they will do fine at the job.

Only problem I have with the boots right now is that when laced the front digs a little into my foot and feet hurt a bit. Also at the end of my hikes my feet hurt somewhat but this is probably all due to breaking the boots in and me being rather new to hiking out here.

All in all a good boot i'de say.