Merrell  Thermo Chill Mid Waterproof Boots - Men's

I took these boots on a 7.5 mile out and back snowshoeing day at pingree park. They were purchased the day prior to our trip and had no break in time needed. I also did not treat them with any waterproofing chemicals. I paired them with a light smart wool sock and on the car ride up, my toes were a little cool. (Had I been in my normal shoes they would have been numb, my feet are just naturally made of ice.) Once we ‘shoed about 1 mile in my feet were toasty warm. The temperature for the day started at 13°F and jumped up to 20°F towards the end. The only time my feet would get a little chilly would be if we stopped for longer periods of time. (That being said, a thicker wool sock may have helped in those situations.) I think the most important thing was that my feet stayed dry, even on the last mile of our trek when I ditched the snow shoes and hiked through the snow. Granted I didn’t splash around in any puddles, I think they would have held up fine if I had. My initial reaction to this boot after one short trip, they are super lightweight, needed no “break in” time and kept my feet warm and dry. Excellent purchase if they hold up over time.

Just purchased and I am very impressed. Superb comfort, and they feel as light as air. They have amazing foot cushioning and in my opinion, these are the best boots I have bought so far!

Very solid boots, well insulated and very well constructed. I would give them 5 stars except for one problem; they’re too tight across the toes. I really wish Merrell would make shoes with a larger toe box, because they are just very small in the toe area, for me at least. Personally I wish they were an inch or two taller going up your ankle, but that’s very trivial. I’ve walked probably 15 miles in them so far, and they feel very solid under foot, not soft and spongy like some other boots. I feel like I could walk forever in these boots but after a few miles my little toes start feeling like they’re getting pushed under the other toes. And yes, they are a half size larger than I usually wear.

I got them for light snow, some hiking in cold weather, and walking around with the dog. I tried Sorel and The North Face and they were too heavy, expensive, and not very comfy. These Merrell are fantastic. As soon I tried them at the store, I was sold. Super comfortable, warm, and light. 5 inches of snow today in Raleigh and I went for a 2 mile walk without any pain. My feet were dry and warm the entire time. I got lucky to find them at my REI store before this winter storm. I’m size 11 on Chaco’s, Keen, Born, so I got size 11. They are a little big, but with thick socks I’m OK.

First off, my GTX Merrells held up great in cold and snow so buying a designated winter hiking boot wasn’t a huge priority. But end of season sale plus member dividend and these were free. Initial out of the box impression: lightweight considering 200g insulation and most winter boots are clunky; fits to size perfectly with heavy socks; tacky sole. Only got one use this winter but they held up very well. Feet were definitely warm but I’ll chalk that up to being closer to spring. Grip was solid. I look forward to pairing them with crampons next winter and tackling ice and snow hikes in single digit temps. I expect solid performance all around.

THIS is what out-of-the-box comfort is all about. From the moment I put them on in the store, I was astonished. I have small, wide feet, and struggle at times with shoes. These.... instant happiness. I wanted some insulation, but don't live in Minneapolis, so no need for the arctic-scale boots I keep seeing. They're really attractive, great grip on wet (haven't been on snow/ice yet), and totally comfortable for the NW climate in winter. PLUS: $110 FULL RETAIL. Can't imagine what could make many of the other winter hiking boots REI carries (Salomon, Kodiak, Vasque) worth TWICE the price. Unless you're summiting McKinley in February, and really need more hardcore structure and support.... these are truly worth considering.

I wanted something insulated and waterproof for snow hiking. I tried them out hiking a mile in the brush right after a rain so I could test how waterproof they are. Hiking only a mile in these boots, my toes and forward 1/3 of my foot (both feet) were completely soaked. I called Merrell and was told that it sounds like they’re defective (both shoes?) so I returned them. The shoe guy at REI told me that Merrell has a reputation of not having the best waterproof material. Too bad, I love the look and they are very comfortable for hiking.

We had an earlier than expected snow storm that was miserable for our normal shoes so it was time to get some good waterproof boots for winter as we sometimes have to come into work even during storms. Fiancé's feet get cold easily and I encouraged him to give REI a try instead of his usual Timberlands. This is his first Merrells and he got a 9 wide. He said it was definitely wide enough for his bigger feet. We're in a storm now and he's already had to give them a good workout. He says he had to walk in a foot of snow and his feet stayed warm. His feet are dry and he had no break in period needed. It was just immediately comfortable. Sounds like he's very happy!

As someone who wears several types of Merrell shoes and boots already, I found the overall fit is exactly as I'd have expected for my size. The boot is a bit stiff as it has thicker insulated sidewalls and a thicker sole then I'd normally wear, however it is not uncomfortable. Heavy socks with normal hiking shoes just wasn't cutting it in the harsh cold and snow. I'm now able to wear normal socks and the Thermo Chill Boots to stay safe and warm. I have not been out for an extended hike yet, so can not rate their trail performance. I can praise their performance walking around town however. Snow traction is excellent but traction isn't great on ice. That's to be expected without metal studs. I would recommend this product.

Hiked sugar pine, CA and Lake Tahoe area in 2ft deep snow for 4 hours/ day for 7 days. I also walked through a creek in 20 def F. Wore with thick wool socks and my feet stayed dry and toasty warm the whole week. The tread was excellent and I felt like I was walking on cushions. The boots exceeded my expectations. I’m a petite woman size 7w’s and purchased these in men’s since women’s were sold out and they’re the same boot. They look really cool too!