Sunday 7 October 2012

Merrell Men's Moab GORE-TEX® XCR® Lace-Up,Beluga,13 W US

Here is the Merrell Men's Moab GORE-TEX® XCR® Lace-Up, with the addition of Aegis antimicrobial-treated GORE-TEX® lining that gives greater level of cloudburst protection to this proven, highly ventilated desert rat. The following pretty much sum up the hiking shoe. Before going into the details, the shoe is generally vibram soled, ventilated, and waterproof.

Upper and Lining
  • Waterproof Dura leather and mesh upper 
  • Bellows tongue keeps debris out 
  • Synthetic leather toe cap and heel counter completes the mesh
  • GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear lining keeps feet dry and comfortable 
  • Breathable mesh lining treated with Aegis® Antimicrobial solution maintains foot comfort 
  • Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed 

Midsole and Outsole
  • Molded nylon arch shank 
  • Compression molded EVA footframe provides cushioning 
  • Merrell® Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability 
  • 5mm Sole lug depth for deep traction on a variety of terrains
  • Vibram® Multi-Sport Sole/TC5+ Rubber 
  • Synthetic leather toe cap and heel counter protect feet against rocks and roots
  • Weight: 1 lb 8 ozs.
The following are the images for the Beluga:








This shoe is generally well received. The following are the reviews and comments from purchasers, ranging from encouraging ones to less than approving ones. From here, we start with the approving ones...

4.0 out of 5 stars Waterproof and wide! March 10, 2010
By Rick Stayner
I'm very happy with these shoes. They keep my feet dry during walks through wet snow and slush. I bought them for early morning walks when the grasss is wet with dew and I think they will work great. I bought them in 12 wide and these shoes are actually wide enough for me to wear a thick pair of socks. Haven't had them long enough to rate the wear of the sole, but so far, so good.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very comfortable, reasonable price April 7, 2009
By DigitalMan
Amazon Verified Purchase
I had owned a pair of Moab Ventilators before and loved them, just wore them out. So this time I bought the GoreTex version in prep for an upcoming trip where dampness is likely. These are just as comfortable as the regular ventilators and they come in wide widths, which are very hard to find. You can't get them in stores and even struggle to find the online. I highly recommend this shoe for moderate levels of hiking.

5.0 out of 5 stars Flawless
by Kivalo (Merrell's site)
Best decision for a shoe I have ever made. I love to run, on trails and concrete; through mud and streams and over summer asphalt. I've had numerous running shoes that could not stand stand the test of time, regardless of how comfortable they were. Then I discovered Merrell, and I couldn't be happier. Being familiar with uniform boots featuring Vibram and Gore-Tex, I have high expectations for any shoe or boot with these features. The choice is simple: the majority of gimmicky athletic sneakers out there cost the same price as these. So for a seriously comfortable shoe, with the durability of a rugged boot, waterproof Gore-Tex, extraordinary traction and light weight, BUY THESE FLAWLESS SHOES. (And they look pretty nice too : )

and the complaints...

1.0 out of 5 stars Acute pain
by michael (Merrell's site)
I want to love these shoes so much and with the exception of one huge problem, they are great. However, possibly due to the gore-tex being less pliable, the top of the shoe pinches in extreme pain at the knuckle of the big toe when flexed. I believe the crease, forming just at the front end of the lace-eyelets, is being pressed down into my toe, causing the pain. Adding considerable padding (usually used for the heel) has helped, but not gotten rid of the issue, and of course has deformed the inside shape of the shoe. I've never had this problem with any shoe or boot of any style or brand, so while it's possible that it is just my foot, more likely there is a defect with the design of the shoe. The problem was not apparent upon first wear. I wore them all night the day I received them in the mail, and also on my commute the next day. It was not until my way home that the pain started and continued - of course after I wore them out and hence unable to return! Like I said, I want to love these shoes, hence trying the padding and not just chucking them. For others, I would strongly recommend to avoid this particular style, or if you really want this one, purchase only at the store and walk extensively in them, being sure to flex the toes a lot.



2.0 out of 5 stars Great, except for the pain.January 19, 2011
By 
R. Stark
Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought these shoes on the basis of reputation and price to replace some Columbia low-top hikers that I had worn out. I wanted Gore-Tex, as I'm planning some trips to rainy climes this year. They're nicely made and initially feel and fit great. I have worn them four times on 3-4 mile walks mostly on pavement. About a half-mile into the stroll, the extreme arch on the sole, which feels misplaced (a few mm behind where it should be) begins to dig into my foot, causing it to hurt like hell. Left shoe is worse than right. I've been hoping that this is a break-in issue, but so far, the pain persists. This may be an idiosyncrasy with my foot, but it's the first time I have experienced it with any shoe. Usually, I notice when there isn't sufficient arch support.

The positives have been typical of what a pair of hiking shoes supposed to be, and as claimed by Merrell's; keeping you dry, waterproof and comfy with the anatomical footbed. The minuses are well, a particular minus. It is more specifically concerning the pain that it gives to the person wearing it, as claimed by the above non-approving reviews.

And yes, the price is pretty much reasonable for a hiking shoe, and this hiking shoe is widely bought, being listed in Amazon's best seller list (at #2 as of now).

The typical price for this product is $130.00, with price as low as, well, not a typo, $14.99. Amazon. Here. Only on select options though, and good luck to you in getting the best price possible. Do expect price as high as $174.98, however, but keep in mind that the typical price is $130.00.

Good buying, and hike happy.

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