Customer Reviews Merrell Encore MJ

SOO happy! I've made a series of bad decisions on shoes for many, many trips. I decided to do some research and came up with both these and Keens. I bought a pair of each a few weeks ago with the intent of breaking them in for a month. These shoes required NO breaking in (though some people may be bothered slightly by the strap initially.) My only complaint is when wearing them without socks; your feet feel that hot-sweaty way they do when you put them in sneakers with n socks. I've gotten used to it, though. I'm now trying to get someone to tell me that they look professional enough to wear at meetings (I am a meeting planner and they could change my life.) Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. As a vegetarian, I am constantly struggling to find leather-less shoes - I was thrilled with this purchase and will probably buy another pair. I generally wear 9, 9.5, or 10 - so I bought a 9.5 and they're fine. I will note that I'm very happy walking in these shoes, but not as comfortable when I'm just standing.

When I ordered these shoes in the early part of June, I was a bit confused as to why the packing slip said this style was discontinued. Then about a week later, I found myself at a Merrell store where I saw that these shoes are supposed to come with an ortholite insole. So, I was a bit disappointed to find out that Zappos was not selling the most update shoe that is available from the manufacturer (and not disclosing this information to their customers). I wish I would have waited to buy them at the actual Merrell store. While these shoes are great to slip on and go, they are not the most comfortable all day shoe to walk around in. I\'m not sure if this has anything to do with the insole or not.

This is a very cute shoe and since I already have the Encore Groove, I was hoping this would be as comfortable. Although the sole of the shoe is the same as the Groove, I found the strap uncomfortable and have to return it. It felt a bit better with socks, but not enough. I could't wear them barefoot at all, which looks the best. I do have a hard time going without socks except for soft, well padded sandals, so most people might be fine with this shoe. I have slender, bony feet and that cloth strap really bothered me.

Loved everything about these shoes EXCEPT they hurt my feet. Very disappointing. They gave me blisters where the strap originates on the side of the shoe. Maybe it will get softer with wear, time and socks but truthfully I don't have the time and energy to wait til they break in. And they really don't look good with socks. I am VERY disappointed! Need to return them.