Customer Reviews Merrell Encore Apex

I tried boots by Keen, Teva and finally decided on Merrell Encore Apex. I found the Encore to be the most comfortable for my feet. My feet are a little bit wide, and the Encore really gives me enough room to feel comfortable and wear thick socks if I want. They keep my feet warm. I wore them in 6 degree weather, and I was toasty (I had good socks on too). The style is okay. I like the brown color, but I dislike the whole front part with the stretchy material and the really long stretchy tie. My jeans will be going over the boots. Comfort outweighs the look, especially since I tried so many different boots. The sole could be a bit better, but I did wear them in very light snow a little bit of ice, and I didn't slip. These boots also worked well for the back of my ankle (as opposed to the Keen Brighton that dug into my ankle). Overall, I am happy and comfortable with this boot I just wish the look was a bit cuter like the Keen Brighton.

This is a great boot; it's warm and fits well. That's essential for cold Chicago winters. The only issue is that it cuts into my ankles a bit.

I love these Merrell boots! They rubbed a little on one side around the outside ankle are when I first wore them, but after a few wears it smoothed itself out. It's a great choice for Michigan winters.

I love these boots; however, it rubs too much around the ankle to justify this much money. If that could be corrected, I'd keep them.

These boots are absolutely fantastic if you can put up with two flaws. First, they take awhile to break in: When I got them, they rubbed against my ankles so hard that they rubbed the skin right off. I had to put them away for two weeks (to heal) and then buy Dr. Scholl's heel pads to elevate my ankles, but after that they were fine. Second, the zipper on one of them broke after a few months. I called Merrell and they told me to get them fixed locally and they'd reimburse me up to $25, which they did. Other than that, they're extremely warm, comfortable (I walk long distances in them), attractive, and completely waterproof. Even with their flaws and their high price, I bought a second pair so I can wear them next year too.

Love the cute look, the warm waterproof features - but as several other reviewers have stated, there is definitely a problem with the fit in the ankle. I walked five blocks, and by the last block the outside of my ankle - just under the bone - was being rubbed and was very sore. I don't know if Zappos will accept a return now and I'm not sure I want to return them, because they are very fashionable. Perhaps I can do as another reviewer did, and wear two pair of socks for awhile to see if that will break them in.

This boot is very warm and cute too! Have worn it to work a few times, and have been impressed with its comfort. (I work in the OR, so on my feet and in a cold environment.)

Overall, a really good buy. I bought a 1/2 size up due to the other reviews, and I am not sure that you really need to do that. They are perfect with a thicker sock. The down side of these boots is that the reviewers that said the boot rubbed their ankles were absolutely correct. I wore the boots for 2 days and thought I had escaped this, but didn't. Nothing a band-aid and sock wouldn't cure though. The boot was also nice and light, so if you like to walk for fitness, this is a good buy. Nice and warm and very comfortable other than the ankle thing!

Pros: comfy on the foot, warm, stylish, good craftsmanship, can tuck jeans into it or wear pant leg on outside, zipper makes them easy to get on/off. Cons: bulky looking in the front (I'm a skinny girl with big feet), uncomfortable at the ankle where material gathers and pokes, drawstrings do nothing to widen or tighten the boot. I was on the fence about these as most calf/knee boots tend to pinch at the ankles, but ultimately decided to return these as I found a slightly more comfortable and less expensive (though less quality) pair.

I tend to analyze and research the expensive items that I buy. Snow boots being one of them. I finally had narrowed it down to this boot and the Sorel Cumberland. I bought them both to try out. I am a size 11, so snow boots and cute usually don't go in the same sentence. However, these boots are very stylish, and are not bulky at all. They are lightweight, and the time that I had my feet in them, they seemed to be very warm. The problem that I found, that others had too was that there is rubbing around the ankle area. And I felt it as soon as I put the boot on. I tried walking around the house a few times, and it was just slightly irritating. If I was just to wear them for shoveling and being outside, I'd probably keep them. But I walk about a mile from the bus to my house. So the price is a lot to spend to have any kind of irritation. I'm very disappointed to have to send these back.

I would rate this boot 4-stars overall if the right boot fit as well as the left. I wore them for about a half hour. The right boot rubs my inside ankle bone, and had I left them on any longer, I would have had a blister. The spot is red and continued to hurt even after removing the boot. If these were inexpensive boots from which I expected to experience some discomfort, I would try mole-skin or heel lifts, but I expect a good boot to fit well without my help. I love Zappos, and I have enjoyed wearing Merrell shoes and boots. I have Merrell Sulis boots in coffee from last year, and they definitely rate 5 stars. This year I wanted a boot which covered most of my calf. I guess I'll keep looking.

At first, I loved these boots. They kept my feet dry and warm as I trudged through snow. However, the zipper started to break 3 weeks after purchasing. If you do buy, I would not tighten the cords as this seems to put too much strain on the zipper.

These boots are really cute, and the foot of the boot is very comfortable and fits well. BUT... the boots really rub around the ankle. For me, especially on the right. I don't think I could walk in these for an extended period. My right ankle would be far too uncomfortable. I am disappointed that I am going to have to return them.

These boots are warm, cute, and waterproof. But, as others have said too, they dug horribly into my ankles at first, literally causing chafing and blisters. I waited two weeks and tried again, this time adding pads to the heels to get my ankles to a higher place, and that worked and I got them broken in. They were perfect for about a month and now one zipper just broke. I'm pissed. Am writing to Merrill to see if they'll replace them, because I like and need the boots but not looking forward to breaking in another pair. They can do better for this price.

I can verify what everyone has been saying about this boot. I wore them around my house for an hour and they dug into my ankles. Looks great but fits horribly. Feet also weren't kept warm.

I was totally disappointed in these boots. Merrell has always been a favorite winter shoe/boot for my husband and me, but these boots are poorly constructed with no firm support for your foot. They reminded me of something that Payless would sell. I hope this is not a sign of how the company is going with their shoe design. I wouldn't pay more than $19 for these at a DSW or other store. Also, the size 8 fit was snug and I wear a 7.5. The picture is cuter than they are in person. They look cheaply made.

Cute, great fit. Nice arch support. Zipper makes them easy to get on/off. Kept a different pair that didn't fit as nicely, but I liked the other pair's styling better.

I bought these boots a couple years ago and they have been my favorite go to winter boots. They are great in deep snow and comfortable enough to walk around NYC all day long. I very rarely write reviews but these boots deserve all the good things that people are saying about them!

I love these boots! They are really comfortable...almost like a running shoe and great for dog walking/tromping through snow. I just came in from shoveling my driveway in 10 degrees and my feet were warm and dry. I haven't had any problems with these boots and I have difficult feet to please.

Like many, I ordered a number of boots from Zappos, fully anticipating that many of them wouldn't fit. These however were a keeper. Merrell's tend to be lightweight, and this boot has a similar footbed. Not "clunky" at all. I have been wearing these with tights and they are perfect. FYI the sole that comes with the boot is a little thin for tights instead of thick winter socks, so I add an insole for use with tights.

Awesome boots! Merrell products are great and these boots live up to that reputation. Very warm and have already received many compliments on their looks.

This is a great boot. I have only worn it once when it was very cold and icy, but I'm sure I will wear it soon again in the snow. I got compliments on the style and hopefully they will be waterproof.

After reading many reviews, I ordered and kept these boots. I do love them and can wear them for long periods and they feel great. I too ordered half a size bigger and they fit. They seemed a little tight at first, but are not at all after wearing them a week or two. I can see how they could rum your ankle in a weird way as one review stated, but it did not happen to me. It has not been too cold yet and I have not been out in them long, but I am not sure if they will be warm enough.

Got these within 36 hours. Wore them 30 minutes after receiving them. Absolutely love them! Fit is great. Love the style. When I ordered them I didn't realize that they were not fleeced lined but rather the fleece was just decorative. No matter! They have an insulated lining and I don't have to worry about the fleece coming out or matting down like other lined footwear. They also seem very warm with socks. Definitely was a perfect choice for me.