Customer Reviews Merrell Traveler Sphere

I am returning the second pair of size 14 shoes. Nice style, seem to be well made, but after an hour or so of use, they squeak, and squeak, both shoes. Since I've tried twice, I assume the quality problem is systemic to Merrell.

After years of rapidly wearing out a series of cheap Nunn Bushes and Chuck Taylors (flat but flimsy), I have found a shoe that meets my needs: all-purpose use, all-occasion style, all-season protection. The best combination I could find with a low profile but also good tread and well-built soles. Immediately comfortable on the first wear. Fits wide and comfy like a shoe ought to. They only squeak when wet.

I picked up these shoes because I needed a replacement for a previous pair of shoes (not these) that served as semi-formal/casual wear. And these shoes fill that role perfectly! They're extremely comfortable to walk in, and feel very stable as well. I couldn't be happier!

Loved the shoes. They ran a half size small, so I purchased a size 15 and returned the size 14. It took a couple of wearings to break them in for my foot (not a criticism, just a fact). I wore them for a week in Prague, Czech Republic. They were comfortable, and stable on the cobblestone streets. I am extremely pleased with these shoes.

Just received these today so clearly too early for an in-depth review but wanted to share my first impression: 1) I have had several pairs of different Merrell shoes over the years and these are very much in line with what you would expect from Merrell as far as quality. As to fit, these shoes are true to size in length and width but are clearly intended for the looser European fit or those with a high volume feet. That said, they fit but if you like your shoes tight across the bridge (top of your foot) or have low volume (thin) feet, then keep looking. 2) The infamous squeaking. I heard it and fixed it. First, it is not the insert or foot bed that is squeaking. Rather, it is the laces themselves rubbing on the leather and making a "creaking" sound like a cowboy in the saddle. This happens if you over tighten the laces. However, this isn't an issue if you prefer the previously mentioned European fit which is traditionally loosely tied. Now, if you still want to strap these on tight because you're going to be doing some light duty urban hiking or you're not into the loose European fit, here's the solution. Re-lace the shoes. Only this time, when you start with at first pair of eyelets near the toe, lace under, not over. That is to say, the lace will go under the first pair of eyelets. Keep lacing by going up (under) each eyelet instead of the "traditional" over the top pattern. The resulting lacing pattern eliminates the tendency for the laces to strain against the leather and creak. Give it a try. It worked just fine for me. Now I can tighten the shoes to the point of hurting my feet and they still don't creak. Overall, I gave these 4 stars, largely because the padding around the ankle is not quite as plush as I would expect or want - less like an athletic shoe and more like a dress shoe in that regard. I gave them five stars for style because I intend to use these as a casual shoe for business travel. I can wear them with slacks in the evening but also wear them in the gym in the morning. They are casual but not too athletic shoe looking to not be able to wear with casual pants.

Nice shoes. They look and feel great although it took a bit to break them in. They are built well and I could see having them for a while.

One of the most comfortable shoes that I own. They are pretty decent style, though they do a look a little sneakery, so they will not work with formal wear. They are a snug fit, so heavy socks might make them a little tight. Other than that, A+ comfort. The only other show that I have that is more comfortable is the Skechers Relaxed Fit Braver - Rayland. But this is a close second and I love it.

These are great shoes that my husband loved. I want to find another style for him he is in real estate and needs to wear shoes that are casual, but not sneakers. These fit the bill!

I bought these shoes for my son 16 year old to wear as dress shoes. He has super wide feet and he loves them. They are comfortable and they look nice with a suit!

This shoe worked perfectly for my tour of Italy. They exceeded my expectations. I am on my feet all day working retail, these are my new go to shoes now.

The shoes are great. Fit well, and look good. I haven't had them very long so I can't say how they will hold up but I have had other Merrell shoes and they have been great so I expect the quality to be above average.

Purchased my first pair a couple of months ago. Seem to be holding up well with daily wear and are super comfortable.

I bought these shoes for a trip to Europe and wore them every day for two weeks - they are wonderful: look good, fit well, and serve in both formal and informal situations.

I really like these shoes. No flashy advertising just a nice pair of good quality tennies. I always wear 11.5 in Merrell shoes and these were right on in that department.

Just broke theses in on a 10 day trip to London, was so impressed with the support and no achey feet after 12hr days walking that I purchased another pair so I don't have to hunt these down again when my current pair wear out.

These shoes look great with casual pants or jeans. They are comfortable right out of the box and are very true to size.

An excellent shoe. The soft, matte leather and the suede accent on the side are even nicer than they look in the photo. The shoe seems sturdily stitched together, although the sole might wear down faster than I'd like. I didn't have the problem with squeaking that others have had. It's roomy, but I have a wide foot, so that's fine for me. The shoe is built interestingly: the sole has little or no foam cushioning on it, but the shoe has a very thick insole. This seems to make for a more flexible shoe. Somehow, the thickness doesn't make the shoe clunky or add a large heel drop. One tiny complaint: the shoes can be very slippery on wet or icy surfaces, seemingly more so than usual. So tread lightly when it's raining.

Squishy like a gym shoe insole. Hardened outer sole like a light hiking shoe. Very comfortable in the office or on a trip. Heel cup is loose at the top - takes some getting used to. At first seemed like it was falling off. Great all day support. No squeaking as others have mentioned. Overall, they feel like a "dressed up" version of a pair of DC skate shoes with support.

Overall, this shoe did not turn out to be what I expected for the price. Pros: The style is very versatile. The shoes go will with jeans or slacks. Feels like a sturdy shoe. Cons: I had a hard time finding the right size. I usually wear a 10, but these shoes were really long in a size 10. I went with 9 1/2, which seemed to fit nicely, but after wearing them for a couple of days, I found they irritated almost every pressure point on my feet. I thought they might break in after a couple of weeks, but after wearing them every day for 2 weeks, they still make my feet ache. Also, they squeak. I might not have such a poor review if these were less expensive shoes, but these were more, I really expected something better for the price.

The *LAST* pair of Merrells I will ever buy. I've owned 8 or so pairs, both boots and shoes. My previous pair (not this model but similar) was fine, fit fine, BUT- when they got rained on one day, they acquired a horrible smell which will not come out. SO- on to this pair. They look great- that's all the good that I can say about them. Comfort- not good. All of my prior Merrells have been very comfy, some the best shoes I've had as far as comfort. These- there's something wrong in the heel area, not under the heel, but around the sides- they actually made both heels hurt, just from walking- nothing strenuous. It's completely weird and totally out of character for Merrell. Also- there's a noise when I walk. I thought it would go away, but no- it's not a squeak, more of a 'squinch' sound at every step, from both shoes. It has something to do with the material rubbing when the forefoot bends. However, it's loud enough that I can't wear these at work- defeating one of the main reasons I bought them. In short, the second VERY disappointing pair of Merrells in a row. I won't be buying any Merrells again.

Nice shoes, but two main caveats. 1) They're crap on wet surfaces or when they're wet, and particularly with metal. I wiped out on an escalator for the first time in my life in these when coming in from the rain. They didn't seem to grip at all and I learned to walk carefully. 2) Didn't last. After about a year, the left shoe developed a tear on the right side, just below the laces in the material. Even Shoe Goo couldn't stop it from expanding into a shoe-destroying, two inch long rip.

The noxious odor of these shoes nearly knocked me to my knees. I put them in the cool garage to air out a couple of weeks, but it didn't help. I tried to wear them twice, and twice they made my feet tingle. Now, THAT can't be right. Already tossed the box, but as soon as I get another, they'll have to go back. Woe to whomever opens that smelly thing.