Customer Reviews Merrell Capra Sport GORE-TEX®

At first, they seemed stiff, but softened up while still maintaining support underfoot. I think they are nice-looking shoes, a mix between trail and running. I ordered an 8.5 which is my standard size with a bit of room to spare so they were great on size. The width is mid range - good for narrow-average width feet. Lacing was well designed. I was eager to try them on a hike with rocks and roots and scrambles since Merrell's claim is they are fashioned after the "Capra mountain goats" but sadly I was disappointed. The lugs on the soles are insufficient to give you a solid bite on varying terrain. Additionally, I found I was slipping on smooth rocks and they were hopeless once mud got in between. Any mountain goat would be horribly timid on those precarious ledges if their hooves were anything like these! I also got caught in the rain and the Gore-Tex failed big-time. Unfortunately, these shoes will be reserved for walking easy streets on dry days.

Love these waterproof trail shoes. Good support, felt stiff out of the box but after thinking that, I never thought it again - they broke in beautifully on the first day. I walk dogs in the woods every day for a living and have been searching for waterproof shoes that were comfortable, cute, and colorful. I was so pleased that I bought 4 more pair.

First off, let me say that I am obnoxiously picky about shoe comfort...but I hate tying shoes, which leads to my choice (see below). I have been looking for a new pair of trail runners with gore-tex, for my narrow feet (to replace my worn Salomons). After trying MANY shoes (Salomon, North Face, Sportiva, New Balance, Nike, Montrail, Pearl Izumi, etc.), I ordered these and Salomon x ultra 2 gx (which is a different model than the Salomons I usually wear), both size 9.5 I haven't worn Merrells before, but have owned many pairs of Salomons -- six to be exact. I think I am going to keep the Salomons over these. The Merrells actually fit my narrow foot a little better, but, as I said, I am lazy about tying laces, which is why I default to the Salomons, and will again, although the fit is not quite as narrow as the Merrells. All my Salomons including these have been a bit too wide in the toe box, and the sides are too high at the ankle bone (but this ultimately hasn't bothered me in the past once the shoes are broken in a bit). However, luckily, the Salomons are snug enough at the arch, the grip is good and the waterproofness has always been excellent -- and then there is the Salomon lacing system. Love it! However, if you are not as lazy as I am about tying shoelaces and have a narrow foot, I would recommend the Merrells. Don't know how their waterproofing rates, but the fit is very good for my narrow foot. As with the Salomons, they seem stiff enough for trail hiking, but with good cushioning (maybe the Salomons are a little more flexible?), without feeling squishy. Also the uppers on both are relatively rugged, with plenty of protected area on the sides, heel and toe. One more thing. The Merrells are more than the Salomons, although in this price range, may not be a make it or break it amount for many people.

Love these shoes! They are comfortable, supportive and keep my feet dry during early morning dog walking through wet fields, and I'm certain will be equally perfect for hiking trails. I've worn my Merrell Moab hikers for several years, and wanted something waterproof with a sportier look to replace those so I could wear them with shorts and workout gear. These are perfect!

After two walks for initial break in, these are really comfortable. They're keeping my feet dry while I'm walking and running on wet, muddy trails.

I bought these shoes for hiking in the mountains around my home in Los Angeles, and also for camping vacations in summer & fall in Maine. In the week since they were delivered, I've logged 35 miles hiking, with 6000 ft total elevation gain, all with very comfortable feet! I'll find out how the waterproof feature holds up in Maine in a few weeks.

I tried these shoes on a short trail run with only 1000 feet elevation gain. The trail was very rugged. The friction on the sole works ok uphill but doesn't grip well when coming down. The arch support is good. I have very flat feet. These shoes are narrower at the arch, so they kind of work like braces, very comfortable for the arch. The gore tex part works ok but not foolproof--I had a couple of pairs of La Sportiva Gore-Tex boots and kind of have the bad habit of wading through streams if they barely cover the feet. I had learn my lesson.

Love the colors and the fit. Too clunky-looking. Somehow the way the toe is constructed, the shoes make my feet look really long when my feet are actually quite small - size 6.

shoes are too stiff. I have had hiking walking shoes that are supportive but not so stiff, These felt like wooden blocks. The tapered toe bed and upward curled toe bed exacerbated tendency to plantar fasciosis. Shoe runs slightly small.

Way too narrow and I have an average width foot. Also the heel is not narrow enough to keep heel from slipping, even with the runners lacing.