Customer Reviews Merrell Kids Trail Chaser (Big Kid)

These had all the makings of a great shoe with one major flaw...The velcro strap. The no-tie and velcro were a major selling point. We return the first pair within a month because the stitching (the fabric that you see Merrell) of the velcro strap pulled off the actual piece of velcro. We thought maybe it was just a flaw and returned the first pair and got another pair. The second pair did last longer but the same issue happened. They need to double stitch or use stronger threading to attach it.

These worked out great on a hiking trip to the Southwest - light and comfortable from the first day!

Love this shoe! My son has had two pairs of this style and we are about to order a third. I love that I don't have to help him lace them, and his feet are always comfortable. My son is hard on shoes and we did have one strap break on one pair, but only after MANY months of heavy use. My son has wider feet and these shoes are perfect for him. I only wish they would make them in another color. The color is great, but we're going on year 3 of the identical shoe. Come on Merrell, update the color!

Bought these for my son to use during an upcoming trip to Utah's national parks. He liked the style and fit. So comfortable that he put them on right away; he hasn't commented on any discomfort as he's broken them in. I like that they don't have laces that'll get undone. The top velcro strap likely does a great job of keeping them snug. The treads on the bottom look great for hiking (and quite frankly, all the mischief kids get into). I have no doubt these will be well worth the investment.

My son said that these were super comfortable from day one. He wore them immediately on a school trip that included hiking for several miles. Shoes fit very well and no discomfort.

I am a woman. I usually buy sports or walking shoes from men or boys because, generally, the shoes are of better quality. I'm Normal 6 Big Kid or Normal 7.5 in Women. These Merrells did not disappoint. I bought them together with Merrell Siren Edge. As opposed to the Women's, the Boy's Merrells do not have a high heel, which drives me nuts. I mean what do you need a high heel in a sports or a walking shoe?! My back was complaining after only 20 minutes of using the Sirens in the kitchen. So the Sirens are going back and the Trail Chasers are here to stay (thank you Zappos for allowing me to try them on before deciding). Also, the Chasers are true to size, whereas the Sirens are a tighter fit. It seems that the Sirens have more padding, but they were definitely tighter for me in the shoe box region and the slightly elevated high heel was a definite no-no. I took a star off from the Chasers because they don't have laces but that elastic crap instead. You could put laces on though. Other than that, they are good city walking shoes. I used them almost daily on asphalt and trials over the past two months and, even if they show it by fraying at the edges, they are otherwise very good for the price. I recommend them.

My son is 9 and not hard on shoes. These are the first pair of shoes he's had that fell apart before he outgrew them. He's only had them 4 months.

Last year we bought the same style in blue, and were very impressed by how well they held up to tough use everyday by our 10-year-old who is generally very hard on shoes. Unfortunately this new pair is far inferior. After less than 2 months the velcro has pulled loose from the stitching on the straps. Very disappointed but I'm hoping this is a fluke, as we've had good luck with Merrell shoes in the past.