Customer Reviews Merrell Wilderness USA

These aren't just the best hiking boots.they're the best footwear product I've ever owned. I've had mine about 12-15 years, and ready for another resole. Comfortable immediately, no hot spots. Very supportive, can be made waterproof. Yes, heavier than crappy, overly complicated, flashy looking junk that passes for boots, but you will not notice the weight, just the comfort. Mine were Italian made,not sure about recent ones. Breath much better than supposed lightweight models, especially if they have GoreTex or other membrane. I live in these boots. Excellent for those with hallux rigidus (arthritis in big toe joint). Wish I could have like the Danner boots I've ownedthe Wilderness are just better.

Bought my only pair of wilderness in 1994. Have hiked thousands of miles in these boots and a Dana Terraplane throughout North, Central and South America. Have had to re-sole 4 times, rebuilt the heel leathers and backs but only inside the boot, the exteriors are still as durable as the day I boughts them, and just as waterproof. There is no better hiking boot than this. It's the boot that you suck it up and bear the purchase price and know that boot will be with you for as long as you need them...regardless of how well you take care of them. They are practically indestructible and hands down the best hiking boot ever made for serious mileage with a pack on

Going on 5 years now and just about due for a re-sole. I've put a lot of hard miles on these boots and they've performed better than I could've imagined. In fact, just a few days ago I summited Mount Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route. I have the utmost confidence in these boots. However, I do have one issue that arose this summer that needs to be addressed and I'm hoping Merrell can help me with this. On the inside of the left boot right at the achilles a seam of two adjoining fabrics has come undone and the leather has lifted, causing skin wear at my heel bone. Once I reach a certain mileage the chaffing breaks through the skin. This is obviously not good and needs to be repaired. Even with this issue, for what I've put these through, I still believe wholeheartedly these boots can't be beat. Can you point me in the right direction to have this repaired, Merrell? Thank you.

Great boots. Will last half a lifetime. Stiff at first, you have to take the time to break them in and even then, the sturdy materials needs to warm up. These are the ones you keep.

I bought my boots in the late 80's and still wear them today. couldn't ask for a better pair of boots. None I've ever owned since are still with me but my Merrell wilderness boots. It seems like the more I wear these boots the more they feel like a part of my feet. Put in good insoles,orthotics, and cord laces. very waterproof boots and great in the snow. I also have Moab boots and wear them but will throw them away in a few years when they wear out and buy another pair of quality lightweight boots and throw them away but my wilderness just keep going strong. highly recommend these boots

No doubt in my mind that after wearing this boot daily for the past month it's a quality product. I chose the Wilderness because I value having something that will last me for quite a long time and this boot fits the bill. I've been wearing it regularly to break them in because the high quality leather is stiff at first, but has slowly become shaped nicely to my foot. Looking forward to the summer and getting out on the trail with it.

I bought a pair of Merrell Wilderness boots in 1994 for an Outward Bound trip. I've put over 1,000 miles on these kicks since then and had them resoled once. What can I say? They are great. The uppers have held up fabulously. The inner lining is also in great shape. The boots are still stiff on cold mornings, but fit great when warmed up. They can take any type of pointy, rocky terrain I throw at them. And I've scratched the snot out of them over the years and they are as sturdy as ever. These were a great investment and have served me well.

Short story. Had my Wilderness for 27 years and they are still functional and bum around in them. The leather is so robust and has saved my feet against sharp rocks. The have plenty of scars but they have never compromised the overall boot. About 5 years ago decide to get some new boots the Danner Mountains, which are also nice. These 2 boots get compared a lot and seems like Danner gets the nod. Although they are nice, my money goes to the Wilderness all day long. I just picked up another pair of Wilderness today (made in Italy) and I'm so stoked!!! Now I have 3 nice pair of boots but I can't wait to break in my new Wilderness. The leather is thicker, the tongue is a better simple design, and they're are just bold! I know younger hikers may like all the new technology and glued soles in other boots, but trust me when I say those boots will be in the trash can in 10 years just when these Wilderness become a part of you. I hope the new USA are just as nice, but thanks Merrell for keeping it real. Love these boots!!!!!

I researched these boots for months due to the expense. I finally pulled the trigger on ordering a pair and I'm so glad that I did. They fit well and will just get better I think as I finish breaking them in. Have many other pairs of Merrell shoes, but these are my first pair of boots. I don't think they will be my last.

I have had two pairs of these boots over the past 24 years. I bought my first pair in 1995 and they lasted until 2011; thats when I bought my second pair. I read a review that said the D-ring eyelets chewed up laces. Thats crazy. I changed my laces out for 3mm climbing cord, in the first hour of owning each pair. I have never changed out the 3mm cord that is in my current pair of boots. The cord is still going strong. In the fall, winter and early spring, I wear these boots almost everyday. They have been hiking in multiple National parks, the Australian Outback and South African bush. Please keep making the Wilderness Boot. I will be looking for a new pair, right around 2026!

I am still wearing my Merrill Wilderness boots that I bought when I was 18. That was 32 years ago. Most rugged shoe that I have ever owned. Have looked at replacing several times over the years but each time I shop I end up coming back to; "why?, the boots that I have are in great shape and don't need to be replaced". Cool to see that Merrill is reintroducing an old school shoe that is time tested and proven.

I have owned many boots over the years, and my Merrell Wilderness boots are by far the best. The break-in period was long but worth it. They have now been to Alaska twice, and undoubtedly will be again.

These boots are fantastic. Breaking period was about a week or 10 days. Wore them around the house and walking the dog. The only concern I had was the weight but it is not a factor. Wore the boots all day on the 11th day: around the house, errands, walking the dog, yard work. They stayed comfortable the whole time. Support is awesome. My feet feel better with them on. Love the leather. It is hot where I live but my feet did not notice.

This is a classic, very well built, and durable, all weather hiking boot! FYI... For those who say it is not waterproof, that's really not true at all! These boots are built with Norwegian Welt construction. This type of welt allows for the boot to be re-soled when needed, for a lifetime of wear! However, to complete the waterproof integrity of the boot, the stitched welt needs to be treated/sealed, by the purchaser, to prevent leaking at the stitched welt area, as is the case with any quality hiking boot that uses Norwegian Welt construction! This is generally not done by the manufacturer as there are several products, as well as individual preferences, when it comes to sealing/treating the stitched welt area of these boots. Try treating/sealing the welt area of the boots, that should take care of the waterproof issues in these boots! Hope that helps, Cheers!

Forget trail running. If you spend anytime off trail really exploring, this is the boot to wear. Since it can be resoled, with proper care, it should last a lifetime. Since it's leather, it'll require some break-in, but then you'll have a boot that conforms to your own feet. A bit on the heavy side, but that's the price for full support and longevity. It's a classic. And for a reason.

These boots look great, are an example of amazing construction, but for me they run very large and wide. I needed to size down, and lets hope when I get my new pair, they hopefully won't be as wide.

I have a pair of the Italian made wilderness boots and they are terrific! I also have a pair made in China that I'm not very happy with I was hoping they would be made in USA

I've had my pair of these for around 20 years. I wore out a previous pair rock climbing and backpacking--that pair only wore out because I didn't take the time to get a new sole put on when it was needed. 20 years! These are heavy, with heavy and thick leather, which means they take a while to break in, but using care breaking them in and caring for the leather (and resoling now and then) means they'll last forever. I have wider feet, so I wear a half size larger in this boot than I wear in a shoe which suits my width. During break in this means they're just a tad long, but after they're broken in I swear I don't even notice they're on. The width on these is pretty generous, and the way they're built means that they will spread a bit to contour to the foot. I will never own a different brand or model of boots.

I opened my door and my USPS carrier immediately said, "Nice boots!" You don't get a better recommendation than that.

My Wilderness pair was born in 1989. Their early teen years were spent in the Adirondacks and Olympic Mountains. Their post-college career took them to first ascents in the Alaskan Arctic, many 14k+ peaks further south, and month long backpacking and mountaineering trips in the Sierra and Cascades. They've worn crampons and borne 60+ pound loads with no complaint. Now, after nearly 30 years and one resole, they carry their age far better than me. While they are still ready for a hike or peak, I mostly wear them around Ballard, Seattle, and I smile every time someone who knows what heritage they carry compliments them (which is often). Thank you, Merrell, for continuing to build these beauties with such care. My only complaint is that I can no longer order size 10 narrow width.

21 years and counting. Mine are the ones made in Italy but the construction is likely the same or they made have made further some enhancements bringing manufacturing back to the US. I wore mine daily for 3 years fixing hiking trails in the Adirondacks. I've been through 3 sets of soles. I have hundreds and hundreds of days in them. They fit like a glove and are wickedly comfortable. I cannot recommend the Merrill Wilderness enough. Part of the literacy and love of these boots is their old school bulletproof approach. You have to clean them occasionally (once or twice a season) with saddle soap. Then, once dry you stick them at low tempurature I. Th own the get them to 120 degrees or so. A heat gun also works well. Then literally melt snowseal beeswax into the leather. Then they will literally last a lifetime. It's great to see Merrill's dedication to this wonderful boot as well, and kudos to now making them back in the USA.

These are the most comfortable boots/shoes that I own. I tried on scores of boots to get just the right fit back in the mid-90s, and these have never let me down. But with all boot decisions, take the time to make sure it fits, not what you want to fit. The Merrell last fits my foot so perfectly that I really didn't have much of a break in period...but the leather is heavy so don't think you can replicate that...I got lucky. You do need to properly seam seal the welt with proper seam sealant (I have done that a number of times over the years). That is extremely important. Use real seam seal not beeswax or any of that stuff. I use aqueous nikwax on the leather (there are probably better solutions, but I am pretty lazy) and my feet have never been wet. Paired with a good set of OR Crocodile gaiters (get a large pair with these boots), I have traipsed through small streams (very quickly) with very little water coming over the top and no water from below. I have had no issues with this boot except the tread started coming off the boot at one point near the toe and instep. The tread was worn, so I had that replaced and the cobbler didn't do a great job and I had to have it re-glued. (and now it is starting to come unglued again!) But imagine--a boot that when you wear down the vibram to the nub--you can replace the tread. They ARE heavy and the ARE pretty hot, so keep that in mind. They excel in winter and fall and they are overkill on day hikes or ultralight backpacking...but they are so comfortable, I wear them anyway. Been nearly 20 years and I love em like the day I bought them--I just wish I had the time to get out more nowadays!