With in hours of writing my review of this product, Merrell got back to me. They took my shoes back and sent me the new pair that I wanted. Merrell's customer service is top notch. I now have my new shoes and couldn't be happier. Thanks Merrell! You just got a customer for life. By the way, I got the Moab Ventilators. Awesome shoe!

Merrell's Reply: Thanks for your wonderful comments, we are very happy to assist!

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected

How do you most use this product?: walking around town and some hiking.

I'm 225 pounds and I've had mine for several years and they are holding up great. They still look fine and the vibram sole is very tough, showing little wear. I wear mine for everything from fishing to weekend activities, to motorcycling. I'm tough on footwear and these hikers have become a great bargain for the money. I wear them year round. Have used them in the desert, snow, you name it. I'm on the Merrell site now because I'm looking for a heavier duty pair of hikers and feel that I'm likely to get quality, comfort and durability again. Worth the money and can't say enough about the soles. The only thing I changed were the laces, as I like a stiffer, heavier duty lace.

Merrell's Reply: Oh the stories that your shoes could tell. We are very happy to have joined you on all the great adventures you have been on. Furthermore, we look forward to the adventure yet to come!

I live in a rainforest with an annual rainfall of 80-90 inches per year depending on who is reporting the stats. I use these shoes mainly for exercise, but find myself wearing them on my off time and on the weekends too because they are very comfortable. They have proven to be waterproof under the circumstances where I use them most, which is on improved trails and running around the property and downtown. I prefer boots for serious hiking, especially around here where low top shoes don't work as well. But, back to the review, the comfort is very good. The quality seems to be outstanding. The tread is aggressive enough to handle steep trails and the muck and moss that comes with some of the less improved trails around here. The overall weight of each shoe is actually very good considering they are gore-tex. The flexibility of the footbed and sole is very good. I prefer lighter more flexible footwear under most circumstances unless I am in rugged terrain carrying gear. These and my other lightweight Merrell hikers fit the bill. I will comment on Merrell as a company too. I own multiple pairs of Merrells and have been wearing Merrell footwear almost exclusively for the last 10-12 years. I like the fit, construction, materials, and mostly, I like the response of Merrell's customer service. Out of the two dozen pairs of hikers and a few more pairs of cross trainer shoes, I have had two pairs that had leaks in one shoe and gotten prompt service to correct or replace the boots. I recommend Merrell's boots and shoes for two reasons, good quality, and great customer service.

Merrell's Reply: Thanks for this great review!!

Product Size Rating: Sized as Expected

How do you most use this product?: Exercise, mostly walking.