Merrell Passage Ventilator Shoes (For Women)

When I turn my foot certain ways, I feel the top of the shoe against my ankle, which is uncomfortable, so I'll be returning them. If the top of the shoe were just a little lower, I would like them. Most of the other reviews were good...perhaps I have a short ankle.

I was so excited when I received these I wore them about 5 miles on trails and 3 on the road to test them out, the first day! My feet stayed warm & dry and they worked great on both walking surfaces. My heels were a little sore after that, but that's a normal problem with me after standing for extended periods of time. Here in PA, we have hilly, rocky, muddy trails and these work fantastic!

The first pair I bought were my normal shoe size, 7 1/2. They felt great in the house, but the minute I walked down my steep driveway, I knew I'd have problems hiking, so I sent them back and ordered 8's. I guess these shoes where not the right ones for me. After wearing them hiking, and I hike a lot, and have a different pair of Merrells, my calves ached. In fact, they were not comfortable during the hike. I was so disappointed because I loved the color, the look, and the feel just around the house.

I agree with other reviewers about Merrells (often)being comfortable right out of the box without break in. But these weren't for me (I bought them to replace worn-out Merrells which I wear almost all the time). My full-length orthotic seemed to fit in fine, but it turned out unbenownst to me that it was sliding forward on one foot...I ended up with an injury to my heel as a result. There is a bit LESS padding/cushioning in the shoe (beyond the foam insole which I removed) and I could feel it at the end of the day. I also think the TOE BOX is more narrow (bunion level) than some, and more narrow than my other Merrells. I had to stretch them out but they did break in. Its nice that they are all leather, they did repel rain very well and my feet did not get soaked; I bet they'd be good shoes for a lighter wt person/someone with no foot probs (who could do with less cushioning) and someone who could get away with a narrower toe box than I can (I have a small bunion).

These are comfotable the moment you step into them. They provide good arch support. They aren't too clunky looking. The only down side is that they are incredibly squeaky. Also- true to size.