Merrell Chameleon Arc 2 Rival Hiking Boots - Waterproof (For Women)

I've now hiked quite a bit in these boots, including a 12-mile hike out in Glacier National Park in Montana. If you are only going for short day hikes, maybe 2-3 miles, I could recommend them somewhat... But definitely not for long distance!

When I initially purchased these boots, I did order 1/2 a size up (from 7 to 7.5) like the reviews suggested and when I first wore them they felt fine in the toe box. But after some serious hiking I discovered these put pressure on top of my big toe nail and the blood blisters under my toe nail from my MT trip just grew out 10 months later. I don't notice the pressure AT ALL when I'm wearing them short distances but after 6+ miles I start to feel it.

When I hike a steep downhill, my feet slide down into the toe box, curling/cramping my toes and giving me blisters on top of my smaller toes. I usually wear thick cushioned Darn Tough socks. I'd be afraid to try an even larger size because of how much I already side down into the shoe, even when the laces are extra-tight. But you would think the larger size would relieve me of the big toe pressure.

In addition to that, my little toe feels cramped on the side after long-distance, and the shoe encourages "boot toe." My little toe starts to curl outwards putting pressure on the nail. And I have fairly narrow-medium width feet.

They also give blisters in the heel on 6 mile+ hikes.

I'm from Ecuador and I'm a biologist so I was looking for comfortable waterproof shoes to use during my field work. When I bought this pair I wasn't sure because they seem a little bit tall for me but after using them at the field I was so amazed of how comfortable and how TRUE waterproof are!!! I'm really in love with this boots and the quality of the leather is amazing I walked with this during the rainy season in the jungle and never got wet feet, also good ventilation and great traction for slippery trails I have been using them a lot and they look like new even after working at the rocky highlands in my country. I never write reviews but I really want to share my experience with this awesome boots!!

I purchased these boots, as I have loved my other Merrells. I had to return them as their sizes run small. I always wear a 6.5 and these boots were way too tight. Look like very nice boots, but make sure you order a half size larger.

I have an older pair of leather Chameleon boots that I loved, these are about a size smaller and much narrower in the toe. Very disappointed. They went back.

I loved my first pair of Merrell hiking boots so as they aged I decided to stick with Merrell for my second pair. They aren't quite as comfortable as my last pair but I really love how stable they feel. They have a bit more sole than my old ones but the shape of the sole makes my foot feel like it's just rolling over the rocks on montain trails. I think that will really help on long rocky hikes.