Merrell Azura Hiking Shoes - Waterproof (For Women)

I'm a long-time Merrell fan—I currently own 6 pairs in various styles. I bought these several months ago (a half-size up) from my usual size, which I is routine for me with Merrells); they fit perfectly and are comfortable. But last week, I was out walking after a heavy dew fall and discovered they are NOT waterproof. Not even close! 1/2 mile across a field of dew-drenched, relatively short grass & my socks were soaked.

I though these would be comfortable but they were terribly hard on my feet.

I have a narrow, low volume foot with narrow heel and average forefoot so I need to be able to move my toes. I found the Azura to be too pointed in the toe area for me and had to return the Azura. The Azura is a lightweight shoe but felt poorly made, possibly molded incorrectly. I ordered again & this time tried the Merrell Flourecein which is broader in the toe area yet still seems to hold my heel in place and feels better constructed in general.

This is my third pair of Merrell hiking shoes over the past 20 years. I still have the other two pairs, but have retired them to occasional weekend wear at home and at the cabin. I use these in the snow, the rain, in the muck and for winter, spring and fall walking. They are great on slippery surfaces but not too bulky to wear to run a quick errand. They are an excellent value and I would highly recommend them especially when purchased through Sierra Trading Post.

I bought these shoes after the original pair I ordered weren't actually in stock. I was nervous having never tried them on, my shoe size ranges from a 6-7 depending on brand(I got a 6.5). I got them 3 days before I was leaving for my trip to Alaska. They fit prefect! I didn't have to break them in at all and they were super comfortable. There was one day after a longer hike that my right pinky toe started to rub just slightly, but nothing that left a mark or any discomfort after the hike was over. We were in Sitka in March, and it was plenty wet on the trails, and we had a couple days of rain, and my feet never got wet at all. The only negative thing I have to say about them is they don't have very good grip when wet. The trails had a lot of rocks and log steps that were pretty slippery when wet. It may not be an issue specific to this shoe though, a lot of shoes may have had issues gripping in that situation.