Merrell Chameleon 7 Waterproof review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking shoes.
This shoe has a 7% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict from 100+ users
Pros
- Comfortable hiking shoe
- Lightweight
- Provides adequate cushioning on the trail
- Zero break-in period
- Excellent arch support
Cons
- Too narrow
- Lack of grip on wet and slippery surfaces
- Ineffective waterproof liner

78% say it's true to size.
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Who should buy the Merrell Chameleon 7 Waterproof
The Merrell Chameleon 7 Waterproof has its share of advantages that may prove to be useful for day hiking trips. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking shoe that delivers protection and performance for hikers.
- Prefer a hiking shoe that provides trail stability, support, and torsional rigidity
- Prefer a hiking shoe that supplies traction on most types of terrain.
Excellent grip on challenging terrain
The Chameleon 7 Waterproof is capable of handling uneven ground conditions and challenging terrain because of its Vibram TC5+ outsole. It is engineered to deliver traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Provides toe protection
The sole’s front end extends toward the toe area for extra bump protection.
Shock absorbing and comfortable cushioning
This day hiking shoe’s EVA midsole creates a cushioned ride for the user. It’s paired with Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel area for shock absorbency.
Excellent arch support
The footgear features a lightweight FlexPlate to make it more rigid and supportive. A Kinetic Fit Base removable insole improves arch support while a molded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) counter is integrated into the heel to boost stability.
Excellent ventilation
The Merrell Chameleon 7 Waterproof features an upper made of nubuck and suede leather to give it a robust feel. There are mesh panels in its design for enhanced airflow. An M Select Dry membrane lines the upper, making it a hiking shoe that's prepared for all sorts of wet conditions.
Provides durability and protection against accidental knocks
The forefoot area is reinforced with a rubber toe cap for optimal durability and protection against accidental knocks.
Easy to wear and secure fit
It has a bellows tongue which prevents debris from entering. The pull tab at the collar’s rear allows an easy on and off. Also, its closure system uses a mix of eyelets and hooks with a round lace, all used for managing the fit.
Additional Info
- Those who need a breathable shoe can check out the Merrell Chameleon 7.