Verdict from 10.2 hours of research from the internet

91
Great!
280 users: 4.6 / 5

6 reasons to buy

  • A lot of Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof owners say that it is a remarkably durable shoe for hiking trips.
  • Its lightweight construction impresses a majority of outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The waterproofness of this Merrell product leaves a good impression on a bunch of shoppers.
  • According to a handful of individuals, the Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof’s grippy outsole is commendable.
  • Its minimal break-in period leaves a minority of wearers amazed.
  • A couple of users mention that it is a versatile piece of gear for outdoor adventures and urban environments.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Several customers comment that the Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof’s toe box is narrow.
  • According to a few buyers, its upper lacks breathability.
  • Some consumers find this hiker to be quite expensive.

Bottom line

Those who wish to go day hiking with a durable and lightweight pair may find this Merrell offering as a delightful investment. Its ability to prevent water intrusions and traction on various surfaces may also come in handy during a trip.

However, the shoe’s toe box may be too restrictive for comfort, causing some to pass on it. Overall, the Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof may still end up contributing positively during an adventure because of its positive qualities.

Tip: see the best hiking shoes.

User reviews:

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  • The Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof is a Merrell day hiking shoe built with various components that help individuals perform in challenging environments. Its nubuck leather and mesh upper houses a proprietary M Select Dry Barrier for protection from wet encounters.
  • Merrell equipped this leather shoe for hikers with an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole for support and stability. Its Vibram XS Trek Evo rubber outsole keeps adventurers surefooted on virtually all types of terrain.

The Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof is a low-top waterproof hiking shoe made for men and women. It features a traditional lacing system, which helps wearers get a personalized fit from this footgear. Its padded tongue and collar work together to render a comfortable lockdown.

This Merrell outdoor shoe for adventurous individuals is equipped with a Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole. Its profile employs a pattern of aggressive 5mm-deep lugs to deliver traction on varied terrain. A small ridged design can be found on both ends of this component for added control when tackling uphill and downhill ground conditions. The sole’s front tip slightly extends upward to shield the user’s toe from various trail dangers.

The Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof for men and women features an EVA midsole furnished with an Air Cushion in the heel area. The combination of these components yields a cushioned ride and reduces impact from various ground conditions.

Merrell furnished the Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof’s midsole with a lightweight FlexPlate to make it rigid and resistant to sudden twisting. A Kinetic Fit Base removable insole is positioned on top of the midsole. It delivers arch support, cushioning, and extra comfort underfoot.

The Merrell Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof comes with an upper made of nubuck leather and mesh. These materials imbue the hiking shoe with abrasion-resistance and lightness. An M Select Dry Barrier lines this component to prevent water intrusions while preserving breathability. Moreover, its toe box houses a rubber cap for durability and trail protection.

This Merrell offering’s lacing system uses a set of round eyelets for fit management. The topmost eyelet is connected to a molded thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) counter in the rearfoot section for heel support and security. A bellows tongue is integrated into the upper to prevent debris from entering the shoe. The collar contains a pull tab at the back to facilitate easy on and off.

- Buyers who need a waterproof boot for a challenging trip may want to consider the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX.

Size and fit

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How Chameleon 8 Leather Waterproof compares

This shoe: 91
All shoes average: 85
58 99
This shoe: $160
All shoes average: $131
$45 $250
This shoe: 17.7oz
All shoes average: 13.9oz
6.5oz 23.3oz
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com