Merrell Ontario 85 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 cushioning
- Versatile for outdoor and urban environments
- Excellent traction
- Lightweight
- Short break-in period
Cons
- Lack of arch support
- Stitches come apart after a few uses
- Restrictive toe box

90% say it's true to size.
Out of stock in all 49 shops
Merrell hiking shoesRankings
- Top 28% in Merrell hiking shoes
- Top 17% most popular hiking shoes
Comparison to similar hiking shoes
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Who should buy the Merrell Ontario 85
The Merrell Ontario 85 may still end up as a competent partner for day hikers because of its trail-related strengths, as long as its insole is replaced for more support. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a shoe that enables outdoor enthusiasts to tackle trails with comfort.
- Prefer a shoe that is made of suede leather and Cordura fabric for durability.
- Prefer a shoe that empowers adventurers to stay stable over challenging ground conditions.
Excellent traction
This trail-centric shoe from Merrell is equipped with a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole to give traction on most types of terrain. Its profile uses a pattern of triangular lugs that grip on wet and dry surfaces.
Excellent grip
Feature a grooved design for added control when tackling uphill and downhill conditions. The outsole’s front end extends upward to act as a shield against stubbing.
Comfortable cushioning
The Merrell Ontario 85 uses a compression-molded EVA midsole to supply the wearer with cushioning and rebound. It’s paired with an Air Cushion in the heel area for shock absorbency and stability when traversing uneven terrain.
Excellent arch support
Merrell included a patented Kinetic Fit Base insole to supply absolute arch coverage and intuitive support to the wearer. Its recycled EVA construction is lined with mesh for underfoot comfort. The component features an advanced heel lock to prevent slippage inside the shoe. It also comes with an organic odor control feature to keep the wearer’s foot fresh during a hike.
Excellent ventilation
Merrell’s Ontario 85 employs an upper made of suede leather and Cordura fabric. The combination of these materials imbues the shoe with resistance to tear and abrasive elements. It is lined with mesh fabric to promote air circulation.
Prevents debris from entering the shoe
The Ontario 85’s closure features several eyelets and a lace holder on the tongue. These components enable the user to manage the footgear’s fit. It also has a bellows tongue which prevents debris from entering the shoe.