Verdict from 100+ user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Loads of buyers agree that the Merrell Yokota 2’s comfort level is off the charts.
- According to numerous consumer reviews, it is a delightfully lightweight hiking shoe.
- A majority of users say this Merrell offering supplies sufficient grip when tackling wet and dry terrain.
- The shoe’s breathability astounds a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts.
- A handful of adventurers find the Yokota 2’s break-in period to be non-existent.
- A minority of purchasers state that it gives a lot of value for its affordable price.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several owners declare the Merrell Yokota 2’s cushioning to be insufficient.
- Its arch support fails to impress some outdoorsy individuals.
- A sole shopper says that the shoe’s pull loop at the back ripped off after a few uses.
Bottom line
According to those who have used it, the Yokota 2 is a lightweight shoe that offers a generous amount of comfort and traction. Its airy upper is also a hit to those looking to hike in warm weather.
On the other hand, the footgear’s lack of cushioning may be a cause of concern for some. All in all, the Merrell Yokota 2 may still be an outstanding pair for day hikers, granted buyers can look past its issues.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Good to know
- The Merrell Yokota 2 is a low-top shoe engineered to aid individuals in completing their day hikes with ample comfort and performance. Its suede and mesh upper have been updated with M Select Fresh, a technology that reduces unpleasant odor.
- This Merrell offering comes with an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole to deliver lightweight cushioning. It uses an M Select Grip rubber outsole to keep users stable over virtually all kinds of terrain.
The Yokota 2 is a Merrell low-top hiking shoe for men and women. It employs a conventional lacing system, which enables wearers to achieve a secure and personalized lockdown. Moreover, the footgear’s mesh lining delivers a plush fit to the user.
This hike-centric Merrell shoe is equipped with a proprietary M Select Grip rubber outsole. It has a set of 4mm oval-shaped lugs on its perimeter to give multidirectional grip on challenging surfaces. It has grooves on both ends for added control when traversing uphill and downhill conditions. The outsole’s front section reaches upward to provide stub protection.
The Merrell Yokota 2 is able to supply hikers with cushioning, thanks to its EVA midsole. It’s paired with an Air Cushion feature in the heel region to reduce shock from uneven trails. A molded nylon shank is integrated into its design to make the shoe rigid. It also has a Kinetic Fit Base insole, which provides arch support and added comfort underfoot.
The Merrell Yokota 2 features an upper made of suede leather and mesh fabric. The pairing of these materials imbues the footgear with durability and breathability. A rubber toe cap sits in front of the upper to protect the forefoot from trail dangers. It also has a molded TPU counter in the rearfoot region to provide heel support.
The Yokota 2’s lacing system uses a series of webbing loops and metal eyelets to manage its fit. A bellows tongue is integrated into the upper to prevent debris from entering the shoe. It comes with a pull tab at the back to give wearers easy on and off.
The Yokota 2 and Yokota 2 Sport GTX are both hiking shoes offered by Merrell. These footgear products are primarily designed for outdoor lovers who need a pair for day hikes. Shown below are some of the similarities they share and the qualities that set them apart.
Upper. The Merrell Yokota 2 Sport GTX’s upper is made of synthetic suede and nylon ripstop fabric. These materials grant sturdiness and abrasion resistance to the shoe. It has a Gore-Tex membrane inside to prevent water intrusions while allowing excess moisture to escape. It has a rubber toe cap to provide protection from stubbing. On the other hand, the Merrell Yokota 2 is geared towards breathability and lightness, thanks to its suede and fabric upper.
Midsole. Merrell equipped the Yokota 2 Sport GTX with a compression molded EVA midsole to give hikers a cushioned ride. It is paired with an Air Cushion in the heel region to absorb shock. A molded nylon shank is added to the midsole for added rigidity. Merrell’s patented M Select Fresh technology is found in this shoe to combat odor-causing microbes. Moreover, it also comes with a Kinetic Fit Base insole for arch support and underfoot comfort. The Merrell Yokota 2 uses the same midsole configuration to supply outdoor enthusiasts with the said trail benefits.
Outsole. The Merrell Yokota 2 Sport GTX features the brand’s patented M Select Grip rubber outsole. Its profile is filled with a pattern of 5mm-deep oval lugs to render traction on challenging terrain. The outsole’s forefoot and heel regions contain grooves to help users when ascending or descending. Its front tip goes upward to give additional protection from accidental bumps. Merrell’s Yokota 2 comes with the same outsole design, except its lugs have a depth of 4mm.
Target Market. Both the Yokota 2 and Yokota 2 Sport GTX can be used by men and women. The former is targeted towards those who need a breathable pair for warm weather trips. On the other hand, the latter is more suitable for terrains with wet trail conditions.
- Buyers who need a sturdier pair for a multiday trip may want to explore the benefits offered by backpacking boots. An option that may be considered is the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.
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