Merrell Zion 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 1 expert & 100+ users
Pros
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Attractive sneaker-inspired design
- Solid lightweight hiking shoe
- Excellent grip
- Impact-resistant
- Preferable for long walks
Cons
- Aren't rugged enough for challenging terrain



81% say it's true to size.
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us.
Comparison to similar hiking shoes
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CoreScore | |||||||
Users rating | |||||||
Experts | |||||||
Best price | |||||||
Ranking | |||||||
Popularity | |||||||
# of colorways |
Who should buy the Merrell Zion
The Merrell Zion perfectly fits the bill for anyone looking for sturdy shoes they can use on the trail and on the streets. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking shoe that offers protection from knocks and bumps
- Prefer a lightweight and durable hiking shoe
- Prefer a hiking shoe that provides ground adherence
Provide multidirectional traction
The Zion from Merrell uses a Vibram Megagrip outsole. This sticky unit has 5 mm deep lugs that anchor to a variety of terrain. The boots are designed to provide multidirectional traction, regardless of the ground condition.
Prevent the accumulation of mud and dirt
The textured spaces between each lug prevent the accumulation of mud and dirt. The sole extends upwards in the toe area that helps reinforce the foot’s protection against painful knocks.
Stable and comfortable cushioning
This low-top hiking shoe from Merrell comes with a compression-molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole. It gives wearers stability and comfort, especially when tackling rugged terrain. Comfort is further enhanced by bi-density EVA inserts placed at the rear- and forefoot. Cradling the hiker’s foot is a Kinetic Fit Base insole that also yields intuitive support.
Renders amplified comfort
The product engineers added the trademarked FlexPlate technology underfoot. This feature’s lightweight construction renders amplified comfort, reducing fatigue over long periods of use. It is also an impact-resistant material that protects the foot from sharp rocks and roots.
Breathable
Merrell’s Zion has a durable upper made of a combination of full-grain leather and ballistic mesh. Its interior is imbued with a breathable mesh for optimal comfort.
Optimize protection against outdoor elements
The shoe is designed with a bellows tongue and rubber toe cap to optimize protection against outdoor elements. The bellows tongue helps keep debris out, and the toe cap shields the user’s foot against painful knocks on rocky grounds.
Prevent heel slippage and maximize trail performance
The shoe’s lacing system employs metal eyelets and webbing loops that aid in fit management. This system works with the integrated webbing stability arm to prevent heel slippage and maximize trail performance.