Merrell Forestbound 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
- Incredibly comfortable
- A great casual walking shoe
- Supportive low-cut style
- Top-notch quality
- Excellent stability
Cons
- A bit narrow
71% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 18% most popular hiking shoes
Comparison to similar hiking shoes
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Who should buy the Merrell Forestbound
The Merrell Forestbound is a great shoe overall, and as what customers suggest - a great deal for its price. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a shoe that offers protection against sharp hazards on the trail.
- Prefer a shoe that provides reliable traction on mud, loose dirt, rocks, and soft grass.
- Prefer a shoe that has a lightweight EVA midsole for comfort and support, and a molded nylon arch shank for stability.
Enhance grip and traction on uneven ground
For the outsole, this shoe has the M Select GRIP with deep lugging to bite into mud, dirt, and grass. The diamond-shaped lugs on the forefoot and heel areas are designed to enhance grip and traction on uneven ground and loose dirt while the grooves along the sides help disperse water easily so the wearer doesn't slip.
Comfortable cushioning
The midsole of the Forestbound is made of EVA foam. It's cushiony, lightweight, and flexible which is important to maintain one's stability on the trail. For added comfort and support, this hiking shoe also comes with the Kinetic Base insole. This insole is removable so people who prefer to use a different one or need custom orthotics can still use the shoe.
Offers protection against abrasion and wear
As is expected from a leather shoe, the Merrell Forestbound has a durable upper that offers a good level of protection against abrasion and wearing. While it isn't as durable as genuine leather, PU leather offers good resistance against the elements.
Breathable upper
The shoe interior is lined with a breathable mesh lining so your feet don't get toasty even if you're wearing a leather shoe. This makes the Forestbound great for hiking activities in the summer.
Snug fit
The Forestbound also features a die-cut rubber rand and toe cap for added protection against the elements. The bellows tongue helps keep the debris out and the webbing lacing system ensures a snug fit each time. There's also a pull loop at the back for easy wearing or taking off.
Facts / Specs
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