The durability of a hiking shoe is probably more important than any other aspect of the footwear. Nobody wants, or needs, to end up in an emergency with their shoes falling apart. This is no different for the Merrell Team, who through trial and error, research and application, have brought to the market a fully capable and affordable hiking shoe that simply gets the job done. Introducing, The Merrell Accentor.

As mentioned before not all boots will fit all feet and that’s especially true with people equipped with more wide-footed feet. There are not many conditions that can cause blisters more than wearing shoes or boots that are too thin so why risk it? For a nice alternative designed with more width, we recommend the Iowa Baffin hiking boots. For those who absolutely need water-proofing: Zamberlan Vioz GT Hiking Boot The Merrell Accentor shoes, for example, wouldn’t fare well in deep snow or even rain but when it comes to dry conditions in the summer heat, even in extreme locations, the features of these hiking shoes might persuade one to buy. Enhanced features and elevated comfort can sometimes come at a cost, most notably with the weight of a pair of hiking footwear. A good set of hiking shoes can be made to withstand the toughest of hikes but might weigh too much for the customer to be truly comfortable. This is not an issue with the Merrell Accentor. Also, when it comes to the removable EVA footbed since it’s removable it’s also replaceable if they do take on too hard a beating.

Merrell Accentor 3 Sport GTX

The low-profile will also weigh less, as some hikers can’t stand the added weight that accompanies larger shoes and boots. Narrow Durability may be important but it isn’t everything. Other questions someone may ask might be “Are they comfortable?” or “How warm are they?” These questions are perfectly valid. After all, why have an uncomfortable but durable shoe when you can have both durability and comfort? The low profile of the shoe will be a pro to some and a con to others. Some hikers and campers prefer high-top style, prominently those in mountainous or wet regions, but others don’t like the restricted breathing that can and often does accompany higher profile shoes and boots. The low-profile of the shoe, not coming past the ankle, may turn away some interested parties. Still, for those who like the extra breathability from ankle-height footwear, the Accentor provides enough height for stability but mountainous terrain should probably be avoided. How Much Do They Weigh? As many pros as the Merrell Accentor can make claim to, it is a shoe not without its faults. One con that some outdoors enthusiasts probably won’t accept is that the Merrell Accentor shoes are not waterproof. It’s perfectly understandable to pass on these shoes if wet conditions are not only expected but sought out, with some outdoors people loving a good hike in the rain.

Snowy and rainy seasons, as much fun as some have during these times, would make these shoes more or less ineffective, as well as leading to possible emergency situations.Another color option, like Dark Earth, will suit those who tend to get their shoes muddy. While two color options aren’t many, they seem to cover most of the basic scenarios. What Are the Features? Constructed of leather and mesh, the outer layer of the Merrell Accentor 3 Sport GTX is flexible yet sturdy. Integrated within the design is a Gore-Tex membrane, a material that can be found on many models like the Adidas Terrex AX3 GTX and serves a dual purpose: It ensures the shoe is waterproof and windproof while remaining breathable. Hot and dry trails are fun and rewarding, possibly being the most popular form of hiking, but some hikers don’t mind a challenge. Cost remains one of the deciding factors when deciding on hiking shoes. Just as with any industry, there are countless options when shopping for new hiking footwear, all with different features and prices. The “sweet spot” seems to be finding a shoe that meets all the wants and needs of a consumer while not breaking the wallet. The design of hiking footwear is not a random process but instead done so by professionals and those who love the great outdoors themselves.