I already had the shoe version of this boot,so I took a gamble and bought the boots for winter use. Merrel shoes always seem to be a little narrow and these are the same,but also very comfortable from the start. They are very light and have minimal support,but are ideal for walking on trails or around town. The Goretex lining is very waterproof although the outer gets quite wet in heavy rain while keeping the inside dry. I found with the shoe version that the sole wears quite quickly if used on paved surfaces.Grip on mud or wet surfaces is a bit hit or miss as I have had a few near misses on wet rocks. Overall these are a great ,lightweight trail boot ,especially at the price I paid from LD Mountain centre.

5 stars for this price range

At this price range, this is a great shoe/boot. I used it in the arctic as a camp-shoe because the ground was wet and spongy with lots of puddles, but the shore getting up to camp was a steep rocky boulder area. So the rock-climbing features were very useful to keep me from slipping on rocks coming to and from camp, and the waterproof features were good for being on land that was spongy and puddly. It was a strange application for this shoe but it shows how versatile this model is. The waterproof membrane stops below the ankle though, so its not waterproof over the ankle support portion and it takes forever to dry if you do get water over the top- very very long drying time. Now I'm back in the office wearing them as my daily shoe and they are very comfortable.

Exactly what I was looking for!

This is basically a hightop trail runner, which is exactly what I was looking for. I have a pair of moabs, and they're great, but I wanted something that bridged the gap between trail runners and hiking boots. The extra ankle support of the MQM is great for rocky and rooty terrain, but they're a lot lighter and sleeker than my Moabs. If youre not carrying a heavy pack I really think these shoes hit that sweet spot of support vs bulk. My only criticism is that the climbing toe is very slippery in snow and slush. I know thats not what it was designed for, but if you're going to use these as an everyday shoe through the winter, its something to keep in mind. Other than that, they're pretty much perfect.

Good shoe with some issues.

MQM 3 GORE-TEX hikers were very comfortable, cushiony, and light. I've hiked with them in the Rockies, the Maritimes, and in Ontario. However, after only about 50 km of hiking, the toe cap and the toe bumper started to peel on both shoes. Here is a pic of the right shoe after 150-160 km of hiking - both shoes were peeling at similar spots, where the shoe tends to fold.The hikers kept my feet dry when hiking in wet grass or muddy trails but the hikers get waterlogged when hiking in rain. Besides the durability issue it is a good comfortable shoe.

Great Hiking Shoes

I’ve never been much of a hiker, but I had a trip to Alaska planned and decided it was time to bite the bullet and get real hiking shoes instead of using my typical running shoes. These were super comfortable right out of the box. I walked a few miles in them at home to break them in but I feel like that wasn’t even necessary. In Alaska, I was hiking ten miles a day multiple days in a row through inclines, declines, rocks, rain, small streams, snow, and ice and my feet were pretty much the only part of my body that didn’t hurt. They stayed waterproof through everything except for the snow. Based on the other recommendations, I did size up a half size for thicker socks and because I didn’t want my toes jamming at the end when I was going down steep trails. All in all ... MoreI’ve never been much of a hiker, but I had a trip to Alaska planned and decided it was time to bite the bullet and get real hiking shoes instead of using my typical running shoes. These were super comfortable right out of the box. I walked a few miles in them at home to break them in but I feel like that wasn’t even necessary. In Alaska, I was hiking ten miles a day multiple days in a row through inclines, declines, rocks, rain, small streams, snow, and ice and my feet were pretty much the only part of my body that didn’t hurt. They stayed waterproof through everything except for the snow. Based on the other recommendations, I did size up a half size for thicker socks and because I didn’t want my toes jamming at the end when I was going down steep trails. All in all would definitely recommend these.

Great boot at good price

I’ve owned these for a year now and so far they have been great. Right from the start the fit was excellent and the break in period very short. And a year later they are still waterproof. I gave them 4 stars due to a couple of things. The first is in hard pack snow. These things are super slippery so you really have to watch your step. The second is that they are hot. Winter hiking is fine but in the summer it doesn’t matter what kind of socks I wear my feet really get overheated. Other than that they are still in very good shape after a ton of km on them.

Horrible!

I bought size 9.5 which these are not. These are 9s, at best. My technique with waterproof shoes is to wear them loose as the material is not very breathable. That way air is pumped in and out at every step. With these, it's not possible since even if I wear them without laces they are still too tight. I just took a 20 min walk in 19deg dry overcast weather, with thin cotton socks. My feet are hurting and my socks are soaked at the toes. I didn't test yet if they are actually waterproof. It doesn't matter since even if they keep water from coming in, they make me sweat so much that the result is the same (except for the thrill of walking in VERY hot boots).I bought 2 other styles of Merrell shoes in the same time, all 9.5s. The sizing is right for those but not ... MoreI bought size 9.5 which these are not. These are 9s, at best. My technique with waterproof shoes is to wear them loose as the material is not very breathable. That way air is pumped in and out at every step. With these, it's not possible since even if I wear them without laces they are still too tight. I just took a 20 min walk in 19deg dry overcast weather, with thin cotton socks. My feet are hurting and my socks are soaked at the toes. I didn't test yet if they are actually waterproof. It doesn't matter since even if they keep water from coming in, they make me sweat so much that the result is the same (except for the thrill of walking in VERY hot boots).I bought 2 other styles of Merrell shoes in the same time, all 9.5s. The sizing is right for those but not for these. Inconsistent!Under returns, the Merrell website says that I can only return them UNWORN. Now, I'm out $200CA but it's my fault since I decided to give these boots a chance and try to break them in. Now, believe it or not, they're even tighter, even more uncomfortable and even hotter then when they came in. Not only they didn't loosen up, in 1 week, they've deformed my feet.Lesson learned, these are my last Merrells. Too unpredictable to buy, especially online!

Perfect fit and function

Same excellent fit. The MQM3 is true to size with a spacious toe box. Love the rigid shank support and tread design. My old pair wore out in the usual place described by most purchasers; edges of toe box area. I use my Merrells on the farm day in and day out. Use them in the bush for wood cutting as well. These shoes have proven durable and comfortable.

Solid option for wet and muddy weather

Great light hiking boots for rainy and muddy weather. I tried on many many models including from other brands before settling on these. I’m a women’s size 10 and they fit true to size.Pros: waterproof and super protective from mid. Grippy soles. Runner feel.Cons: independent waterproof lining separates from toe box a bit every time I takes the shoes off. Sometimes it feels like the toe box is pinching when I walk on one foot only but after a bit I don’t notice it. Also the laces all the way up don’t lock at certain points so any specific tightening you do when lacing up evens out across the foot as you walk. A little more heel slip than another pair of Merrells I have had.Overall I’m happy with them but will explore other models when it comes time to replace. ... MoreGreat light hiking boots for rainy and muddy weather. I tried on many many models including from other brands before settling on these. I’m a women’s size 10 and they fit true to size.Pros: waterproof and super protective from mid. Grippy soles. Runner feel.Cons: independent waterproof lining separates from toe box a bit every time I takes the shoes off. Sometimes it feels like the toe box is pinching when I walk on one foot only but after a bit I don’t notice it. Also the laces all the way up don’t lock at certain points so any specific tightening you do when lacing up evens out across the foot as you walk. A little more heel slip than another pair of Merrells I have had.Overall I’m happy with them but will explore other models when it comes time to replace. We’ll see how durability holds up.

Water proof - NO. Comfort - Yes

I decided to try these boots after years of Moab boots. Comfort and fit are great. Good traction. However, very disappointing in the waterproof. Light rain and had wet feet around the toes. Another hike, walked across 1/4 mile of wet grass, ankle height - got wet feet around toes again. Will go back to Moab’s.