Men's Chameleon 8 Stretch Hiking Shoe

Easy on, easy off. Very comfortable. I've found that the vibram sole by Merrel is excellent if you're spending a lot of time walking on cement.

Love these shoes. So comfortable and easy on /off. Lasting quality!

Review: Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch (Size 7) – First Impressions Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Initial Experience) I recently purchased the Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch in Dark Chocolate. Below are my first impressions after an initial unboxing and a brief trial run. I plan to provide a long-term update after more mileage, but here is how they perform right out of the box. Fit & Comfort Zero Break-in Period: Usually, Merrells take about a week to break in. Remarkably, these felt comfortable immediately. Sizing: I tested these with thick hiking socks; the fit was perfect—neither too tight nor too loose. Arch Support: The built-in arch support is a standout feature. It provides a noticeable lift without feeling "overdone" or intrusive. Interior Feel: The inside feels roomy and comfortable, providing a slight, pleasant warmth. Design & Build Quality Material: The dark chocolate leather feels genuine and high-quality to the touch. The design is rugged and features a unique pattern that stands out from typical hiking footwear. Lacing System: Note that these feature elastic stretch laces for a snug grip rather than traditional tie-laces. Weight: They have a solid, "considerable" weight to them, but they do not feel overly heavy or clunky. Performance & Traction Traction: The Vibram® outsole features deep lugs. Based on the design, I expect these to handle mud, rocky terrain, and gravel with ease. Mobility: As a low-profile shoe (no high ankle support), they allow for a great range of motion, which I find much more comfortable for long-distance walking. Ground Feel: After a short walk on grass/lawn, the shoes felt stable and ready for the trail. Minor Observations Removal: Because of the secure stretch fit, taking the shoes off using your other foot (hands-free) is a bit difficult, though this is a minor trade-off for such a secure fit. Road Use: While designed for trails, I intend to test these on paved roads for a 3–4 mile walk soon to see how the lugs and cushioning hold up on harder surfaces. Final Verdict I am very excited to start my next hiking journey in these. If you are looking for a rugged, authentic-feeling hiking shoe that is comfortable from the very first minute, the Chameleon 8 Stretch is an excellent contender.

Shoelaces could get a little tighter I never had that problem with the yokota 2s but comfortable and good for summer.

Quality, long lasting, fits great… I own three pair now and have worn this brand for over 12 years…

I may be premature giving this pair of shoes a 5 star review only because I've only wore them for a week and I'm not sure how long they will hold up. However if they match my other Merrell's it will be safe at a 5. This is the second pair that I really like because of the flexibility of the sole and fit. They are true to fit at 9.5 as all of my Merrell's and now my favorite pair. The main component for their comfort is the Vibram sole which happens to be supple and non slip on mostly all surfaces. I have others that are like walking on concrete these are supple and feel like part of your feet with very good arch support. PS I might order another pair now incase they quit making this design.

Streamlined design that is lightweight and hugs the ankle to minimize the intrusion of dirt/sand/trail debris. Material breathes so my foot doesn’t feel like it’s in a sauna. Can wear it comfortably for many hours.

I’ve been using this shoe brand for years. Any model that I’ve purchased has endured the test of time. This Chameleon Stretch is no exception