****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
It was with some trepidation that I ordered these. Generally I don’t buy shoes online because I learned a valuable lesson: it’s very important to try the shoes on before you buy. I’m planning a huge series of hikes this fall and needed to get some new hiking shoes. First I bought a pair of Solomons that got good reviews. I was disappointed. They were pretty stiff and uncomfortable. Narrow toebox and a couple of slightly odd where points. So for round two I tried these and I absolutely love them! First I bought a pair of Solomon’s that got good reviews. I was disappointed. They were pretty stiff and uncomfortable. Narrow toebox and a couple of slightly odd where points. So for round two I tried these and I absolutely love them! They were super comfortable in every way right out of the box. I have read reviews on these and a lot of people seem to complain that they are too narrow, but I completely disagree. And I generally purchase a wide shoe if it is available. They were super comfortable in every way right out of the box. I have read reviews on these and a lot of people seem to complain that they are too narrow, but I completely disagree. And I generally purchase a wide shoe if it is available. Anyway, these are probably the best hiking shoes I’ve ever owned. I will definitely be buying these again.I wanted a replacement pair of shoes for my Moab 2’s but wanted to get lighter shoes, enter the FST 2’s. These shoes are great! The fit is perfect, they are lightweight, amazing on the trail (and off). I’m over 200 hiking miles and they show no signs of wear. So comfortable I wear them all the time now. In fact, I bought a second pair. No- they’re not waterproof, but they’re not the waterproof model. This spring I’ve had them in some snow on the trail and they dry really quickly, but again- they’re not waterproof. Bottom line, I already bought a second pair.5/3/20 Update:These shoes are awesome. I’m almost 400 miles on them on all sorts of trails. They have been great. Good fitting, supportive, and light. I’ve noticed a little piece of the tread starting to come apart, but I’m not concerned about it. It’s in the instep, right where the tread meets the shoe. Love these shoes!was looking to replace my ancient moab 1 ventilators. the old pair is a 10.5 standard width, so that's what i ordered in the fst's. stands to reason that they'd fit the same. but they do not, not remotely. not only was the toebox way too narrow for my flintstone-esque feet, but the overall length was shorter than my old ventilators. nutshell: moab ventilator is wider and longer. fst2 is narrower and shorter. since they don't offer a wide width in the fst2 i exchanged them for a pair of moab ventilator 2's in 10.5 standard width....which fit like a dream. flintstone feet and all :)that being said, brief rant: WHY is there variability in shoe fit from the same company in the (mostly) same shoe??? this drives my bananas crazy. i can see a 10.5 from company to company being different, i guess. but not the same company. i'd like to know a 10.5 merrell fits me no matter what. end rant.I love these shoes. They are light and though they’re not waterproof my feet stay dry and light rain and wet grass. Good traction and does not feel like I am walking on cleats. I had an issue with the soul peeling up a bit and contacted Merrell. Customers support was fantastic and they replaced my shoes. New shoes are great!These are really good looking and comfortable except for one issue. I need a shoe with deep insole and large volume due to arthritic big toes which require me to wear deep insert. They were close but just a little too tight. I had to send them back.Pros: Aggressive tread, styling, comfortableCons: A little tight/narrow through the tongue, but some break in will probably solve that.Concern: The ankle cut is a little lower than expected and the shoe doesn't cup my heel very much. I've only worn them to the office so far and they're fine, but the low cup might be bad for intense trail use. I'll just have to wait and see.I could not be happier with these shoes. I’ve been a Keen guy for years but Keens have been giving me fits and black toenails the last year. These Merrill’s feel great and the support is amazing. I’d give them more than 5 stars if possible.I usually have good fortune with merrell, these shoes are of good quality and support,but the fit? Nah, these are more narrow than I'm use to with merrell I have a duck foot and the laces are spread a good bit apart, and with socks on there almost bordering on tight, so that's my experience with this shoe. It's just okay, maybe I overlooked the sizing chart for this particular line.I would recommend going up at least half a size if you have wide feet. I bought half a size up and they're snug but are wearing in ok. Merrell are good quality, sturdy and comfortable shoes, but they are well padded which makes them tight at first.So far I've gone through deep wet leaves, mud, loose gravel, and dry dunes and wet sand at the beach. They've held up well and kept my feet dry and sand free (which was impressive). Only done a few miles in them but they've saved me getting hurt when a stone rolled under foot down a slope. They are very sturdy and grippy, feels like walking on monster truck tyres.I have had several pairs of the Merrell Phoenix trainer as they have an air cushion sole that mitigates plantar fasciitis. I was disappointed when they were discontinued. The Moab GTX appears to be a similar shoe and has a Vibram sole that has given me no issues over many kilometres.The tread is more grippy than the Phoenix which is great for muddy paths and off-road tracks.Sizing is a match for other Merrell footwear and is exactly as I expected.My only negative comment is the price, being significantly more than the Phoenix; I hope they last as long!I have size 14 (UK) feet so Merrell shoes are my go to brand for comfortable shoes that i can wear everyday. The Moab Fst 2 Gtx walking shoes fit really well and are comfortable to walk in. The goretex makes the shoes breathable while remaining waterproof which works well. I bought the blue version and am very happy with how 'smart' these shoes look.Comfort straight away. I question the waterproofing on these… anything more than a drizzle and they soak through quite quickly… a replacement for heavy leather waterproofed boots they sure not.Nice weather they are fine and I’d recommend them… just not for winter.This shoe is a great fit very comfortable. Price is value for the product. Would recommend this as you do not have to wear them in. I have previously bought a cheaper pair but had to return them as they were not up to standard as these.
