****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
The Chameleon Wrap Slams are WAY better than the new Chameleon Stretch IV's for rock running, jumping, and some types of climbing. I say "some types" of climbing because they are a little thicker (but A LOT more sturdy) in the toe area than the Stretch, and not always so easy to wedge into cracks and crevices. This is my 6th&7th pair of Chameleons, and they are the only type of sneakers that I trust for running/climbing up and down steep rock terrain. I ordered two pairs, since Merrell seems to like to take a good thing and ruin it or make it unavailable. This order will at least get me through a few seasons.Unlike the new Stretch IV, the Wrap Slams still have the proper figure 8 suction cup pattern on the sole. However, I do prefer a pure (all black) Vibram to these Vibram/Grey Rubber Composites that fall apart quicker. I still have my original pair from 10 Years ago because while all of the suction cups are long worn away, the sole is still intact. The "new and improved" composite suction cups (which I've gone through 4 pairs of and tossed out) tend to tear off when you are creating a lot of friction while running on sharp rock.Merrell is showing no love to those who shred rock in US, and I find it unjust that I have to pay a hefty fee to ship these from the UK in order to enjoy using my favorite and most trusted pair of sneakers. Thanks to the seller for at least making my best workout buddies available, even if they are being sold at an ultra-premium price. I used to be able to score a fresh pair of Chameleon Wrap Slams for $110, but ended up paying $165/pair for these.OK - I'm done complaining, so back to the trails and mountains... Hike/Climb ON!.The Wrap Slam Trail Walking SS17 have a nice even heel to toe rocker for walking and have a cushy interior that feels very soft and breathable and they seem well suited for varied surfaces. First impressions, not as flexible as other previous chameleons, but the shoe feels more stable on uneven terrain with a 30 lb. backpack. My other, older chameleons feel more like moccasins compared to these chunky kicks. When I first tried these shoes they felt and presented more like boots. I almost sent them back due to the way they looked and felt like approach or winter hiking boots, but I liked the level of foot protection and light weight 12 oz. and after a few weeks of careful break-in time and short hikes in warmer temps they should loosen up and provide the support, comfort and traction I have come to expect from having owned several, previous, toned down versions of the aptly named Chameleon.they are okThe sole comes with more meat than the previous Chameleon I wear. Laces look heavy duty. I do miss those self tighetning laces. The design looks nice. Only think that bothers me is the padding inside the back of the heel it will eventually rip like my previous pair but if you use a shoe horn it will last longer. I miss the rocky natural colors that they carried. I dont like over advertisement stickout emblem on shoes. Other than that good pair of shoes for a good price. Came with damaged box but other than that nothing is wrong with them.I've had such good luck with Merrells I only wear them.Love the shoes great pick.I'm a big fan of the Merrell stretch Chameleons, I've owned 4 pairs over the years, but the last pair I had was too tight on the top of my ankle and didn't have any arch support. So I saw the wrap slam walking shoe and decided to give them a try since they seemed to have what the stretch chameleons were lacking. These are a much more rugged shoe and seem better built, and have a bit thicker sole and are thicker in the heel. They breathe, not quite as much as the other chameleons but enough that my feet don't overheat when wearing them pretty much all day. I have an arch and will probably put an insole in these at some point but for now they are fine without them. I ordered the size I usually am with Merrells and they fit perfectly right out of the box.Break in is a little longer than would expectAs others have said, buy a size larger. My regular shoe size (9) was too small with these shoes. Based on trying a size 9 in a shop and it being too small (and a 10 not being in stock), and based on reviews on Amazon saying to buy a size larger, I did, and the size 10 fits me perfectly.I also had to use some carpet tape to stick the foam insole in place as they kept slipping towards the front of the shoe whilst I was being worn. (this is the foam insole that forms the part of the shoe where your foot sits, they are part of the shoe design).I do find my feet get fairly sweaty inside these if I wear them indoors for long periods.They are extremely comfortable, but I have found that the fabric can rub the top of my big toe if I have the laces tied up too tight - it pulls in the fabric at the toe end of the shoe too much.The outer soles swing between having loads of grip, and none at all. They seem to lose grip almost completely on surfaces that are wet and/or have a damp layer of organic material on them. Not all wet/damp surfaces prove slippery in these shoes though, so it's easy to be taken by surprise. I've very nearly slipped over several times whilst wearing these outdoors.Well shaped, very comfortable. Rubber outsole and dark green nylon shell are durable.BUT:1. 2D Insole is not anti-odor, foam collapse after a couple of months.2. The grey mesh in the upper can't hold any scratches, broke after a few rubs.3. Inner layer underneath grey meshes is as weak as paper.Built for comfort, but well below average life expectancy, bad value for money.Merrell's website says to contact seller for warranty claim, and the seller Millets Sport did not respond to my enquiry. Terrible services.Following reviews I ordered a size and a half up from usual. This is quite comfortable but spacious enough for thick socks or thick insoles which is ideal, I've put some thick sheepskin insoles in, my feet love me right now! This is very rare. I had a pair of these before, best walking shoes I ever had for touch cobbles and urban walking on hard pavements dog walking. That pair I wore solid for 2 or 3 years and the only reason I had to chuck them was the inner heel lining wore right through so I'm going to reinforce with a suede heel grip this time round I think. Other than that they hardly even showed any signs of wear to uppers or soles. Really sturdy shoes with brilliant arch support and well padded for comfort. I'd like these in boot form if they made them as I have a weak ankle from a severe sprain years ago that still bothers me, but they do fit nicely round the ankle. I also have a wide foot and a high instep which makes shoe shopping really tiresome, but the fit on these is great, flexible, hugely adjustable and great traction. Love it. Thank you!These are my third pair so that should indicate something!I made the last pair last nearly 7 years and by the end they were still serviceable but looking a bit sorry for themselves and had developed a apologetic squeak of protest.Like other reviewers I found that I need a slightly larger size than my normal 8 but rather take jump to the next full fitting went for the half size and this has proved ok.They are not waterproof and I have found the fabric does wear across the top at the toe/ foot bends but although unsightly this doesn't detract from the performance.The new pair have molded to my feet after about three brief sessions and a good walk and I'd be happy to recommend them to anyone.These are brilliant hiking shoes. I'd never owned Merrell shoes before so I wanted to see what the hype was about. They are very comfortable and provide you with excellent foot support and protection whenever they touch the ground. When you put them on your feet, you can immediately see it's a very finely crafted and designed shoe.They also look great and, at this price point, I don't think there are better sports/hiking shoes. I've owned far worse shoes of this type for just about the same price. Like most people, I bought the shoes one size above my usual number and they fit perfectly. Definitely recommended.
