Review: Merrell Wilderness Boots

Finally after 16 years my Montrail Moraine AT boots have worn out. Now looking around 100% leather boots seem to be rare. The new fangled boots all have fabric, panels and who knows what else in them. I looked far and wide for a pair of boots that were leather and had a toe cap. I wasn’t able to find anything locally fitting the bill. And with boots I did want to try them on first. I ended up picking up a pair of Merrell Wilderness boots. The Merrel Wilderness is a good boot, but not a great boot. Better said, maybe not the best boot for me.

The Merrell Wilderness is a full leather boot with a Norwegian welt and 5mm leather construction.

These boots broke in incredibly quickly, maybe 2 hikes at most. I have used these on summer summit trips over rocky scree slopes and snowy slogs high above treeline. They are great for 3 seasons, but winter snow is not their strong suit.

They are noticeably lighter than my old boots. I was afraid the light boot would mean cold feet in the snow, and it they are ok, not great but ok. 

The leather is soft, I have to oil and wax these boots way more than the old Montrails. In the winter I  use Huberds Shoe Oil on these once a week and apply SnoSeal  every other week to keep the snow out. As you can see water just beads up on them with this much water proofing. That is until it wears off from snow.

My only concern is how easily the toes get scuffed. But maybe this is something I need to get over, if it is really a problem more boots would come with them. UPDATE The scuffs let melted snow in and lead to cold feet in the winter. I have retired these from winter use.

I have had these 8 months now and frankly can’t complain about much. They broke in quickly and are more comfortable than any boot I have ever owned.  That comfort comes at a price, the soft leather that lets them break in also makes them a thinner boot and less tough.

So if you are looking for a classic leather boot that will work in 3 seasons, maybe 4 where you are not in a lot of snow, check out the Merrell Wilderness.

Merrell Says;
UPPER/LINING
• Norwegian Welt Construction creates a classic, durable sole that can be resoled
• Full grain leather upper
• Bellows tongue keeps debris out
• Italian metal hardware
• Tesivel™ 3-bar knit lining
• Dual density footbed

MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE
• Microporous rubber midsole
• 5mm Leather/TPR Insole
• Crampon-Compatible (Strap-on Only)
• Vibram® Roccia Block Sole/Trek Rubber
• Weight: 3 lbs 8 ozs.