MerrellWomen's All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe

I earn my keep by being in the outdoors most of the time, and I "hike" rivers like other people hike mountains - not on the banks, but by going straight up the middle. This means that my shoes are in the water for hours/miles at a time, and are subjected to a constant barrage of mud, rocks, sticks, and other debris. In the month of July, I literally destroyed three new pairs of what one would call the classic "water shoes" - the little slip-on things with mesh uppers and rubber soles. This is not new - I have gone through countless pairs. I was logged in on Amazon, doing a search for yet another pair this week when this pair of Merrell's popped up in the suggestions. I just about fell out of the chair when I saw the price, but after a quick calculation, I realized I was spending at least this much in disposable water shoes over the course of every summer, so I gave it some serious consideration.My feet are fairly wide, and as a result, I normally shy away from women's shoes and buy boys instead. However, I noticed that one of the other reviewers mentioned that these had a pretty wide toe box, so I decided to take the chance and order them.My UPS guy delivered them as I was loading my kayak on the truck yesterday evening - couldn't have been better timing - I was headed up river a few miles, taking the kayak along to tow my stuff, and I was prepared to go barefoot, which works, but sometimes results in a bruise or two. I pulled them out of the box and was impressed with the design - sturdy, but lightweight. I then put them on and was equally impressed wit the arch support (I have high arches - it felt really nice). Then I walked across the floor, and much to my delight, I could feel the air moving through the mesh, cooling my feet. So far so good - it was time to head to the river.Upon entering the water, the shoes (of course) immediately filled with water, but very little sand/gravel. As I made my way up river, I was amazed - a lot of the rocks are slick with moss and sediment, but I didn't slip. And not a single "OUCH!" as I made my way through fast water where I couldn't see the bottom - normally this means coming down hard on a rock at least once, and although I'm sure I did, I never felt the first twinge of discomfort. Slogging through sandy areas resulted in a small amount of sediment in the shoes, but not enough to be uncomfortable.Upon my return back down river, I took the shoes off to rinse them out. That was easy - they didn't capture and hold on to sand/gravel like the other ones did that I had been wearing. I also noticed that they float - an added bonus should one get away from me. I inspected them carefully for signs of destruction - normally after only one trip, the cheaper ones will show cracking on the bottom and at least a few tears/loose threads. Nothing was wrong with these - nada. I put them back on and climbed the muddy hill to the truck - they had great traction there, as well.All in all, I am EXTREMELY pleased with this purchase. The shoes not only perform exactly as I needed them to in the water, but they are actually REALLY comfortable. We still have a fair amount of summer left here in Virginia, and I will be putting them through their paces for quite a while longer. I will update my review toward the end of the season.I paid full price for these shoes and did NOT get them at reduced cost or for free in return for a review. :)

I have waded in the river, hiked and crossed streams in these. They stay comfortable and drain easily. The soles are great for river walking as they are thick enough you do not have to worry about stepping on a sharp rock, which also relates well to hiking. Great shoe for those kayak trips where you find yourself exploring the cliffs and hidden falls. They do not over stretch when wet and do not shrink after drying. Even the light color remains light after being in a dirty ole river.

Very light, very comfortable, and true to size.

I tried 4 pairs of waterproof hiking shoes and these were my favorite. They have good room in the toe box, felt lightweight and comfortable, and look cute. BUT I am always a 7.5-8, and even though I got these in an 8, my big toe was right up against the front of the shoe. So these run seriously SMALL. I'm not even sure if an 8.5 would have done it--you might need to go up a full size!

These do run small so I’mNormally. 9.5 and ordered a 10 great quality and confortable

I just bought my third pair for myself and everyone in my family has a pair. They are perfect for those who hike trails that require crossing creeks or small rivers. The leather and mesh upper provides support and keeps anything bigger than sand out of the shoe, while still allowing it to drain quickly. I do a lot of stream fishing in the Wyoming Rockies and I can't stand waders. These shoes are designed for walking in streams and have fantastic tread that resists slipping in the water, and still has excellent traction on the trail. Merrell has a sandal version of this, but it lets pebbles and rocks into the footbed which can be painful, so for me the mesh is a must. The only drawback that I can think of is if you have weak ankles. I haven't found this design in a mid for the extra ankle support. I have tried many different Merrell, Keen, and Columbia hiking shoes, but I usually end up giving them away. For me, nothing beats the All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe.

I never write reviews but I couldn’t not for these shoes. I bought these shoes (and got my husband a men’s pair) for a trip we took to Dominica. We wore them for days of hiking, canyoning, bouldering to waterfalls and even snorkeling. They are SO comfortable! I had planned to wear socks with them when hiking as I was afraid they might rub my feet since I didn’t have time to break them in before we left, but I didn’t wear socks with them once and they were perfect! Even with sandy feet and hiking miles, not hot spots or sores on my feet at all.They are also super lightweight which was nice!My husband and I were both shocked how much we loved these shoes and said repeatedly over our trip that they were the best purchase ever. Well worth the money!

True to size! Love Merrell! Looks great! Love that the big toe has more room when hiking! Would definitely purchase again!

Great fit and the usual Merrell great quality

The grey areas on these shoes are see-through mesh. Which means these shoes are very light and airy and your feet stay cool. I wear them at work as a nurse and they offer excellent support. I am a fan of Merrell, in general, and these shoes did not disappoint. Excellent quality and fit. I would buy a second pair, for sure.

Qualità ottima, comodissime, prese per la mia ragazza dopo aver preso il modello da uomo. Calzata a pianta abbastanza larga, assorbimento urti ottimo. Testate oltre 20 giorni nei parchi americani con lunghe passeggiate anche impegnative, se la cavano su ogni terreno e a fine giornata nessun fastidio ai piedi!

Love walking around in these. They’re designed for feet that like a lighweight shoe, cool air breeze for sweaty moments, with a grippy firm supportive base for strolling and stepping. Just don’t use them in heavy downpours or your socks will squelch!

Very pleased