GEAR REVIEW:
MERRELL WATERPRO MAIPO
By: Hanya
Date Posted: November 15, 2016
UPPER/LINING
• Synthetic leather and mesh upper
• Lycra® and neoprene stretch collar for easy on and off
• Injection moulded TPU rear foot stabilizer
• Synthetic leather toe bumper protection
• Hydro drainage/ventilated footbed with Etc.®Anti-Friction Lining treated with antimicrobial solution
MIDSOLE/OUTSOLE
• Moulded nylon arch shank
• Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• Water friendly non-marking siped sole
• 3.5mm lug depth
• Vibram® outsole
• Vegan Friendly Footwear
Product Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 4 inches
Average Footwear Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 2 oz.
Department: Women’s
Manufacturer: Merrell Footwear
Specs Reference: Merrell.com (Product: Waterpro Maipo)
Merrell Waterpro Maipo all-terrain shoes provide absolute drainage, support, grip and comfort for both water and land activities. These shoes appear in varying colors that will suit your style. I bought these shoes last June 2016 in gray/dark shadow color at Merrell Trinoma Branch for 4,250 Php and it was on sale that time. What encouraged me to buy these shoes is because my husband owns one and that I find these shoes “stylish” compared to other all-terrain shoes that I’ve seen.
With several hiking trips and river crossings that I’ve experienced with these shoes, I can say that the synthetic leather toe bumper protection, hydro drainage/ventilated footbed and heel shock absorber are spot on. Your toes/feet would still be in good condition and still be comfortable even after hours of wear in any dynamic or strenuous activity because of the protection that the toe cap and air cushion in the heel provides. The breathable mesh upper helped a lot in any water activity specially the river crossing where the water flows and drains effortlessly. Moving and leaping from rock to rock in dry and wet terrain with the grip of the vibram outsole will make you feel secure in all aspects. It is very comfortable, lightweight and the antimicrobial feature is a plus.
Overall, the look is fine and performance is satisfactory. The only downside for me is the quality of the wrap-around lacing system. After our Great Mt. Kitanglad – Mt. Dulang Dulang (K2D) Rev-Trav climb last August 2016, the elastic strap on the lateral part which holds the shoestring on my right shoe were already worn out; that only a few threads are holding the lacing system. The locking system of the shoe is compromised and may eventually result to lacing/tightening failure rendering it ineffective. (See below photo)
If you do not want your feet exposed to the elements, consider other model/brand because the purpose of its mesh design opposes this as it acts as its ventilation and drainage for quick dry.
As fashionable and comfortable as it sounds, enhancement on the lacing system would be a great deal of improvement for this shoe model.
