Our verdict
Called by a professional blogger "commendable for its eco-credentials," the Speed Eco Waterproof from Merrell is as sustainable as it is entrancingly nimble on the trail. Quickness and tenacity see a successful marriage in it, making negotiations on moderately rugged terrain exhilaratingly slip-free. And when the weather shifts to the wet, this speedy bad boy can hold its own just fine.
Pros
- Overwhelmingly comfy
- Youre looking for a sneaker-like pair that capitalizes on fast movements
- Noteworthy surface grip
- Lightweight
- Good moisture protection
- Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof
- Superb ventilation
- Truly eco-friendly
Cons
- Its rear lugs easily get caked with mud
- Somewhat loose heel fit
Who should not buy it
Momentum takes the spotlight in the Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof. Purchase it if:
- You're looking for a sneaker-like pair that capitalizes on fast movements.
- Good moisture protection.
- You prefer speed hiking shoes that feel great on day one.
Who should not buy it
Devoid of complaints about its outsole concerning mud, the Merrell Moab Speed GTX is a good replacement for the Speed Eco WP. And if extra heel hug is what you need, try the Rush GTX from Scarpa.
Nothing but plush rides for you
Reviewers are all down with the comfiness that is the Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof. A critic among them says that it's "comfy from the word go." A regular commenter also has the same opinion, saying, "They feel so, so comfortable."
Built for tenacious speed
Grip is stellar in the Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof, and pundits are quite impressed. One of them says, "On the harder-packed surfaces they’re designed for, they’re perfectly suitable." Another one says that it provides "great traction over hard, dry trails."
These reviewers, however, have beef with the rearfoot section of the shoe's outsole. One of them says that it "tends to hold on to the dirt, requiring a bit of bashing to liberate." The other tester says that its lugs get clogged with mud easily.
Top 17% in
An expert is convinced that the featured Merrell hiker lives up to the "Waterproof" part of its name. He has this remark in his report: "kept my feet dry even in heavy rain."
Sweat ain't a thing in it
This featherweight piece, despite being fully lined with waterproofing, still manages to disperse heat with every step. A gear journo said, "I felt light and breezy during my hikes."
An unflattering heel experience
Bloggers are rather iffy about the heel fit of the Speed Eco Waterproof. One of them airs his worry in this statement: "I did notice a little slippage in the heel, which could lead to issues on long multi-day treks."
Good moisture protection
It's been reported that this Merrell day hiker, while not a clinically approved orthopedic shoe, can deal with foot pain and the like. A non-professional reviewer says that his Speed Eco Waterproofs are the "best shoes for men who experience foot neuropathy from diabetes."
Puts a big smile on Mother Nature's face
This "great summer walking shoe," as a commenter puts it, inspires with its eco-friendly and recycled materials. A footwear maven says, "When it comes to eco-conscious shoppers, the Merrell Speed Eco hits all the marks."
