Our verdict

75
Decent!

When stuffiness is not an option, but you prefer to accomplish all your trail objectives with swiftness, reach out for the Oakcreek. The exceedingly plush Merrell Oakcreek Merrell helps you cut through moderately treacherous paths with extra control and confidence. It also has an attractive asking price (only $100 a pop!), which can be considered its irresistible icing on top.

Pros

  • Super-comfy on day one
  • Impressive traction
  • Quite light
  • Excellent for summer hikes
  • Tank-like
  • Super-comfy on day one
  • Protective underfoot
  • Very budget-friendly

Cons

  • Cramped toe area
  • Too-long laces

take a beating

The Oakcreek from Merrell revels in its unassuming profile and rugged-terrain performance. It is for you if:

Merrell Oakcreek buyb

Two less wobbly arches in the world

The Oakcreek might not be the best hiker for stout-toed adventurers. In its place, they can check out the Danner Trail 2650, which is part of our wide toe box catalog. Also, those who dislike uberly long laces can skip the featured shoe for the wide toe box catalog—a shoe whose quick-pull shoestrings can be easily tucked inside its in-built lace pocket.

Merrell Oakcreek noa

The exceedingly plush Merrell Oakcreek

"Outstanding comfort right out of the box"—this is perhaps the best remark out there about the Oakcreek's comfort level. That said, there are runner-up comments including "I do not want to take them off" and "extremely comfortable!"

Merrell Oakcreek comf

Fantastic grip in every pair

Oakcreeks I forget I have them on kind of lightness great traction, according to experienced hikers. One of them even said that it produces a "surprisingly good grip on wet surfaces."

Merrell Oakcreek grip

The lightweight Oakcreek

Because of this, one of them is convinced that its perfect for trail running Oakcreek's "I forget I have them on" kind of lightness. Because of this, one of them is convinced that it's "perfect for trail running."

Merrell Oakcreek light

Gives toes a tight squeeze

Most of those who have given the Merrell Oakcreek a 3-star rating find the shoe too narrow around the toe box.

Merrell Oakcreek narrow

Exceptionally durable

With its hardy suede leather overlays and impressively tough toe cap, the Oakcreek can take a beating.

Merrell Oakcreek dura

10/10 underfoot protection

Reviewers say that the Oakcreek provides more than "enough protection from rocks." Its "no rock feel" sole unit can make traversals over pointy stones and other poking hazards feel significantly less worrying.

Merrell Oakcreek cusha

Shoestrings that drag

It has been reported that the Merrell Oakcreek's "laces are a bit too long." Tip: You can run them a second time through the top eyelets to shorten the remainder.

Two less wobbly arches in the world

Numerous trail-goers say that the Merrell Oakcreek provides lots of arch support. Note that shoes with great arch support keep your feet from rolling in, making extended hikes less tiring.

Sweat-free hikes in the sun

Engineered with numerous mesh panels, the Merrell Oakcreek flushes out stuffiness with every step.