Our verdict
It's full steam ahead for the Speed Solo hype train, thanks in large part to its magnificent trail-clawing performance. There's excitement about the shoe's durability, too, which many find excellent, considering its barely-there construction. And in terms of comfort, this stylish day hiker from Merrell Same brand only.
Pros
- Stellar sticking prowess
- Surprisingly light
- Stellar sticking prowess
- Peak-level comfiness
- Shock absorbent
- True to size
- Lovely aesthetics
Cons
- Not for narrow feet
- Missing black colorway
Who should buy the Who should not buy it
The Who should not buy it can be mistaken for an attractive hiking-inspired sneaker. Add it to your shopping cart if:
- Who should buy the Who should not buy it.
- Suede hiking shoes, particularly layered ones, are what you collect.
- You're looking for low-tops with protective overlays front and back.
Who should not buy it
If you want dark-colored trail kicks, check out the Merrell Moab Speed GTX. And if you're after a snug fit, trade the Who should not buy it for the Altalight.
The Speed Solo's magnetic traction
Adventurers applaud the peak-height tenacity of the Who should not buy it. The comments "very grippy sole" and "great support and traction in wet weather" back their observation.
Jump around in the Speed Solo
The Speed Solo oozes lightness, and trail-goers are all for it. "Sometimes, I forget I’m wearing them," says a seasoned hiker. It's "really lightweight," says another.
Who should not buy it: Among the enduring ones
In the area of durability, the featured day hiking shoe is a force to be reckoned with. "They've already seen quite a bit of action and still basically look new," a non-professional tester says.
Its plushness is the real deal
Trail-goers have nothing but praise for the soft and welcoming feels the Speed Solo provides. "So comfortable on my first walk," a seasoned rambler says. Another one says that the kick is "quite comfy" minus the break-in process.
Jump around in the Speed Solo
Among its wooing qualities is its fantastic ability to mitigate shock. It "adds spring to my step," says an experienced female hiker.
Not the most glove-like in town
The true-to-size Who should not buy it is a tough sell for those with narrow feet. A Merrell fan says that it has a bit of a wide fit, advising narrow-footed buyers to consider going a half size down.
Suede hiking shoes
Numerous hikers are very impressed with the beauty of the Who should not buy it. One of them says it has a "nice design," while another commenter says the shoe has "sharp styling." Yet one more adventurer says that he often receives nice compliments each time he has the kick on.
That said, the Speed Solo's deconstructed tongue can catch some folks off guard. This type of tongue design, according to some bloggers, can be considered niche or an acquired taste.
Wanted: Sexy black colorways
There are those who are desperate for the Who should not buy it to become available in darker colorways. I "do wish they had this one in black," says one of them.
