On a recent day hike I tested out a pair of Merrell’s Chameleon Arc Mid Gore-Tex, a mid-height hiker designed specifically for women. They feature a Vibram sole, Gore-Tex XCR lining, and Ortholite anatomical footbed, and have the versatility of a mid-height hiker. As a result, these boots will work well on a variety of terrain.
What made the Chameleon Arc stand out from other hiking shoes in the same class was the shape of the footbed and the stance that it put you in. While most hiking boots have a much more level footbed and only slightly more height in the heel, these fit more like a running shoe, propelling and angling the foot forward. This is great for climbing hills, as it can boost your speed and puts less stress on the boot when making ascents. However, for descents, it took a little getting used to, but was not something that would prevent me from wearing them on another hike.
Often, when shopping for hikers with stability and durability, one needs to look for a full hiking boot. However, the Chameleon Arc provides many of the same features of hiking boots, but maintains the flexibility and performance of a mid-height hiker. A few examples: the toe box is structured to provide protection without being bulky, and the combination of materials (both leather and nylon) are durable, breathable, and lightweight. While I probably wouldn’t choose these for a week-long backpacking trip with a heavy pack, they are perfectly suitable for weekend trips over shorter distances when you are carrying less.
As far as fit is concerned, these shoes ran true to size, but I wouldn’t recommend them for women with wider feet. While the shoe provides ample space for a normal-width foot, anything beyond that would be cramped. But overall, the Merrell Chameleon Arc Mid Gore-Tex is a versatile, quality hiker. They retail for $150.
