Stylish light hiking shoes? That’s exactly what the new Merrell Solo Origins are! Merrell is well-known for their top quality hiking products, and since many Hiking Lady readers have been asking about low top hiking shoe alternatives, I decided to test out a pair of these Solo Origins low top hikers.
Pros:
- Excellent tread. As seen in the picture, these shoes have great tread, which I found to be very adequate for dirt trails as well as off trail hiking.
- Comfort. Like most Merrell’s I’ve worn, these are comfortable. Likely because they are made of lightweight, soft, breathable materials. The upper part of the shoe is made of recycled mesh (yay Merrell for being environmentally friendly!) and the edges are a durable pig suede. The heels have an air cushion, that helps absorbs shock and add stability.
- Stylish. Just take a look at the picture! I have already received several compliments on these hiking shoes, and have started to wear them for everyday use in addition to hiking! That speaks to how comfortable and stylish they are!
- Eco-friendly. The uppers and the rubber are made of partially recycled materials.
Cons:
- None that I’ve found so far! This is a rare instance in the history of Hiking Lady gear reviews that a product doesn’t even have one Con listed. Even the price is moderate relative to other hiking shoes on the market these days.
Specs:
- Weight: 11 ounces.
- Price: MSRP $90. Available at Planet Shoes.
- Colors available: Smoke (the ones I have) and Scarlet.
I’m really a big fan of these Merrell light hiking shoes, and as avid Hiking Lady readers know, it is rare for items I review to not have any Cons listed above!
Treat Your Feet Right! Hiking Lady’s Tips:
Great questions, Sara! The Merrell Solo Origins are fantastic for moderate and humid conditions because they are fairly breathable, and very sturdy. Because they are breathable, it also means that they aren’t as waterproof as a full leather shoe/boot. I am a bit hesitant to recommend them for possible flash downpours of rain unless you use something like Sno Seal to improve the moisture resistance on the suede portions. Even with Sno Seal, the fabric portions will be exposed, and only water resistant in light rain. If you’re going to be in muddy conditions and concerned about the rain, you’ll want a full leather shoe/boot. Have fun in Hawaii! 🙂
These shoes look great! I am wondering if they would be a good choice for hiking in Hawaii with the rapid weather changes? How would they hold-up to hiking on wet clay, and in possible flash down pours of rain? I like that they are light weight for the heat/humidity but am wondering if they hold moisture in if they get wet?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi Kaz,
If you are looking for shoes to wear hiking in the rain or crossing streams, there are others I’d recommend such as the Timberland Pinkham Notch hiking shoes. These Merrell’s are great for hiking in most conditions, but are not particularly waterproof.
Happy trails and thanks for the question!
These shoes look awesome! How are they with water resistance? Can you waterproof the pig suede?