The Expedition Journals

Fresh from the mountains of Sri Lanka, this is my review of the versatile and sure-footed Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots.  Merrell shoes have been a trustworthy walking partner of mine for several years now; with previous models reviewed here on The Expedition Journals including the MQM Flex 2.0 and ChopRock Aqua Shoes . The brand's footwear is comfortable, durable, and provides a reassuring foothold on a multitude of terrains. The Merrell MQM 3 Mid GORE-TEX boots were my choice of hiking shoes for a three week adventure to the island of Sri Lanka. With jungle treks, mountain hikes, and days spent wandering through markets and nature reserves, I wanted a pair of lightweight waterproof hiking boots that would be comfortable and reliable – the MQM 3 Mid boots delivered flawlessly. Waterproof hiking boots are the best option when choosing walking shoes for all conditions, in my opinion. Waterproof boots offer all-weather protection, and although slightly warmer than non...

The Merrell Choprock Sieve shoes are designed for aqua hiking, but I have discovered they are also the perfect footwear choice for sea kayaking and sailing adventures. After a week exploring the South Coast of the UK on various kinds of craft, these outdoor trainers have become my firm favourite footwear choice for paddling and yachting expeditions. Forget sweaty wetsuit boots for kayaking or old-school leather deck shoes for sailing; the Merrell Choprock Sieve shoes allow your feet to breathe, while keeping you firmly planted to the boat's deck or when rock-hopping out of your kayak. The uppers are made from a water-friendly synthetic webbing and mesh, which does not absorb moisture like neoprene or leather. The 'sieve' sandal-like design and Hydramorph™ mid-sole then allow water to escape from the shoe and allow air to ventilate throughout the footbed and uppers to dry your feet within. Your feet are held securely within the Choprock shoes by the webbing strap design and ...

I have been searching for the perfect do-it-all adventure footwear for some time; a shoe for hiking, running, and everyday use. The Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Shoes may have finally hit the mark. Comfortable, rugged, and waterproof; supplying a stable and secure footing; the Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 are some of the best outdoor shoes I have used to date. Most trail running shoes are too lightweight and non-durable for everyday and hiking wear; while most hiking shoes are too rigid to be used for extended trail runs. The Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Shoes are designed to bridge the gap and offer the best features of a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe combined. The versatility of the MQM Flex 2.0 comes, as the name suggests, from the flexible sole profile. The shoe is " fast in the forefoot, cushioned in the mid-sole, and protective in the rearfoot ". This versatile composition is the result of the Kinetic Fit BASE insole supplying flexible support, the Air Cushion heel supply...