Customer Reviews Merrell Chameleon Arc 2 Ventilator Stretch

I have mixed reviews on these shoes. First of all, they're really cute. However, when I got them and started wearing them, I found them to be really hard. It felt like there was so little cushioning, as if I was just walking on wood or something. So I tried to use various Dr. Scholl's insoles, and none of them worked out. I finally called Merrell and asked them what I should do. They were amazing and they were willing to send me a new pair of insoles that were thicker than the ones the shoes come with (they sell 3 thicknesses, and they sent me the thickest one). I found out at that point that the ones the shoes come with are the absolute thinnest. So, once they sent me the replacements, the shoes were much, much better! So, I was finally happy with them. I also found them to be tight across the top of my feet since the elastic laces can't really be loosened as much as regular laces. After I wore the shoes pretty regularly, they loosened up. Also, I didn't really buy them for hiking more for walking but found out that they're really good for both hiking and walking. I wore them in Europe, and there were really good on the uneven, cobblestone streets and sidewalks.

I loved these shoes right out of the box. No break-in time needed. Ordered size 9 as that is what I always wear in Merrells, running shoes, hiking shoes (8 1/2 in other shoes) and they are perfect. Love the lacing and the fact that I can loosen the laces and they still stay on comfortably. They are cool and will be particularly great for summer (most lace-up shoes feel too hot and confining for me as I usually wear slide-on styles). Simply one of the most wonderful shoes I have ever had on.

These are very comfortable; I've been wearing them almost every day for over a month. True to Merrell form, they are great for my long, narrow feet. Also true to Merrell form, the opening is a bit stiff but I had no problems with break-in. They are also very warm. It's cold here and I really don't need to wear my thick socks when wearing these shoes.

Several years ago I bought the Chameleon when it came out. They were the greatest shoe on Earth! They're comfortable, the laces couldn't come undone, and they fit perfectly. The Chameleon Arc 2 has gone back to laces, which come undone constantly, they wear like the box they came in, and although I buy the same size in all my Merrells, this didn't fit the same, and now I'm stuck with it. I am still wearing the worn out old Chameleons.

Absolutely no comparison to the original Merrell Chamelon Arc, which I have been wearing for 3 years--total of six pairs. The Arc 2 fits small, and no different then any of the Merrell Sirens.

I love Merrells. For me, though, I always have to go 1 size up. They have super supportive great souls that last forever. They were comfortable from the very first wear.

Great shoes! I bought these before a trip to Italy/Cinque Terre, and they did not require any breaking in. I was worried about the stretch laces closure initially, but I was able to adjust the tension easily, and they were not too tight. I normally wear an 8 and 1/2 shoe, narrow, and these fit perfectly and were true to size. I wore them mainly with a thinner sock, but they did work with a thicker sock too. You just need to loosen the laces a bit. I have not worn them in rain to know how dry they keep your feet. I bought these to replace a pair of low top Asolo leather hiking boots that I wore until the bottoms fell off. I was bummed they don't make them anymore, and I was not wanting to purchase an expensive pair of similar looking Ecco hiking boots over the internet even though I knew I could return them. These hiking shoes will work for light day hikes and are cute/casual to wear around town.

Good shoe, I use my orthotics and they always fit. This the 4th pair I have purchased, this pair has elastic lacing and decided I prefer a real shoe lace.

Nice looking shoes, but not the best to be walking, I really like the laces (elastic and with the botton, I guess is the best description). I hope for juveniles you have that option, soon I will be looking for my son.

I absolutely love, love, love this shoe! So much that after my first time wearing them I ordered a second pair in a different color! I did a great deal of research to find the perfect shoe for me -comfortable and light weight yet solid, supportive and versatile and this is the one. I have a lot of criteria to meet and being a big Merrell fan, I knew they would deliver. I do a lot of hiking and need a solid comfortable shoe with good traction for all kinds of terrain, check! I'm a rock climber and need a shoe with sticky rubber for those rocky approaches, check! I have a high arch and plantar fascia and need extra support in the arch and heel, check! I'm an RN on my feet for twelve hours at a time and wanted shoes that I could also wear to work and not feel like my feet have been through a grinder, check! Another great thing is they need no break-in time at all. My very first time wearing them was on a long steep all-terrain hike and they felt amazing from start to finish. Along with kudos to Merrell, I must say how impressed I am with Zappos.com for their fast delivery. I placed my order on a Saturday night (4th of July weekend, no less), Sunday morning I received a notice that my shoes have been shipped, Monday was a holiday, and Tuesday they were on my front porch .. and the shipping was free. Needless to say I am now a regular customer.

I recently purchased these shoes for a hiking trip to England and I love them. They're cute enough that I can wear them every day and they have great support for hiking. They stay tight to my feet with the elastic strings and I love that I don't have to tie them. If you're looking for a dependable hiking shoe, these are it!

I live in Chile and just bought these shoes for a trip to Easter Island. They're lightweight, comfortable and perfect for anything from flat walking to steep hiking. They hardly needed any breaking in. I ordered a half-size up, mainly to compensate for thick socks.

I think these shoes are great. I have narrow feet, and the elastic cinch laces work perfectly for me! Nice and spacious toe area, and easy on/off. Love them!

Terrific shoe! Lots of room in the toe box, wonderful support, lightweight and rugged. Wore them on a 10-hour flight to Europe without a problem. Love these shoes!

Wonderful lightweight, comfortable shoe. Ordered a half size larger than normal and it was a perfect fit. I have a very high arch, and had no problems. Very short break-in period and just a day wearing them around the house with thicker socks.

I love this shoe. My first pair of Merrells were a previous "Chameleon" model, and they're all super-comfortable. Very water-resistant. (I've never jumped in puddles with them or anything, but they keep my feet surprisingly dry in the rainy puddles of muck of NYC's sidewalks.) I work on my feet most of the day, and the arch support is awesome.

I used to be a huge Merrell fan and, either their products have changed or my foot has. The last few years I have not found a Merrell that fit my foot. Ordering a size larger than I have ever worn before, I have found a good pair again. I got these for city and woods hiking while traveling. The color is more subtle than white shoes and the construction offers full day support for city walking. We went on several hikes including one that included climbing rocks. These shoes hugged the rocks and slippery terrain. Get the "Merrell" size right and you've got a good product.

I usually love Merrells, but these did not work for my feet. They were too tight across the top of my foot even though I loosened them as much as possible. After walking in them during the course of a day, I felt like I was starting to get shin splints.