Customer Reviews Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch

Bought these a few weeks ago before doing a muddy ridge hike on Oahu, HI. They performed as expected and I without a doubt wouldn't ever hike without them now! They're super comfortable and easy to slip on with is a plus when it comes to hiking footwear. Definetly worth the money. I gave 4 stars only because the laces were a little long to were I have to weave them to keep them nice and tidy.

I'm still on the fence with these shoes. The chameleon prime was by far the best shoe ever made. This, although very similar, I can still notice slight differences here and there in the shoes when I walk. So far they feel narrow and the grip is questionable. But I'll keep trying them out to see if the break in period resolved my issues.

I was looking for a shoe with good heel support and this shoe has it. Although it has an unusual tie system for laces which is not my favorite.

My third pair of Chameleons in 12+ years. They don't disappoint. Quality footwear. I have only replaced when I couldn't wear them any longer. Have had to buy different colors over the years due to factory changes but all have been nice choices. I bought my first pair to hike the Appalachian trail a long time ago and they performed as advertised. Now onto my third pair . Comfortable and reliable

This is my 5th pair of Chameleon Stretch Merrell's and first time ordering online. I've been reluctant to order online in the past as I like to try on for size. Using my size from past Chameleon's, the new shoes were a perfect fit and arrived as scheduled. It is also great that the Vibram sole is back as (in my opinion) it is noticeably better than the select grip. These have a more aggressive tread from my past pairs and the sole seems a bit narrower. I noticed others commenting on the sole width as well. I think I like the tread change and I'm neutral on the sole width. Another change I noticed (that others have commented on as well) has been the seemingly excessive length on the laces. I can't seem to figure out the purpose of this change - I attached a picture of the new shoes next to an older pair of Chameleon's. I liked the shorter laces because they could be neatly tucked in.

I've been wearing Merrell for over 15 years. I buy a new pair of Chameleon shoes about every year or so. I had the version 7 and now the 8 and it still is an instantly comfortable shoe with good support and traction. Perfect to put on and off quickly and looks good with jeans or shorts.

I really like these shoes. Comfortable

Just as comfortable as the 7s. No break in. Only thing I could say about them is they feel just a little heavier than the last version. Overall great shoe for every day.

Super products!

I've only put about 20 hiking miles on these but I can tell they're going to last a long while. I purchased them intending to have a daily wearer/hiking staple. I went by the other reviews here saying TTS, but I have been having trouble with heel slippage on hikes resulting in minor blisters. Half size down might have eliminated that, although I'm not sure since the rest of the shoe seems to fit great.

The shoes are comfortable, I stand on my feet for about 14-16 hours a day for work, and they feel pretty good.

first off, I really love these chameleons and have purchased about a dozen pairs over the past 15 or so years. i love the styling. I get about a year out of these, but i don't wear sneakers or tennis shoes - these are my everyday shoe. in the past variations have added or subtracted from my love, but overall i prefer these shoes to most others. i'm outdoors a lot and really like the look with shorts, hiking pants, or just jeans out casually or at work. early models had problems of the toe skid coming apart; others seems to disintegrate inside with the lining falling apart, etc. usually the support and bottom cushioning breakdown and the shoes are worthless at that time. last fall i tried the cham 7 luna and LOVED it. still has great support and much more solid, but heavier and warmer. this cham 8 stretch has more of that luna type support but i also noticed the width was less than my previous shoes. putting them sole to sole showed a marked difference. i'm concerned these shoes will blow out on the sides since i have wide feet, which is why i tend to buy merrell's because of the wider last. some versions require me to insert an orthotic to get more arch support. this version is that way.

Super easy to take on and off, unique lace type, very comfortable (especially the tongue area), good treads, light and very cool style. Love these, the only negative is that it is not wide enough to discourage rolling your ankle (I'm prone to rolling mine anyway due to my walking motion).

Love these shoes for the most part. Fit as expected, very comfortable, lighter than the previous Chameleon 7's, etc. One big issue thought that drives me a little nuts... the squeak. With each step, as the heal compresses, there's a squish or squeak sound. More noticeable indoors than outdoors, but dang it can be annoying.

Comfortable shoe with great comfort and support for hiking trails. The tread provides very good traction.

This is my 4th pair. I love these shoes. The only issue I have with the latest pair I purchased 2 weeks ago is that the lace lock is stuck in the tightest position and I can not loosen it. Just waiting on the shoe to wear a little more so I can slip it on and off easier. Overall the shoe is very comfortable.

I like the look. I like not having to deal with laces. However the constant tension irritated an existing foot problem. Gonna return and try a different style.

Shoes did not fit well, but it is expected for online sales. Return was reasonably painless.

Though Merrell's quality had changed a bit over the years, the shoe still maintains its heritage. This model is a classic. Hope its future oteratiosn do not lose the high quality Merrells used to have. Still recommend it and I'm a loyal Merrell user

Everything was great with the shoe except the color. It is advertised as Boulder which is a sand color and the picture looks like a sand color. When it arrived it was grey like a hippo. I sent them back without issue and ordered the olive color and i am pleased.

Be aware, these have a very narrow toe box and are evidently built on a different last than their other shoes. They are also slightly smaller than the size would indicate.

Love the arch and sole. Look original and feel very comfortable. But how does Merrell manage to make a garbage(I have a better word) lace lock system. Incredibly annoying.

Comfortable but breaking down too fast. Inside lining at the heal has started to rip and expose structural support. These have not been worn that much and the sole and exterior remain in good shape.

This is the fourth pair of Chameleons that I have purchased over the years and the only pair I have had issues with. They are loud! They squeak/creak when I walk in them, loudly enough that people comment on it. Thought the noise would mellow with a few miles put on them. No such luck, still noisy. With that being said, they are a comfortable, good looking shoe. Next time I purchase, I will just wander around the house and listen, before I start wearing them for travel.

I've had maybe 5 pairs of these shoes over the past 20 years. I've returned two because of excessive squeaking that didn't go away with the talcum powder trick. When on, they are extremely comfortable and provide good support for all day work on your feet. My biggest complaint, as many others have mentioned, is that they are VERY DIFFICULT to put on. The opening for your foot is just too small. You have to force your foot into the shoe, push down, wiggle it, raise it back up, pull on the cloth loop, put it back on the ground, push, push, push. And if you do this enough times, the inside heel of the shoe eventually tears or the plastic support breaks. You really need a long shoehorn to put these shoes on comfortably without damaging the heel over time.