Customer Reviews Merrell Alverstone 2

Really loved my original Alverstone model so decided to come back for Alterstone 2. Some things to note- original Alverstones were very roomy in toebox so I wore (surprisingly) 8M. However the 8M A2 is 1/4 inch more narrow than the original (I measured). If you have wide forefoot and/or bunions like me, the A2's footprint is definitely more narrow so get the Wide if you're in the 7-8 range. That being said, the right size for me in A2 is 7.5W. I still have almost 1/2 inch in toe box before my toe will bump the inside as this is important for long hikes (thicker socks/swelling) and going down steep hills. My heel does not slip in this shoe either. I don't know why this shoe doesn't get more love, especially from duck-footed hikers like myself, since the fore foot is nice and wide but the heel is standard. It's my understanding that Merrell markets this model as a shoe for a more newbie hikers, but my original Alverstones took me up to top of Ben Nevis and down (not really a beginner's hike), and of all things hurting my body after that hike, it was NOT my feet. It's a really solid, stable shoe, and I expect to hike many more miles in my A2s. I also tried both a 7.5W and 8W in the Moab 3, and IMO a cuter shoe, the fit just wasn't right for me. The 8W was slipping a little too much for my liking and the 7.5W was just a little too short- because of its fit on me, would only be good as a walking shoe, but not doing more serious hikes/hills. When you find the correct size, A/A2 just "fits". For reference, I typically wear 7.5/7.5W street shoe. Hope this review helps, and happy hiking.

Was initially not happy with the fit, so exchanged for a half size smaller. These fit great, and while I don’t usually like much arch support these hit in just the right spot - so comfortable AND supportive, I don’t want to take them off! This is a good-looking shoe - the style looks a bit narrower so looks more attractive. Nice green color - just a little bit more green than sage. Will definitely order these again!

I've had Merrells for years. These were my regular size 6M but they felt too long and definately too wide. My foot was moving too much to provide stability. The arch support felt good but because the length was also off it hit slightly off. Bummer.

I have a wide foot and these shoes fit perfectly.

The heel has great support

This Alverstone 2 version fits longer than the original and lacks the very good internal support of the original. It has an arch support, but not as good.

The size and width was very comfortable. Liked the style. Support was what I needed.

Beautiful color and good arch support, it just felt too big. I compared it to similar styles to see if actually ran large-so I would know if going down a half size would work-but the length was spot on. Yet it feels incredibly roomy and not in a pleasant way, kind of bulbous. Also, I’d prefer more cushion than the removable footbed supplies. Returning

Nice looking, but not as supportive or cushy as my aging foot requires.

Everything was fine with these except the second I tried them on the arch support was WAY too pronounced. I could see that being very irritating after a mile much less a 10 mile day!

I love these & find them to be among the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. The arch support is good without being overdone. The styling is classy. I am glad I made the investment and hope they last. Caveat: I have narrow ankles. I’ve worn Merrell (W) shoes for years but their switch to those weak, (planned obsolescence) fabric “eyelets” for the laces is a huge disappointment. The laces tore through in less than 7 months. For the price of shoes these days, that’s ridiculous. If these Oboz last two seasons, they’re worth it to me. Also, their standard width is plenty for my comfort. I don’t have wide feet but I hate the feeling of snug shoes. That said, if you have normal or thicker ankles, the tongue design may bother you. I understand the complaint in other reviews. The tongue is sewn in and this creates a fold that could press or rub against your ankle. I don’t have a problem with it other than I think it’s a poor design for tying and tightening the laces.

Supportive walking shoes - my feet feel great in them. I wear them for all kinds of walks - uneven woodland trails, paved sidewalks, even at the gym - they are an all around excellent pair of shoes.

I love these! I've had several Merrell hiking shoes over the years. These are so comfy, sturdy, and light. I'm between an 8.5 and a 9, skewing more towards 9 lately. In these I got an 8.5 and they are plenty roomy. Size 9 would have been too big.

Shoes are very comfortable and have good arch support

everything was good. Wore them on our rocky, rooty trail and they are great!

These are a tad lighter weight than the Merrells Moab3 I am replacing, but I'm going to try them on our trail and see how they hold up. The lighter weight has advantages and I wanted a change in look (though it is slight!).

The hiking shoes were comfortable from the minute I put them on. No breaking in is required - they are very comfortable!

Wore these all over Alaska straight out of the box, paired with wool socks. Super comfortable!

Comfortable right out of the box! I have wide feet but ordered an M because my last pair of Merrell Alverstones was an M. They fit great with both my wool winter hiking socks and with shortie socks. Excellent support, too. The look has changed a bit since my last pair - I like it better.