Merrell Torque Mid Multi-Sport Boot- GearReview.com
By Matt Smith

One of the core products in any outdoorsman's arsenal is a comfortable, dependable pair of boots. Over the years I have vaciliated back and forth between a heavier trail type boot and a lighter cross-sport type boot. This time around, the Merrell Torque caught my attention with its supportive heel and midsole, combined with a sticky rubber sole and a breatheable upper.

I took the Torque mid through the usual paces up some paved and dirt trails, scrambling around on talus and slickrock and was quite pleased with the performance. The break-in time was fairly short, on the order of 10 miles or so before they felt like an old, friendly pair of shoes. Lateral support in the heel cup is excellent, and there is plenty of room in the footbox, particularly as I had requested 1/2 size larger than normal to accomodate neoprene socks. I knew once the childs play testing was over, I had greater things in store for the Torque.

I'm talking about canyoneering. Hell for shoes, canyoneering involves abusive approaches through brush, scree, debris, and not unfrequently mile after mile of walking in sand. Then comes the really abusive part, climbing up and down chockstones, cracks, and dry falls in a variety of awkward movements, interspersed with walking, wading, and swimming through rotten debris infested water, getting home, drying out gear and doing it all over again the next week. I love this stuff!

All told I put about 150 miles on the Torque mid over 3-4 months. I was pleased with the durability, especially taking into account the abuse I had laid on them. The midsole was still comfortable after 150 miles, though it was improved by a 3rd party insole, particularly when I was carrying more than 40 or so pounds. Of minor significance, I noted the sticky rubber looses most of its grip in snow melt water, and behaves more like a conventional boot sole. The mesh uppers held out, but as you can see bore the effects of abrasion. The only part of the shoe that came up short in my opinion is the upper lace cleat, whose plastic trim began to tear out of the mesh after only 50 or so miles. The plastic on the shoe did become discolored after significant sun exposure as well.

The tongue is bellowed to help keep debris from getting inside, and the lace eyelets are reinforced so you can really tighten the shoe to get a good fit.

Summary: The Torque Mid is a good, solid approach shoe with loads up to 40 pounds or so. It is versatile for use on varied terrain. The Gore-Tex XCR version I tested sells for around $130. For the money, this boot is a gret multi-sport solution that wont break the bank.

For more information contact:
Merrell
www.merrellboot.com


1-800-789-8586

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and almost always carries to much.