Merrell Grand Traverse
By Kerry Brock

[Editor's Note: In 1998 GearReview.com tested Merrell's M2 Highline GTX boots. The boot rated as one of our staff's all-time favorites. The writer's summary stated, "If you had to purchase just one pair of boots to satisfy all your outdoor needs, from deserts to mountains, Merrell's Highline M2 GTX is the boot for you." For the 1999 season, Merrell discontinued the Highline and replaced it with a revised and renamed Grand Traverse (You may still find the Highline boots in stores, often at discounted prices. If you do, buy them! ) Our fearless testers immediately wanted to try out the boot that bumped their favorite out of the line. As you might guess, expectations for the Grand Traverse were high. After all, you'd better not replace a great boot like the Highline with one that isn't at least equal in quality. Here are the results of our testers' experiences with the new Grand Traverse. Read on. . .SM]

As a fairly serious hiker, I am fanatical about two things, boots and packs in that order. I am so picky about my boots that I even drive myself crazy trying to find the perfect pair. I'm the kind of person that goes into shops and tries on multiple pairs of boots for hours trying to figure out the fit, comfort, support and durability that will match my style of mountain play.

As for my treks, I frequently take trips of 3 days or longer, with loads of 30 pounds or more. I spent most of my summers on backpacking treks high in the northern Rocky Mountains, hiking and scrambling on and off trail. Needless to say, I have long been looking for the ultimate trekking boot with excellent support, waterproofness, durability, comfort and fit.

Maybe that's why my first impression of the Merrill Grand Traverse was pretty high. The moment I tried this boot on, I could tell the fit was great for my narrow, bony foot. I was impressed with gel-like padding around the ankles and the firm footbed with excellent arch support. The ankle and foot support was immediately noticeable with 2.8 mm full grain leather used throughout the boot. And the pulley-like lacing system made the first lace-up a snap. Walking around a shop for the first time in a hiking boot can tell you a lot and I was liking what my feet were telling me about the Grand Traverse.

My real test came on numerous hikes, treks and scrambling adventures over the course of a full summer. On day hikes to the talus, boulder-strewn slopes of some of the highest peaks of Utah's Wasatch Front I was glad I was wearing a full-blown trekking boot like the Grand Traverse, instead of some wimpy day hiker. As I rambled up chunks of granite with serious exposure below me, the comfort and security of these boots' full steel shank gave me the confidence to explore the summits of several new peaks. True to my first impressions, the ankle and footbed support offered sure foot placements on many quick, blister-free descents.

My most recent trip included a 1500-foot trudge up a near-vertical, boulder-strewn slope while donning a 45 lbs. backpack. Jumping and careening from rock to rock, I counted it a blessing more than once that I had my Grand Traverse's firmly laced to my skinny 10 1/2s. And after a gnarly decent of the other side of that same slope, constantly churning against the knife-like surface of Utah granite, my Merrell's still looked close to new. Even more impressive was the way they kept six inches of wet snow and endless puddles of water away from my feet. . For those who need extra waterproofness, the Grand Traverse comes in a GTX version, which includes a Gore-Tex liner to ensure water and feet don't encounter each other unexpectedly.

I don't always wear a heavy trekking boot every time I hike, but when I head for the high-county, I will gladly sport a pair of Merrell Grand Traverse every time. The support and comfort of this boot is truly amazing. The Grand Traverse is a worthy successor to the Highline GTX.

The Grand Traverse is available in black only, in Men's sizes 7-12,13,14 15 M, and Women's 5-11 M. The boots weigh 3 lbs. 8 oz.

Kerry Brock is an avid backpacker and new contributor to GearReview.com.

For more information, contact:
Merrell
9341 Courtland Dr. NE
Rockford, MI 49351
(888)637-7001