They are my first Merrell's, and I think they are FANTASTTIC. I took them to Hawaii and walked over EVERY kind of terrain, from volcanoes to rain-forest to beach. Even when they got a bit wet, they were quick to dry. I plan on getting the same shoe, except with Gore-Tex, for the more wet conditions. If you feel like you are in between an 81/2 and 9, go with a 9 and get a sock with a bit more cushion. I like Smartwools Running PhD Ultra Light micros.

Chalk up another 5 stars for these puppies! First of all, they look way better in person than in the picture. Second, they are light as a feather, but have a nice, sturdy Vibram sole that handles trails and rocks well. When I first put them on, I thought they weren't going to be very comfy on rocky surfaces, but I was wrong. These are true x-trainers - they're not going to protect your toes from a huge boulder and they likely would not make good full-time running shoes, either on the trail or on the road. But they are great for doing a little bit of everything, including hiking, without having to own a gajillion different pairs of shoes. If you're hardcore into one thing, then by all means, get a pair of shoes just for that. Then get these for everything else.

My first pair of Merrell's and they won't be my last. I've used this shoe for a few miles of walking and running almost daily for 2 months, and I'm impressed. Granted, I don't have any foot issues, but I found these exceptionally comfortable and responsive. Grip well in all but icy snow. They allow my feet a sense of the ground because they're not bulky, and minimize foot size if that matters to you. Got 'em in blue w/lime yellow lining - very cute and versatile. On big roots and round rocks in Mexico they were unstable because of their rounded sides, but on streets and trails in the Northwest they're great. Feet stay comfortable in both heat & chill. Money well spent. REI rocks!