Merrell Speed Solo MXD Mid WP: A Nimble Hiker That Keeps You Dry
ReviewOkay, so I’m a bit of a trail junkie. Always hunting for that one boot that can handle quick day hikes without feeling like I’m lugging around bricks. Something light, agile, but still tough enough when the terrain gets real. Enter the Merrell Speed Solo MXD Mid WP – I had to see if it lived up to the hype.
Right off the bat, these boots look the part. That combo of leather and suede? Classic hiking boot vibes. The mid-height ankle seemed like a good compromise, too – support without feeling like my legs were in a cast. And honestly, picking them up, they felt lighter than I expected, which is always a win when you’re planning on logging some miles.
I recently took these bad boys out for a spin in the Smokies. Picture this: rocky climbs, slick mud, a stream crossing or two… the perfect torture test. First thing that struck me? That FloatPro Foam midsole is seriously comfy. Like, walking-on-clouds comfy, but without sacrificing that ground feel. Even after hours, my feet weren’t screaming at me.
Then came the rain. Not a downpour, but enough to make things interesting. And guess what? Bone dry feet. Seriously, that waterproof membrane is no joke. I even waded through a stream (ankle-deep, I admit!), and the boots just shrugged it off. Plus, my feet didn’t feel like they were suffocating, which is a huge plus for a waterproof boot.
Grip-wise, the Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole was on point. I felt glued to the rocks, even when they were wet. No slipping and sliding in the mud, either. That ankle support? Just right. Enough to keep me stable on uneven ground, but still letting me move freely.
Now, a couple of things to consider. If you’ve got wider ankles or prefer thick socks, the 4-inch shaft might feel a little snug. Also, while these boots are light, I wouldn’t necessarily grab them for a super gnarly backpacking trip where you need maximum support.
Oh, and a cool bonus? Merrell’s trying to do the right thing for the planet. The BLOOM foam (made from algae!) and the recycled rubber outsole are a nice touch.
Bottom Line:
The Merrell Speed Solo MXD Mid WP is a solid pick if you want a light, comfy, and waterproof boot for day hikes and trails that aren’t too extreme. It’s a good all-arounder, balancing support, agility, and weather protection. Maybe not the ultimate choice for heavy backpacking, but if comfort and moving fast are your priorities, give these a look. And hey, you can feel a little better about your footprint while you’re at it. Definitely worth checking out!