I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I do like Merrell shoes, I can’t remember a time when there hasn’t been a pair in my wardrobe.

Early last year, 2015, they sent me a pair of Moab Rover’s from their new arrivals section to abuse... sorry, review.  Merrell call their Moab Rover a hiking shoe, but you won’t find any ankle support, in fact they sit quite low, so in my opinion they’re better for meandering on the beach, in the park and so on.

Merrell suggest that, with their classy, oiled leather and textile upper, they’re suitable to wear at dress up dinners and other spontaneous social events that warrant a bit more sophistication.  Personally I wouldn’t go that far, but they certainly have a less casual look about them.

Getting technical, their upper lining is made from a waterproof oily Leather with die cut rubber heel for durability.  They have a mesh lining treated with M-Select FRESH that naturally prevents odour before it starts for fresh smelling feet, which is handy.

Merrell’s M-Select DRY waterproof construction seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you’re on the move and I like that they have a bellow tongue that keeps sand, stones and muck out.

The midsole has Merrell’s air cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and adds stability whilst the compression moulded EVA foot frame provides cushioning. Of course there’s the Vibram® outsole and a 5mm sole lug depth that helps you stay upright in muddy and greasy conditions.

When I reviewed them for another website I’d only had them for a week or so, and I reported they were flippin’ comfy, in a rugged sort of way.  However, they soon began pinching my toes and became intolerable to wear.  To be fair, this wasn't the shoes fault, but Merrell's sizing.  I found that over the past couple of years when buying Merrell shoes that I’ve needed to go up a shoe size, I’m size 11, so I order size 12, and unfortunately I forgot this when I spoke to the Merrell PR guy.

The good news is, I gave them to my father-in-law, John, who has smaller feet than me and has worn them almost everyday since - he loves 'em!  So, even though I didn't get to abuse them, they get a huge thumbs up from John and his manky hammer toes!!

Website:  www.merrell.com

Price:  £100.00