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Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Merrell Pulse II Boots > Owner Review by Dave HjelmarMerrell Hiking Boot - Pulse II Gore-Tex MidOWNER REVIEW dated July 25, 2005
Table of ContentsProduct_InformationField_Information Miscellaneous Thoughts (Likes and Dislikes) Summary Biographical Information Product InformationSpecsManufacturer: MerrellYear of Manufacture: 2004 URL: http://www.merrell.com Weight, listed: 2 lb 7 oz (1.11 kg) per pair for men's size 9 Weight, measured: 2 lb 10 oz (1.19 kg) per pair for men's size 13 Size: Shoe size 13 US measures to be 13" long, 4.75" wide at ball, 7" high (Shoe size 48 EUR measures to be 0.33 m long, 0.12 m wide at ball, 0.18 m high) DescriptionMerrell’s Pulse II Gore-Tex Mid is characterized by Merrell as a “Trail / Multi-Sport” boot rather than a “Hiking” boot. The important points to me are that they are very light and waterproof thanks to Gore-Tex® XCR®. The uppers are made from Nubuck and pigskin leather. The inside is soft and heavily padded especially around the ankles. The sole is Vibram® and has a 0.2” (5 mm) deep tread. Pictures of the boots from various angles are shown below.I wear size 11½ US (45.5 EUR) sneakers and shoes but bought a size 13 US (48 EUR) boot. I like the extra size and a half to make room for bulky wool socks and to ensure I don't hit the front on steep descents. The picture below shows a blue insole I added. I also kept the flimsy original orange insole underneath since I had room in the boot and it provides a little more cushion. 
 
Field InformationSince their purchase in early 2004, they have logged miles throughout the Adirondacks and Catskills of NY (New York) through mud, puddles, dry ground, and snow throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons in both warm (up to 85F/29C) and cold (down to 25F/-4C) weather. However, I've also found the boots comfortable enough that I wear them on snowy days all day long in the office. The boots have also doubled as snow boots in the winter with the addition of gaiters when the snow has been too high. However, I haven't used them in this capacity for hiking since they are only mid-height.In addition to their light weight, my favorite thing about these boots is that they were instantly comfortable. I took my first hike with them the week after they were bought. I had worn them around the block a couple times and they seemed comfortable, but the only hill they were previously tested on was the inclined plane at the EMS store where I purchased them. At the end of the day (only 5 miles / 8 km) after walking up and down Buck Mountain in NY my feet were still comfortable. My last pair of boots had refused to break in after a year of hiking and I eventually gave up on them. The longest and wettest hike the boots have seen so far was up Dix Mountain in the high peaks of NY. We went in August and, at the 4857’ (1480 m) peak, were treated to rain and then snow flurries. The walk into Dix at times seemed more like a standing stream than a path and required, in some locations, large steps from rock to rock. With the help of a walking stick and the Vibram® soles, I managed to keep out of everything over ankle deep but did walk through a number of puddles that wet my laces. At the end of our 14 mile (22.5 km) round trip, I had sore muscles and was ready to sit in the car for the ride home. However, my feet were dry and had no blisters. Most of the hikes I have taken wearing the boots have been on established trails with a light daypack (less than 10 lb / 4.5 kg). I feel the rocks through the soles more than with other boots I have owned, but the Merrells have still been very comfortable. With a heavier backpack (still under 30 lb / 13.6 kg) but for shorter distances (less than 5 miles / 8 km), I feel the rocks a little more but not enough to make me go back to stiffer boots. My only complaint with the Merrells is that more trail debris finds its way into them than I'm used to. This is most likely due to their low profile and thick padding around the ankles which acts like a funnel for small stones and twigs. I most always hike in shorts, and I'm sure that does not help with this issue. The only visible wear on the boots has been on some of the stitching where I have likely brushed too hard and too many times against rocks on the trail. In both locations a short piece of stitching has been cut but neither seam has started to unravel adjacent stitch holes. This is likely because each seam is double stitched and only one of the two stitches in each location has been cut. Miscellaneous ThoughtsThings I Like
Things I Don’t Like
SummaryI have been very pleased with Merrell’s Pulse II Gore-Tex Mid boots. They are light, comfortable, and have provided enough support for me for both hiking and light backpacking.Biographical InformationStatsName: Dave HjelmarAge: 40 Gender: Male Height: 6' 2" (1.88 m) Weight: 170 lb (77 kg) Email address: myemail@earthlink.net Location: Glenville, New York, USA Experience and StyleI started hiking and backpacking in the mid 70's. I travel light in these and similar activities. I use a small fanny pack for mountain biking and cross-country skiing, an oversized fanny pack for day hiking, and a light external frame backpack for longer trips. I use a mid-height trail shoe rather than a traditional hiking boot. To help with both weight and comfort, I partially retired my Eureka Timberline tent last year for a Hennessy Hammock.Read more reviews of Merrell gear Read more gear reviews by Dave Hjelmar Reviews > Footwear > Boots > Merrell Pulse II Boots > Owner Review by Dave Hjelmar | |||
