MSRP: $50.00 US
No Weight available on website
Weight as Delivered:
Left Shoe: 9.7 oz (274 g)
Right Shoe: 9.7 oz (274 g)
Both Shoes: 1 lb 3 oz (549 g)

Mom's Background:
    My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in
length from one day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors with my Girl Scout troop, friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use a hammock for sleeping.

Mariah's Background:
    Mariah's outdoor adventures began early - as the youngest, she was often in a baby carrier, going along on day hikes and overnight camping trips from a very early age. She has always tried to keep up with her brothers, and has learned that if she wants to tag along, she better not whine! She just finished up a week at Maine Conservation School and has spent the summer hiking, swimming, geocaching (she is great at finding those that are hidden under things!) Going into her second year of Girl Scouts, she participates in troop and council outings every month, along with family hikes. Mariah carries her own pack, and likes to use a hiking pole when going long distances.

Test Locations:
    During the fall we hiked in western Maine and central New Hampshire with our family, scouts and with a group of friends. We either set up camp and hiked out from the base camp, or we backpacked in to a camping area. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can drive just a short distance and take advantage of some great hiking. Mariah and I had the opportunity to take three day-hikes, that included finding a couple of geocache sites. She has also worn her hikers while traipsing through the woods with the dogs, bike riding and rock climbing with her brothers. In all, Mariah has worn the hikers for outdoor activities at least 4 times a week during the field test period. She also wears them to school on days when the snow isn't too deep, but it is cold out.

Test Conditions:

The majority of our testing has been done in northern New England, where the current temperature is 30 degrees F (-1 C) and temperatures were often below the 0 - 32 F ( -14 - 0 C ) range.  During the winter we have been ice fishing and snowshoeing. Most of our hiking is done below 3000 ft (914 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes - everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded areas. Some trips involved backpacking into campsites and at other times we set up camp and hike out from there. Mariah is a climber, so if there is a rock to climb, or a stone wall she is the first to attack it. Mariah wore the hikers while backpacking, climbing and snowshoeing. While snowshoeing, the weather was calm and cold - about 20 degrees F (-7 C).

Final Thoughts:

Mariah has enjoyed testing the Chameleons, and still wears them whenever she has the chance. They show some light wear on the front of the toe section. I believe the wear to be from Mariah either running her feet on the ground while riding her bike, or climbing.

On one of the days we went snowshoeing, Mariah decided to wear her Chameleons. I was concerned that she would end up with her shoes full of snow. The weather calm and cold - about 20 degrees F (-7 C) and the snow was well packed and 'crunchy'. Because of this, she was able to wear her hikers without getting snow inside of them. She reports that her feet weren't as tired when she was done, because she didn't have to wear her 'clunky old boots'. She said her feet stayed warm all day also.

    The Chameleons provide good traction, even on wet surfaces. Mariah is able to climb on rocks without slipping. The sole of the hiker has a fairly aggressive tread. Mariah has continued wearing the hikers when participating in outdoor activities. She wore them ice fishing, with heavy weight socks, and found her feet were 'warm enough', as long as she kept moving.

The cord used for tightening the shoes, in place of laces, has held up amazingly well - no signs of fraying or stretching. The inside of the shoe does show some wear, but just minimal amounts where her heal hits the inside bottom of the shoe. The hikers have not needed to really be cleaned, although we did use a stiff brush on them after some mud had dried on them. The mud came off easily and did not leave any residue or discoloration.

I did notice that when she first started wearing the hikers, she could wear very heavy socks and still cinch them tightly. Now if she has heavy socks on, she barely cinches them at all. I have checked her feet, and there haven't been any red marks. Mariah tells me that they still fit and she hopes they continue to for a long time. It amazes me how quickly her feet grow!

We really have nothing negative to report on these hikers, they were comfortable, well made and lived up to the claims made by the company. I'm sure when this pair is outgrown, we will be looking for another pair. Its not easy to make a 10 year old girl, who is 'fashion' conscious, and likes to be outside, happy. The Chameleons have accomplished that!

Both Mariah and I appreciate the opportunity to test the Kid's Chameleon hikers. Thanks to Merrill and Backpackgeartest.org!

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