Merrell Chameleon Stretch 8 Review 

Your critique helped me choose between the two. Many thanks.

I think Moab vs Chameleon all depends on your individual feet dimensions. I have both a Moab 2 (waterproof) and a Chameleon and with my high instep the Chameleon is so much better for me. The moab just hasn't got quite as much room inside and puts presure right ontop of my foot at the top of the tongue. The Chameleons have a steeper rise up the front of the shoe in the lases area so are more accomodating for those with a higher instep or slightly wider feet.

Great review and this was very helpful. I have a couple pair of Merrell shoes now; Moab Edge and Jungle Mocs. I have had the Edge's for about five years now and after wearing them almost every day, they need to be replaced. I'm not that crazy about the new Edge 2's, so I have narrowed my search down to the Moab 2 Vent and the Chameleon. As a left leg AK amputee, I like the lock lacing system of the Chameleons - I have a pair of Gore-Tex Salomon hiking shoes with that same system and its great for someone like me. However, after watching your video, I think I'm going to buy the Moab 2 Vents because of the durability and sole. I put a lot of walking and hiking miles in my shoes and I need something durable and a shoe that won't break down after a few months. The Salomon's that I mentioned are great for hiking in wet and/or cold weather as they are 100% waterproof. However, because they are waterproof, they aren't a great everyday shoe because they don't breathe.

They're not a soft rubber sole any more..probably for the better since the former wore out too quick

I heard you squeaking at the start of this video. I have the waterproof Moabs too for the past 5 years. Merrell makes good stuff which led me to try these Cham 8s. Might have to put in better insoles like I did with my Moabs for thicker comfort. I take long hikes of 5 or 6 miles ( long for me ) & sometimes its going to rain. Like the waterproof Merrells.

Interesting pulled this up to see how these were pros and cons is always good personally I did not like the Moab does not let your feet breathe wonder if these are the same or are they a little more breathable? Back in the day Hi tech & Merrill was my go to from outdoor world late 90s Pros/ They were more light and comfortable.Cons/ didn’t last as long.

I'm in law enforcement and was looking at the Moab 2 vs Cham 8 for patrol, but under the weight of a duty rig and vest, which do you think would be better for patrol?

If you have owned previous versions of these shoes and liked them, you will be disappointed with this version. They are don't fit like the older versions and they make a squeaking noise when you walk.

Good day. Have your chameleons torn yet?

are they waterproof!?

Thanks for the review, opened my mind up to the Moabs so I'll probably do some more research on them. I was looking at the Chameleon for a summer time trail shoe, I like the idea of it blending well for casual use and the fact it's good for water crossings, I like to expect the unexpected! I think a 45-50 lbs pack might be overkill (I'm also a Marine so I know the pain haha) I bet with a lighter loadout it would help out a bunch, for example my summertime load is looking at about 20lbs which might make these good to go if I'm just doing 8-15 miles a day with that weight. Since you mentioned it's a good water shoe do you think it's more breathable than the moab at all?

They don't feel like they are secure on my feet