Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 21
 Attractive, sturdy, and comfortable: what more could you ask for? July 19, 2010
E. Houston (New Jersey, USA)
Like many other reviewers, I love the Merrell Encore Chill Stitch shoes so much that I have multiple pairs.
I've purchased my three pairs over the course of the last 5 years. I wear them for everything from lounging around the house, to miles long walks and hikes with the dog, to runs to catch the bus. I have worn them while living in both New Jersey (cold, snowy winters, and hot and humid summers) and Edinburgh, Scotland (more mild temperatures but lots of rain and pervasive dampness). All three pairs are still in fantastic shape. The soles are still as sturdy as ever; they are not worn down, torn, or otherwise damaged in any way. The suede uppers are of course not shiny and new, but there are no notable stains, marks, or discolorations. (And these shoes have been splashed with everything from rain to dirty street water.)
Not only are the shoes sturdy, they're incredibly comfortable. I'm rough on these shoes. I've worn them walking, running, and hiking, and they've held up. The fleece is soft and quite warm for cold days. They're also quite supportive; I've worn them while standing for hours with no problem.
The interior fleece does wear down. The insoles are the first to wear down, and I purchase replacements from Merrell approximately every 2 years. Note though, that this is after wearing the shoes almost year round. (The replacements can be a bit difficult to get at certain times, but order in September and you shouldn't have a problem.) The fleece around the top and sides of the shoe has compressed a little bit, but not much. In my oldest pair (5 years) the fleece has fully worn away in a spot on the side by the inner heel. Sadly, (because the shoes are fine in all other ways), I'm going to have to retire them. Although the fleece is worn there, the shoes never rubbed or caused me any pain.
As other reviewers have stated, the shoes are comfortable with or without socks. When buying/sizing the shoe, make sure to account for the increase in space when the fleece compresses; i.e. buy them slightly snug. I have slightly wide feet and have no problem with fit. A friend with narrow feet also loves these and compliments the fit. I think the presence of the fleece allows the fit to adjust as necessary.
I highly recommend these shoes. They'll be your new favorites.
Addicted! June 3, 2010
M. Bradley (Brentwood, TN USA)
I have five pairs of these shoes and wear them summer and winter (get strange looks in the summer). So comfortable. I travel alot and these shoes keep my feet comfortable and callous free. Love them. Actually, addicted to them.
great shoe March 3, 2010
M. biggs-seah (mo)
I bought a half size bigger so that I can put my UGG sheep skin insoles in them for added comfort.
Comfy Shoe February 21, 2010
Jill
This is such a comfortable shoe! Even without socks, my feet stay toasty. I got my regular size which works with both socked and bare feet.
 Suede looks spotted and worn after only one month... February 1, 2010
J. Piper (Providence, RI USA)
I love Merrells, and I love this particular shoe, in terms of comfort and style. This pair has hardly been off my feet since I bought them about a month ago. That being said, they now look really awful... something spilled on them; I used a professional suede cleaning product, but the result is a worn and splotchy-looking shoe that I'm almost embarrassed to wear. Very disappointed that they don't wear better, given the price, and the fact that they're obviously intended to be rugged/winter/outdoor/sport/hiking type shoes.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 21
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