Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® product technology are durably waterproof and windproof combined with optimised breathability. Gore invests heavily in field testing to understand end user needs which allows Gore to provide the GORE-TEX® GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY™ promise. The lacing system is pretty standard, and the lightweight nature of the construction means that it's easy to cinch the material in over the individual contours of your feet. Having said that the lacing doesn't extend particularly far down towards the toes and the toe box is roomy. This allows your toes to splay naturally but, in this case, it would be nice to have a way of reducing the volume for those with narrower feet. Despite the wide fit the Zion does a good job of holding the ankle in place without heel slip so for everyday walking these are blister free boots. Built on a trail running platform for a sneaker fit, Merrell Zion Mid GORE-TEX®Boots have durable mesh & leather uppers with a 100% waterproof GORE-TEX inner and a Vibram® Megagrip outsole that grips on every terrain.

Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Pro product technology are built for maximised ruggedness and are ideal for extreme and extended use. All components are built for maximized ruggedness while strict textile performance specifications ensure optimum strength. All GORE-TEX® Pro garments must pass Gore’s toughest test conditions and most aggressive rainstorm test.In theory, all these membranes are breathable, but a common complaint is that they don’t vent well, which can make for sweaty feet on hot days and during intense hikes. As such, it’s best to buy waterproof boots only if you think you’ll often be walking through cool or wet environments. Prefer to hike on sunny, warm days? Well, then go without the membrane (you’ll save some money in the process). The walking shoe is the smart choice for weekend trekkers, who aren’t regularly summiting some of the world’s tallest peaks. We also found them to be really breathable, without that hot feeling that Gore-Tex membranes can sometimes cause. If you’re looking for a solid, lightweight walking shoe for long walks and even-ground hikes the Merrell Zion GTX is one of our favourites.

Light, comfortable and versatile, the Merrell Zion GTX embodies everything the walking shoe is supposed to offer. It's a top performer which is highly recommended for treks where top-notch ankle support isn’t required. Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Active product technology are built for extreme breathability and are ideal for highly aerobic, done in a day activities. All components are built for optimised sweat management to ensure extreme breathability and optimum comfort in high aerobic conditions. The performance is also supported by a tight fitting and minimalistic garment design. While significantly more chunky than a trail trainer, they don’t feel it on the foot. The Merrell Zion GTX are still nice and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 648g, which makes them some of the lightest walking shoes around. That’s due to the mesh upper, which makes them breathable and comfy – while the bottom is waterproof leather.When it comes to walking shoes it’s what you don’t notice that’s more important – and the lightweight material is just like wearing a sturdy pair of running shoes, adding grip and support without feeling encumbered. For a lightweight hiking boot stability is really good thanks to a flexplate - a plate in the outsole which makes it more rigid - and the sheer depth of EVA foam. The inclusion of leather in the upper no doubt helps in this department as well. Overall the Zion Mid is a really well put together boot. As with any walking boot the fit won't suit everyone but it's worth being aware that these are quite spacious in the toe box and the sizing comes up a little larger than the usual Merrell fit.

The water resistance in sodden ground is reason enough to invest but the lightweight build makes it barely noticeable – offering a fantastic mix of unencumbered walking with proper grip and decent support. Which brings us onto the most impressive aspect of the Zion GTX. The moniker refers to a Gore-Tex membrane, designed to keep moisture out.