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Merrell Salida Mid WP - Women's Review

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Merrell Salida Mid WP - Women's Review
Credit: Merrell
Price:  $130 List
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Manufacturer:   Merrell
By Briana Valorosi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 20, 2015
78
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weight - 15% 9.0
  • Support - 20% 8.0
  • Traction - 15% 9.0
  • Comfort - 25% 6.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 7.0
  • Durability - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

Merrell is a reputable name for adventure-driven footwear, and the Salida Mid is no exception. The fit is comparable to hiking shoes from the same brand, such as the Merrell Siren Sport 2 - Women's, and requires no break-in period, which is rare for a hiking boot. It has a relatively low ankle height suitable for some adventures, such as day hiking and light backpacking, but it lacks coverage or support for demanding excursions. The Salida is much like a hiking shoe with some boot characteristics such as added ankle stability, sturdy soles, and durable uppers. For advice on choosing the most suitable hiking boots or shoes, check out our Buying Advice article.
REASONS TO BUY
Well padded around ankles
Fits like a hiking shoe
Stiff soles with good traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Low ankle shaft
Lacking arch support
Uncomfortable contour on ankle design
Not very breathable
Merrell has discontinued the Salida Mid WP.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Merrell Salida Mid WP exists in a happy middle ground between a shoe and a boot, offering the light weight and comfort of a shoe paired with the sturdy soles and durable construction of a boot.

Performance Comparison


merrell salida mid wp for women - the merrell salida fits and feels like a hiking shoe, but has the...
The Merrell Salida fits and feels like a hiking shoe, but has the sturdy sole and extra ankle height of a boot. We tested the comfort and support of the Salidas while on our feet during long days of field work in Colorado.
Credit: Jeff Stephens

Weight


The Salida is within mere ounces of the lightest hiking boots in our review. They weigh in at 1.86 pounds per pair! A combination of leather and mesh on the uppers keep the weight low. Although they are light on the scale and feel like hiking shoes on our feet, the mesh uppers do not lend to an airy feel. See our detailed review of their breathability below. For an overall light and airy boot, both in weight, feel, and breathability, check out the Ahnu Montara - Women's.

Support


Considering the relatively short ankle shaft height, support is below average in the Salida. These boots maintain adequate traction yet do not offer the level of comfort or support we have come to expect from the top women's hiking boots. The insoles are stiff and the short ankle height doesn't offer as much ankle stabilization as other taller boots. Most women will find it necessary to add after market insoles to attain an appropriate level of arch support and comfort for long trail days. They have M Select Grip soles, Merrell's proprietary slip resistant soles made of solid rubber with widely spaced 5mm lugs on the tread. For a hiking boot that rates highly in the support category, consider the La Sportiva FC ECO 3.0 GTX - Women's or the Editors' Choice award winning Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Women's.

merrell salida mid wp for women - eyelet spacing dictates how well the boots may be tightened and...
Eyelet spacing dictates how well the boots may be tightened and individually adjusted. The Salida boots have metal eyelets alternating between nylon rings, leading up to a pair of hooks for tightening the boots around the top of the ankle shaft.
Credit: Briana Valorosi

Traction


The Merrell Salida rated among the highest for traction. The tread pattern is varied with widely spaced lugs, which lend to shedding of dirt, sand, and mud. Stiff soles constructed of gripping rubber make these among the best in women's hiking boots for traction. We took these boots through deep mud, melting spring snow, and along sandy trails and no debris adhered to the soles.

merrell salida mid wp for women - widely spaced, deep set lugs and varied tread patterns lend to...
Widely spaced, deep set lugs and varied tread patterns lend to greater traction in mud and sand. The Merrell Salida Mid WP boots (left) have greater traction than the more uniform patterned Athenas. Both shoes have Vibram rubber soles which offer slip resistance and durability on and off the trail.
Credit: Briana Valorosi

Comfort


Like other Merrell women's hiking footwear we have reviewed, the Salida is comfortable straight out of the box. Boots often require a break-in period of a hike or two, or sometimes more before reaching ultimate comfort. The Salida, like the Keen Targhee II Mid - Women's and Ahnu Montara, offer immediate trail comfort. Adequate padding surrounds the ankle and tongue while abrasion resistant lining resists pilling. The EVA foot beds are stiff and uncomfortable for feet that demand arch support. For flat feet or those needing minimal support underfoot, the Salida is comfortable, but if you have prominent arches, we highly recommend after market insoles such as Superfeet.

Water Resistance and Breathability


With a waterproof lining, these boots stay dry in shallow puddles and through dew covered foliage. They have bellowed tongues that are intended to keep debris out. Submerged in water, the bellows also serve the function of creating a barrier to water. Up to approximately 3-4" of moving water, the boots remain dry for a brief period of time. When water heights exceed the bellows tongue crease, water pours into the boots. The crease falls lower than the ankle shaft, so a mindfulness of the height is necessary to remain dry and comfortable.

merrell salida mid wp for women - higher ankle heights, waterproof uppers, and bellowed or gusseted...
Higher ankle heights, waterproof uppers, and bellowed or gusseted tongues are the qualities to seek out for the highest degree of water resistance.
Credit: Briana Valorosi

In regards to breathability, the mesh panels on the uppers allows for some breathability in cool to mildly warm temperatures, although when summer heat sets in they are not significantly breathable to remain comfortable. Full grain leather sections on the uppers add to durability but limit the overall breathability. For hikers with naturally warm feet, we recommend thin socks unless in cold weather. Otherwise, typical midweight hiking socks are comfortable in cool to warm weather. For a more breathable summer hiking boot, check out the Ahnu Montara or Asolo Athena - Women's.

merrell salida mid wp for women - the salida mid wp boots have bulky soles layered with leather and...
The Salida Mid WP boots have bulky soles layered with leather and mesh uppers. The heel heights effect the bulkiness and how weighted your feet feel.
Credit: Briana Valorosi

Durability


Full grain leather is among the most durable hiking boot material. The Salida is constructed of this durable material combined with mesh, and resisted abrasion after hiking through technical terrain and in rugged landscapes. We were impressed by how minimally the soles showed their mileage, especially after days spent on rocky trails in the Rocky Mountains.

Best Applications


For spring and fall hiking and light backpacking on easy to moderate terrain the Salida excels. These boots have insulating properties from thick padding and leather on the uppers. While mesh panels add a degree of breathability, the design qualities make them too warm for mid-summer heat unless you are at high elevations. Thin socks are recommended for wearing in warmer temperatures. The relatively short ankle shaft height is best for shallow water crossings of less than 5" and for carrying light loads. These boots do not offer enough stability for long distance or heavy weight backpacking.

merrell salida mid wp for women - these lightweight and low-height boots are perfect for the woman who...
These lightweight and low-height boots are perfect for the woman who wants the comfort of a hiking shoe for day hikes and light backpacking, but needs a little bit of extra ankle support and a sturdier sole.
Credit: Briana Valorosi

Value


At $130, the Merrell Salida Mid WPs are similar in cost to the Best Buy awarded Keen Targhee II Mid. Comparatively, the Targhee II Mid is a better value, offering more breathability and versatility across seasons. The Salida is a good value for the shoulder season hiker (spring and fall) who finds an ideal fit from Merrell's footwear. Otherwise, we recommend the Targhee II Mid boots as a better value or the Ahnu Montara boots for a slightly higher price.

Conclusion


The Merrell Salida Mid WP offers excellent traction and durability for a lightweight hiking boot, closely resembling a hiking shoe in weight and comfort. For women looking for a sturdy hiking boot that wears like a hiking shoe, the Salida is sure to please.

Other Versions


Salida Trekker
merrell salida mid wp for women - merrell women's salida trekker hiking shoe
Merrell Women's Salida Trekker Hiking Shoe
Credit: amazon.com
  • Cost - $100
  • The low cut hiking shoe version of the Mid Salida
  • This version offers greater trail-to-town versatility
  • Has the same key design characteristics
  • Not waterproof

Briana Valorosi