Reviews You Can Rely On

Merrell Siren Edge 3 - Women's Review

A budget-minded, lightweight, athletic-inspired shoe for fair-weather day hikes when you know your feet won't get wet
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Merrell Siren Edge 3 - Women's Review
Credit: Myrha Colt
Price:  $115 List
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Manufacturer:   Merrell
By Myrha Colt and Mary Witlacil  ⋅  Nov 7, 2022
61
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#15 of 19
  • Comfort - 25% 6.0
  • Support - 20% 6.0
  • Traction - 15% 7.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 4.0
  • Weight - 15% 8.4
  • Durability - 10% 5.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

We were impressed by the comfort and affordability of the Merrell Siren Edge 3. It has a short break-in process, after which it provides decent traction and an easily adjustable fit. Although not specifically narrow, the toe box isn't wide enough for those who need extra room. So this is a shoe best suited to a narrow-to-average foot. But the midsole feels secure even though it lacks the heavier rigidity of others in our test collection. And while not waterproof, we found this served us well on dry hikes and groomed trail days. If you are trying to find an inexpensive hiking shoe for casual day trips, non-technical mountains, or travel, these shoes are a worthy contender for your consideration. But keep in mind, the lighter weight comes at a cost: durability.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Breathable
Decent traction
Inexpensive
Vegan-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Not waterproof
Narrow toe box
Limited support
Below average durability
Love the shoe but need something a bit wider or waterproof? You're in luck. The Siren Edge 3 is offered in two widths, Medium and Wide, and comes in a waterproof version.

Editor's Note: This review was updated on November 7, 2022, after another round of retesting.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line An inexpensive and lightweight day-hiker for casual adventures on storm-free daysA comfortable, high-performing hiking shoe that's versatile enough to tackle everything from well-maintained trails to technical and steep terrainHigh performance without the added weight, this shoe is built for pushing the pace in mountainous terrainThis affordable hiking shoe offers great support for those with high archesThe lightweight design and sneaker-like feel provide ample comfort under foot
Rating Categories Merrell Siren Edge... Salomon X Ultra 4 G... The North Face VECT... Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... Columbia Crestwood...
Comfort (25%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
Support (20%)
6.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
Traction (15%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Water Resistance (15%)
4.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
3.0
Weight (15%)
8.4
6.5
8.0
5.3
6.8
Durability (10%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
7.5
6.5
Specs Merrell Siren Edge... Salomon X Ultra 4 G... The North Face VECT... Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... Columbia Crestwood...
Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) 1.28 lbs 1.54 lbs 1.34 lbs 1.70 lbs 1.50 lbs
Upper Mesh, 3D-printed TPU Synthetic textile Performance mesh Pigskin leather, mesh Leather, mesh, and webbing
Lining Breathable Mesh Gore-Tex Futurelight waterproof membrane Recycled mesh Omni-Tech
Midsole EVA foam with softer zones that may reduce pronation EVA Single-density EVA Super rebound compound Techlite
Outsole Vibram TC5+ Rubber Contagrip Surface Control rubber Vibram TC5 Omni-Grip
Width Options Regular, wide Regular Regular Regular, wide Regular, wide

Our Analysis and Test Results

If it weren't for its low price and lightweight athletic design, we would have overlooked the Siren 3. But we found these shoes pack a punch for a casual day hiker on a budget. While they aren't our go-to shoe for any comprehensive day hike, they provide decent traction and support for shorter trips on the trail.

Performance Comparison


merrell siren edge 3 for women - every pair of shoes was put to the test on rough, rocky trails over...
Every pair of shoes was put to the test on rough, rocky trails over big miles just to ensure we have the best gauge on which hikers get the job done, and which ones are better left at home.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Comfort


Comfort is one of the categories where the Siren calls to us. Initially, we found it to be somewhat poorly fitted, but after a little sweat and a couple of miles, this athletically styled hiker became noticeably comfy — at least for testers with a narrow-to-average foot structure. A reasonably wide toe box, moldable and snug midsole, deep heel cup, and a soft, form-fitting tongue lead to an overall plush feel.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - the siren edge 3 has far more to offer than just lightweight...
The Siren Edge 3 has far more to offer than just lightweight construction, from the wide toe box to the deep heel cup and all that sticky traction in between.
Credit: Myrha Colt

It's important to note that the Siren Edge 3 comes in two widths, and we only tested the medium. So, while some testers found the toe box uncomfortable — not quite wide enough to allow toes to splay and avoid hot spots and blistering, but not so narrow as to rule out the shoe entirely — the wider option could be a great choice to achieve a perfect fit.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - the siren edge 3 comes in both standard and wide options, and in...
The Siren Edge 3 comes in both Standard and Wide options, and in waterproof and non-waterproof versions.
Credit: Myrha Colt

We appreciate the flat laces on the Siren and how easy they are to snug up, though the tongue is a bit thin to protect the tops of the feet if you like them tight. The insoles are rather flimsy, and on a longer day, one tester developed a hot spot midfoot under her arch by the end of the hike. There's not quite enough padding to secure and cushion the foot over many miles. We recommend using an aftermarket insole for more support in your footbed. Depending on the terrain, one tester also found the ankle collar dug in somewhat. So if you have bony ankles, watch out for this.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - we might suggest the addition of aftermarket insoles to make the...
We might suggest the addition of aftermarket insoles to make the Siren Edge 3 a bit more comfortable on longer days.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Support


After a thorough evaluation and significant road testing, the Siren Edge 3 proved sufficiently supportive on shorter (5-10 mile) hikes but not so rigid or supportive as higher-end models in our test collection.

With lots of flex up front, you'll be able to pick up speed and...
With lots of flex up front, you'll be able to pick up speed and respond to the terrain underfoot easily.
The Siren Edge 3 lacks solid torsional rigidity to protect against...
The Siren Edge 3 lacks solid torsional rigidity to protect against ankle rolling and foot fatigue.

What does this lack of stiffness and structure mean for you? Ultimately it translates into less support on the trail. The more rigidity, the less likely the shoe will be the reason you roll your ankle. The more flex under the balls of your feet, the more tired your feet may become on long days or with the weight of a pack. Some folks argue that too much rigidity in your shoes can actually make your ankles or feet weaker and more prone to rolling. While this may be true, we found our ankles rolled more in the Siren Edge 3 than nearly any other shoe in our lineup.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - rocky terrain meant a great deal of ankle movement and rolling in...
Rocky terrain meant a great deal of ankle movement and rolling in the Siren Edge 3.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Traction


As long as you don't expect the Siren to perform like an approach shoe (a shoe with sticky rubber for light climbing), it has great traction on trail and low-angle slabs.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - a mixed tread pattern from and sticky tc5+ vibram sole means the...
A mixed tread pattern from and sticky TC5+ Vibram sole means the Siren Edge 3 is ready to keep you on your feet across all kinds of terrain.
Credit: Myrha Colt

We were impressed by the grippiness of this shoe once the tread broke in a little. With a more flexible sole and soft tread, the Siren did well on rocky trails and during light scrambling. On steep, rocky terrain, we still prefer shoes with stickier rubber and/or variable lug heights, but these shoes handled moderately difficult terrain without complaint. If your hiking plans involve non-technical mountains or less demanding terrain, these shoes should be able to keep up with your adventures.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - granite slabs for days, these hikers have seen and tried them all.
Granite slabs for days, these hikers have seen and tried them all.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Water Resistance


The Siren scored poorly in this category because it isn't waterproof or even very water-resistant. However, not all shoes are designed to be waterproof, nor does every hiker need this feature. The Siren Edge is available in a waterproof version for those who love the fit but need extra protection.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - most paths won't be dry 100% of the time. fortunately, even though...
Most paths won't be dry 100% of the time. Fortunately, even though the Siren Edge 3 is not waterproof, it still offers some basic water resistance.
Credit: Myrha Colt

To evaluate each shoe for water resistance, we submerged it for 5 minutes in 4 inches of water while wearing fresh socks. We also checked its weight at the beginning and end of the test to determine how much water is absorbed. Unsurprisingly, the Siren soaked through in seconds, absorbing 8 ounces of water over the course of our short test period. Fortunately, in the field, we had no catastrophic failures to mud or moisture. But if stream crossings, snow, or rain are in your hiking future, you should expect to get wet. In good news, the Siren also dries the fastest of all non-waterproof shoes in the group, making the problem slightly less inconvenient.

Our bucket test: submerge all shoes in 3 inches of water for 5...
Our bucket test: submerge all shoes in 3 inches of water for 5 minutes to see what happens.
Just as promised, the Siren Edge 3 is not waterproof and our socks...
Just as promised, the Siren Edge 3 is not waterproof and our socks were soaked. A waterproof version is available, but this isn't it.

Weight


The Siren Edge 3 is among the lightest shoes we weighed during our review process. In a women's size 10 US, it weighs 1.4 pounds for the pair. Most of the other shoes in our lineup are heavier, even in a smaller size. So this is an impressive number. A lightweight pair of hiking shoes is a particular boon for anyone who plans to stash them in their luggage for an upcoming vacation.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - the siren edge 3 are among the lightest weight hikers we tested. but...
The Siren Edge 3 are among the lightest weight hikers we tested. But there are some sacrifices to move the dial so low.
Credit: Myrha Colt

Durability


If there has ever been a general law of outdoor gear, it is: the lighter the weight, the lower the durability. The Siren is no exception to this rule.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - the vegan materials used to construct the siren edge 3 may not have...
The vegan materials used to construct the Siren Edge 3 may not have the extended shelf life of some of the more high-tech options or leather seen on pricier shoes.
Credit: Myrha Colt

It can be challenging to evaluate the durability of hiking shoes when our testing period is only a few months long. However, we know what to clue in to, and within our short review cycle, we noticed some durability issues with the Siren. Namely, there was some scuffing and wear to the front end of the shoe. This is likely due to wearing the shoes up and down granite and wedging the shoes in cracks. Maybe you'll be less hard on your shoes than we are, but this was a notable weakness.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - a few hours of hard hiking resulted in a bit of scuffing and wear to...
A few hours of hard hiking resulted in a bit of scuffing and wear to the front end of each shoe due to its softer, more vulnerable materials.
Credit: Myrha Colt

We also noticed some wear to the tread after our review period. The lugs are much softer on the Siren than on other shoes we tested. This results in great traction in the short term but less durability over time.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - soft, sticky rubber tread is akin to weight, as it is often a...
Soft, sticky rubber tread is akin to weight, as it is often a trade-off with durability. Toward the heel, you'll notice some of the soft lugs are starting to show signs of wear. This is another example of the Siren's below average durability.
Credit: Mary Witlacil

Should You Buy the Merrell Siren Edge 3?


If you're looking for a light hiking shoe that requires minimal break-in time for day hiking in dry weather, the Siren Edge 3 could be a good option. This shoe is lightweight, decently roomy, and breathable, while also demonstrating good traction and navigating mixed terrain well. Is it the most durable shoe in the review? No. Is it the most waterproof? Also, no. But the Siren is one of the least expensive quality hiking shoes we've found, and, for just a bit more, they do come in a waterproof version.

merrell siren edge 3 for women - all in all, this is a comfy inexpensive shoe that has plenty to...
All in all, this is a comfy inexpensive shoe that has plenty to offer if the fit is right and longevity is not what you're after.
Credit: Myrha Colt

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?


For a similarly athletic look but a more supportive, waterproof experience, consider the La Sportiva Spire GTX. But be warned, it comes in at nearly double the price. For something super comfortable but a bit more boot-inspired, level up to the top performing Merrell Moab 3 WP.

Myrha Colt and Mary Witlacil