They say less is more, especially these days as minimalist footwear is all the rage. I’ve also fallen under the barefoot spell from both a trail running and hiking standpoint, but overall found that minimalist or no, it all depends on your preference and situation. The key is finding balance, and I think I found that balance in the new Merrell Proterra Sport shoes.
The Merrell Proterra shoes are waterproof, minimalist hiking shoes that look more like trail runners than light hikers. Features include:
• Mesh upper
• Merrell Stratafuse™ upper provides a glove-like fit for lightweight durability and natural movement.
• GORE-TEX® ConnectFit delivers breathability and waterproof performance.
• M-Select FRESH naturally prevents odor before it starts.
• EVA removable footbed.
• 4mm Drop / 10mm Cush / 21mm Stack Height
• Minimal design PU midsole increases ground contact and enhances stability
• 2.5mm lug depth
• M-Select GRIP tunes each outsole with durable traction.
I’ve been walking the earth in the Proterra Sport shoes for two months now, both on and off the trail, and found them to be comfortable and well-suited for outdoor adventure. I primarily work outdoors, and hauled them on miles of mountain trails, both dry and muddy, and came away impressed with the breathability and waterproof qualities. They are pretty light weight and super flexible – definitely minimalist.
On muddy trails, I found good traction, but mud had a tendency to get caked up in the diamond-shaped lugs, which generally wasn’t a problem as the shallow lugs are easy to clean. Stability underfoot is good with superb ground-feel. I felt so springy wearing them that I tended to take off and run my hike. Yes, they can double as running shoes in a pinch. Unfortunately, minimalist shoes have limits, as my feet would start to hurt after about 6 miles on the trail. So in my opinion, the Proterra shoes are best for short day-hikes. Best leave them at home on backpacking or multi-day excursions.
The uppers are super comfortable, with a thin quality that reminds me of rock-climbing approach shoes. The tongue especially has a climbing-shoe quality to it. But the fact that the uppers are waterproof with Gore-Tex Performance Shell doesn’t mean you should be crossing creeks or hiking in a deluge. The low-top versions I tested obviously have limits as water can get in from the ankles, so if you’re worried about getting wet feet on extended hiking trips, they have a Proterra Mid version as well.
Merrell also claims that these shoes don’t hold odor, and I can say after two months of wear-and-tear, I can’t smell any noticeable odor in them at all, no matter how far I dig my nose in.
The Good: Comfortable, breathable, odorless, good traction, excellent ground feel, stylish.
The Bad: Limited to short hikes or trail runs, low-top version doesn’t help keep water out much.
Final Word: The new Merrell Proterra Sport shoes are capable light hikers, comfortable and high performing despite their minimalist DNA.