For my latest climb up Mt. Tres Marias in Biliran Island in the Leyte-Samar area, I got to try the Merrell Waterpro Maipo - the latest version of the Waterpro. Having already tested the Waterpro line with my loyal Ultrasport pair that has carried me to over 30 mountains, I easily felt familiar with the feel of my new shoe.
The drawback for using water shoes in the mountains are weak flanks that leave the lateral sides of your feet unprotected especially in uneven or rocky surfaces. An improvement of the Maipo is what I perceive to be a stronger mesh on the sides which addresses this concern quite well.
The lightweightness of the shoe allows one to negotiate river trails with more dextrous feet - an ability I found useful as we leapt from rock to rock across some of the rivers. A bulkier Merrell or a boot might reduce the finer motions that are needed for such movements. Also, its size affords enough space for the shoe compartment of my backpack to contain an extra pair of sandals.
Water shoes do away with the concept of waterproofing - in fact, it tries to work with water, admitting it freely but at the same time letting go just as easily - making it easier to dry. At the same time, the weight of the shoes doesn't change much even when it's soaked. An upgrade of the Maipo is an antimicrobial property that prevents molds and other organisms to grow if it's moist - thus making a freely-wet shoe an even more plausible option for many mountains.
In Mt. Tres Marias, we crossed a lot of streams and passed by numerous waterfalls. In river crossings there are two options: either just wade in the waters or try leaping from rock to rock, keeping yourself dry. The Maipo supported both options: if you decide go get wet then so be it, you can be sure that it's the same old shoe when you emerge from the waters. And if you decide to try the more adventurous option of "leapfrogging", the Vibram sole and good grip can support this as well. Indeed I felt great being able to survive my jumps unscathed.
So having survived a baptism of water and earth, having joined me up a new mountain, I think I have found a new partner in the trails. Retaining the Waterpro line's and adding on new features of its own (reinforced mesh, new design, and antimicrobial powers), the Merrell Waterpro Maipo is my light hiking shoes of choice and I hope that my future experiences will continue to affirm it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Gear Review: Merrell Waterpro Maipo
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12 comments:
i'm using an Oboz Firebrand shoes. i think the idea of waterproof shoes is a "fluke". Once it rains and your pants starts to drip, they just drip straight inside ur shoe...... wala talgang waterproof sa mountaineering lalo n pag umulan....
i also have a 2 month old maipo shoes but already a veteran of Kinabalu, Apo, Balingkilat, and Nagsasa cove.. sobra sulit for the price.... wash it down, let it dry for 30mins and ready to go na to kahit sa big city... di pa na ngangamoy kahit basa hehehe
-dindo
ive purchased the maipo last month and used it on three muddy mountain trails
It seems that the antimicrobial property of the shoes is working because the shoe does'nt actually smell that bad (stinky muddy smell).
wes
ano ung price range neto sir, baka pasok sa budget at makabili..
@ dew drops: i agree sir, at what an old sage says "there is no such thing as gore tex." (sa sapatos lang ha)
i think demanding waterproof shoes to be waterproof under all circumstances may be too much of a stretch. of course, if your pants drip or if you cross knee-deep rivers, water will find its way into your waterproof shoes.
but if aided by reliable gaiters (with the appropriate length), we can reasonably expect that your feet would NOT to be wet.
that aside, i also like the waterpro shoes of merrell and the mobility accorded by how light these shoes is priceless.
martin
I use mine for sailing. Water splash drains out quickly while the tongue has enough padding to stick under boat foot straps or protect feet from the burning sun. This shoe is highly recommended!
I have own this shoes for 6 month now and it's still look like new one. The best thing about this shoes is comfortable and water drains out ability. It's sure durable because I use it for 6 month now. Great quality for Merrell.
just bought a maipo... 3600 sir ang price sa moa. i will be using it for mountain biking. cool shoes... nice din pang porma.
just bought the waterpro maipo today. first glance at the store it looks good and flexible enough to go mountain biking...my primary reason why i got me a pair
how does the Maipo compare to the Gauley?
i have a waterpro maipo which i used in matutum and apo. though the design and fit are great, unfortunately, the sole does not seem to have much of a grip, especially on muddy trails.
how are your maipo shoes so far? i read from other reviews kasi that the straps (lace) easily wear out eh i'm planning to buy this pa naman ... any updates? thanks! :)
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