Details
Brand
Merrell
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• Leather mesh combo upper• Standard lacing system• Rubber toe cap• Rubberized heel covering for protection• Mesh liner for enhanced breathability• Merrell Select EVA footbed with M Select Fresh coating• EVA cushioning• Air Cushioning in the heel• M Select grip outsole
Upper
With an upper made of leather and mesh, you get the best of both worlds with the Burnt Rock. The upper offers protection from the elements while still ensuring ventilation during intense periods of activity. The standard lacing system seems to work as intended, too, since reviewers found the fit of the shoe just right. A few users did comment on the fact that the sneaker felt a bit narrow but most found the toe box area adequately large. The lacing is standard and reviewers had no issues with wayward laces or frequent unraveling.
Midsole
The Rock’s midsole is made up of an EVA footbed and full-length EVA cushioning. For extra padding, Merrell has included its own Air cushion in the heel. Reviewers liked the comfortable feel of the cushioning and felt the shoe was appropriate for a variety of activities. A few users did mention that standing all day in the Merrell shoe wasn’t particularly pleasant. They added that the shoe felt much better when used for active pursuits.
Outsole
The Merrell Burnt Rock features a rubber outsole made of M Select Grip material. At the tip of the shoe, there’s also a rubberized toe cap for added protection against hard objects like rocks. Reviewers raved about the Burnt Rock’s grip ability and found both the shoe and boot styles suitable for all season traction. The sole performs equally well inside and out.
Breathability
A clever combination of mesh and leather delivers the perfect balance of ventilation and protection. On the trails, debris shouldn’t get into your shoe too easily. When the hot weather arrives, or you’re sweating profusely during a tough hike, the mesh portions of the upper should help cool things down. Keep in mind that the waterproof version of the Merrell Rock may not be as breathable as the sneaker-style. Waterproofing provides a greater degree of protection, but it can also decrease ventilation.
Comfort
Hiking for long periods of time requires a comfortable shoe. If you’re looking for a shoe for hikes and long walks, cushioning need not be as generous as that of a maximally padded running shoe, but it should still be there. The Merrell Burnt Rock’s EVA midsole cushioning and Air Cushion heel adds a layer of padding between you and the ground. The aim is to ensure that you’re both protected and comfortable regardless of how long you intend to be out and about.;Reviewers agreed that the Merrell brand shoe delivered in terms of comfort, but some users found the midfoot arch support really aggressive. Others also noted that the shoe felt narrow. Most reviewers, however, felt the hiking shoe was perfectly designed for long hikes.
Style
Reviewers really seemed to like the Burnt Rock’s design. The shoe is available in a sneaker option and a mid-height boot style. In terms of colorways, the Rock comes in black, castle rock, dusty olive, and oak color. The look is outdoorsy, but many users felt comfortable wearing the shoe indoors and for other non-outdoor pursuits. It doesn’t scream trail shoe and looks appropriate for non-outdoor activities.
Durability
Made with rugged conditions in mind, the Merrell shoe is made of tough materials. It even comes in a waterproof version that’s capable of tackling wet and muddy conditions. Reviewers felt the construction was sturdy and had no qualms about taking the shoe out in poor weather conditions. Users had nothing of note to report in terms of durability and felt the Burnt Rock was an excellent choice for all-season wear.
Protection
The Burnt Rock features a design that’s made for all types of conditions. The outsole, made of M Select Grip material, not only provides traction, it acts as a protective layer between your foot and the ground. Next, there’s the EVA midsole, which is a second layer made to soften impact whether you’re doing light activity indoors or scrambling uphill on the trails. A rubberized toe ensures your feet don’t get smashed by hard obstacles and the sturdy leather mesh upper keeps rocks from finding their way into the shoe. An anti-bacterial liner is also included to protect you (and more importantly your loved ones) from nasty smells that might build up over time. Users can also opt for the waterproof boot version of the Burnt Rock for extra protection.
Responsiveness
The shoe’s Air cushioned heel and EVA midsole deliver a standard degree of responsiveness. Hikers and other wearers will be able to confidently walk on uneven terrain and get good ground feedback without sacrificing protection underfoot.
Support
The Merrell trail sneaker is very supportive, but for some, the arch support was too aggressive. Many reviewers complained that the arch protruded too much and caused discomfort making it impossible to wear the shoe for extended periods. Not everyone ran into to this problem, however. Those who didn’t notice the arch found the shoe very supportive and comfortable.
Terrain
We wouldn’t classify the Merrell Burnt Rock as an aggressive trail shoe. It’s not going to serve those who are interested in climbing tall mountains and scrambling up hills made up of loose rocks. For light hiking and use on packed trails, the Burnt Rock will work. The M Select Grip rubberized outsole does an excellent job gripping most surfaces. The upper is breathable but protective. There’s also a higher cut boot style available which offers more ankle protection and a waterproof design for wetter pursuits.
Price
The versatility of the Burnt Rock adds an immense amount of value. The shoe isn’t just for the hardcore adventure enthusiast. Plenty of reviewers were comfortable wearing the shoe indoors or for more casual pursuits. The reasonably priced Rock also features a design made with quality materials that won’t fall apart unexpectedly.
Drop
We couldn’t locate a listed drop height for the Merrell Burnt Rock.
Stability
For high stability, look elsewhere. The Merrell Burnt Rock offers a good deal of support by way of its form-fitting upper. It’s stable thanks to its adequately sized upper and firm but comfortable EVA cushioning. If you need more ankle support, think about opting for the Burnt Rock’s mid-height version. It sits higher on the ankle and provides better lateral support than its sneaker-style counterpart.
Flexibility
The Merrell shoe delivers an average amount of flexibility, nothing more nothing less. The EVA midsole seems to provide an adequate amount of flex since no reviewers complained of a too-stiff construction.
Traction
Like with other Merrell shoes, the Burnt Rock features M Select Grip as its outsole material. There’s a reason Merrell uses this rubberized coating in most of its shoes. It’s grippy, and it performs well. While it might not work perfectly on wet slippery surfaces, the outsole does a reasonably good job when faced with uneven terrain and poor weather conditions. Overall, reviewers were pleased with the traction provided.
Bottom Line
For the occasional outdoor adventure, the Merrell Burn Rock is an excellent choice. Whether you’re planning on a weekend camping trip or want to get into a weekly hiking routine, the shoe is perfect for spending time in the outdoors or for wearing casually outside of the forest. The neutral, classic design looks equally good with a pair of jeans or a sporty hiking outfit. Quality materials ensure you’ll get plenty of use out of the Burnt Rock and that you’ll stay protected and comfortable regardless of what you encounter.
