Merrell Thermo Snow Grip Mid Waterproof Boots Review

Merrell Thermo Snow Grip Mid Waterproof ($160)

I dwell in Park Metropolis, Utah, the place in winter we’re all anticipated to wish to the Wasatch Vary climate gods for an infinite bounty of snow. This can be a land of Alpine and Nordic snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding and extra. Contemporary powder is the drug of alternative.

That snowy frolic is all properly and good, however I’m one thing of an area heretic. In winter, I’d reasonably hike and hunt down ermines than scurry and scamper up the peaks for first tracks. 

Which brings me to Merrell’s Thermo Snow Grip Mid Waterproof hikers, that are aimed toward these of us who wish to thrash alongside winter trails with out skis. 

And these winter-specific sneakers glad my wintry soul. From late fall into early winter, I examined the Thermo Snows in temperatures starting from 10 levels to 40 levels, and comfortably tramped terrain that ranged from modest snow to continual mud – all with agency stability and dry ft. There was no heartbreak of soggy socks.

Options

The Thermo Snows supply Primaloft insulation, which is supposed to supply heat with out including bulk. And these hikers efficiently checked that field, whereas additionally being light-weight and waterproof. 

Apart from the Primaloft heat, these hikers characteristic Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain expertise. 

Vibram calls it its most superior chilly climate gripping system, particularly engineered and designed to carry out properly on moist ice. Extra on this winter hiker’s superior grippiness later.

Different Specs

The Thermo Snows embrace: – a water-proof membrane.– a padded collar.– 200 grams of Primaloft Gold Eco Sequence artificial insulation.– a molded nylon arch shank.– a Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole meant to supply optimum stability, traction and suppleness on moist surfaces with Arctic Grip parts.– 5 mm lugs.– and a weight of simply 1 pound 3.04 ounces, or 540 grams.

Day One

I began my testing on Park Metropolis’s section of the Historic Union Pacific Rail Path, which is considered one of my favourite outside laboratories. I hiked on each the paved path, and on a mud one above it.

It took a pair miles for my ankle bones and the Thermo Snow’s mid-length to come back to a cushty lodging. However after that transient shakedown – I attempted the sneakers straight out the field – my ankles had no extra complaints.

I wore mid-weight socks, and these hikers saved my toes toasty within the 20-degree temps.

Wanting to check the Thermo Snow’s grip, I didn’t put on spikes however did have my climbing poles helpful. The sneakers offered a secure, reliable amble on ice, snow, unfastened grime and frozen floor. This hike was an auspicious begin to this path take a look at. 

And seeing a muskrat glide and smooth by a close-by creek was an added bonus. As have been the 2 stray sandhill cranes, who I swear stared enviously at my Thermo Snows as they staked out their grey late fall ponds. 

Uphill and Down

I picked an ideal day to check the Thermo Snow’s uphill and downhill functionality. 

I woke to sleet roaring down, which muddied up our native mini-mountain, PC Hill. And that was my vacation spot. 

In a steep ascent of 20 to 25 minutes, I encountered a buffet of outdated ice, compacted snow, frozen mud and grime that couldn’t make up its thoughts what it was. All of this was complemented by chunks of rock uncovered by the weather. 

Once more, with out spikes, the Thermo Snows and I negotiated the climb with no issues that my poles and the shoe’s 5 mm lugs couldn’t deal with. 

The descent was trickier. However by a mixture of pole-work, the sneakers’ grip, and going huge on the path, I managed to get down with out mishap. 

The occasional wind-driven rain stinging my face was a mere seasonal therapeutic massage. 

Comparisons

The Thermo Snows are heavier and fewer versatile than the low-cuts I hike in throughout different seasons. However they’re actually a major improve over the traditional pair of Bass bulldozers that I as soon as used to plow by the snow. 

PC Hill, Once more

This time, I assaulted the hill – or was it vice versa? – in a full-on sleet storm. The path generously served up ice, snow, frozen mud, sleety scree and gumbo mud – the type that appears to double the load of your sneakers and go away behind Sasquatch tracks. 

I did slip a couple of instances on the downhill, however my poles and the Thermo Snows saved me upright. 

Towards the tip of the descent I met a hiker on her method up the hill. She requested in regards to the path’s situation, and I suggested her to take small steps.

Or, she might have gone out and purchased a pair of those Merrell Thermo Snows and thus taken longer strides. 

Reviewer Profile

Dana Jennings, 68, began working in highschool and just about caught with it into his 50s, overlaying distances from 100 yards to the marathon. He then made the transition to climbing. In 2025, he moved to Park Metropolis, Utah, after spending 4 years in Denver, the place he’s on the paths seven days per week. Sometimes, he mixes two onerous exercises with three medium hikes and two simple days. He enhances the trailwork with gentle weights and day by day stretching.

Samples have been offered at no cost for evaluate functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the writer’s