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TrailTramper 
Group: Members
Posts: 1288
Joined: Sep. 2009
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Posted on: Jul. 19 2012, 10:05 pm |
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Do anyone have any experience with these?
I've figured out that Merrells fit my triangular feet pretty well. The Moab Ventilator Mid fits very well, but the ankle support seems insufficient and they're hot even without Gore Tex (fuzzy lining). Plus I think if it rains these are going to get wet very quickly.
Th Sawtooth is not waterproof, which is exactly what I want. I'm a bit concerned about its popularity for soldiers in Afghanistan---does this mean it could be quite stiff or heavy?
The reviews of the Sawtooth seem very favorable. The price is reasonable.
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| Post Number: 2
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SmokeyBear
I know shoe-fu
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Posts: 3667
Joined: Mar. 2009
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Posted on: Jul. 23 2012, 3:44 pm |
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An EVA midsole indicates they are a light-duty boot, and probably light weight as well with reasonable flexibility - their "grade 7 nylon insole" is their stiffest I believe, but probably not super stiff as they tend to produce modestly more flexible footwear.
Fit look pretty classic merrell, with low to medium volume fit, a narrow heel, and a medium width forefoot and pointed toe.
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| Post Number: 3
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TrailTramper
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Joined: Sep. 2009
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Posted on: Jul. 23 2012, 4:27 pm |
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Thanks Smokey. The reviews of the Sawtooth are mixed. There are many rave reviews, but also quite a few complaints about the sole delaminating going back to 2006. I wonder if Merrell has corrected that problem.
Many of the reviews are from soldiers in Afghanistan. They say this boot is popular over there---but those are also the guys complaining about the sole breaking down.
I wondered what "grade 7 nylon" is.
As I've been traveling around to boot stores for the last three weeks I've concluded that I probably wouldn't be happy with a heavy, stiff boot with a polyeurethane midsole. I do about 90% day hikes to 10% backpacking. So maybe EVA would be right for me.
Merrell e-mailed me that the shape of the Sawtooth is wide forefoot and narrow heel. I'm going to call them for more info.
So far I've identified the Keen Voyageur mid, which fits me well, and the Sawtooth. I'm aware of the drawbacks of the Voyageur and am holding out for something better.
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| Post Number: 4
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SmokeyBear
I know shoe-fu
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Posted on: Jul. 23 2012, 11:35 pm |
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I'm sure for the most part they're just fine, and delamination occurs not uncommonly under heavy usage.
I haven't tried them on, but they look very similar in shape to many other Merrells I've tried, such as the Radius. Merrell may claim a wide forefoot, but that's not true in my experience, though my squared feet tend to be picky. My little toes are usually pinched in Merrells, even after going up a half size - except in my Moabs, which fit wider for some reason.
I would definitely think the Sawtooth are more stiff and robust than the Voyageur. It's tough to find a solid non-GTX boot out there, but another I can think of for you to try is the Vasque Breeze - they have both GTX and non-GTX models. More stiff and durable than the Merrell moab or Voyageur, probably less than the Sawtooth. I find the fit tends to be narrowish in them though, especially in the toes, although I think they make them in wide widths as well.
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| Post Number: 5
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TrailTramper
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Posted on: Jul. 24 2012, 1:04 pm |
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Additional info from conversation with Merrell: The Sawtooth is "a bit tighter in the forefoot than the Moab but not much." "The outside looks different from the Moab but the fit on the inside is the same." Heel cup is stiff and takes a while to conform to your heel.
The Sawtooth is the stiffest boot made by Merrell. The product specialist described it as "superstiff" but then rated it as between a moderately stiff and full-on mountaineering boot; said it was designed as a mountaineering boot.
He agree with SmokeyBear that a certain percentage of all boots will have glue problems, not particularly the Sawtooth.
I'm not sure yet if the Sawtooth is right for me, but others looking for a nonwaterproof boot might want to take a look at it.
The Vasque Breeze looks good but I wish it had more leather.
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| Post Number: 6
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rightbauer
Group: Members
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Posted on: Aug. 20 2012, 10:48 pm |
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My Sawtooths are now 4-5 years old. Originally purchased for $75. Money well spent at any price. I had Salomon mids that were ok but for my feet Merrell is a superior fit. I have narrow heels wide toes and well what have been described as "bannana monkey feet". The toe finally came unglued after spending a 90+F day in my car. I also blew out the outside right side when the boot breaks at about 4 years. Water, sand dirt what ever gets in now. I don't use them but I am preparing to buy another pair unless I find something better in the next couple of weeks.
The sole does wear. They seem stiff but only for a short time. By comparison to leather hikers in the 80's these feel like running shoes.
For Comparison I also have Garmont T-9s that are comfy too, but the heel is a bit large. I have some Merrell leather hiking shoes that fit better than anything I own but are so freakin hot I don't wear them often.
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| Post Number: 7
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TrailTramper
Group: Members
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Posted on: Aug. 22 2012, 12:52 pm |
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Rightbauer, thanks for that feedback. I'll probably end up trying the Sawtooth.
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| Post Number: 8
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TrailTramper
Group: Members
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Joined: Sep. 2009
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Posted on: Sep. 21 2012, 11:52 am |
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Update: I did order the Sawtooths, $115 from Merrell. I haven't worn them outside yet (still thinking about whether to keep them or not). First impressions:
FIT: The forefoot is wide. The heel is too big for me but I have an unusually narrow heel and sliver-like achilles area. They seem to run about 1 size longer than my usual size.
STIFFNESS: The sole is definitely way stiffer than typical day-hike boots. You really can't bend it much at the toe by hand, compared to other sneaker-like Merrells that you can practically fold in half.
SUPPORT: Lateral ankle support is moderate--the top of the boot flexes easily side to side in the hand. But the height (7.5" for size 8) and the stiff sole give an overall feeling that the foot and ankle are held securely. It's hard to turn the ankle over with the boot on.
INSOLE: Really garbage. Ignore the term "air cushion" in the advertising. It's thin foam with a nonbreathable fabric, a throwaway insole.
OVERALL QUALITY: Seems good. I like the toecap. The tongue is thin (which I prefer)---no padding at all---and folds in neatly with no irritation. THe tongue is fully gusseted to the top so it should keep out all debris. The lace hooks look solid.
If you're looking for a solid boot with a wide forefoot and no waterproofing, this might be the boot for you. Just be prepared for it to not feel like other Merrells that feel like a slipper out of the box.
I don't know if I will keep these as I'm taken aback by the stiffness, but maybe I need to give them a chance to break in.
Merrell customer service was very good and they have a reasonable return policy---You have 30 days to return them for a refund, or 90 days to exchange them. Free shipping for unlimited exchanges during that period. You can exchange them within 30 days even if they've been worn outside but you can't get a refund if worn outside.
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| Post Number: 9
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Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
