These Boots Were Made for Walking. And Winning.
The makers of GORE-TEX footwear recently asked me and my family to test out some waterproof hiking boots on our spring break trip to Costa Rica. Now, on an anxiety scale from one to ten, getting my socks wet on vacation hovers somewhere between one and two. Stepping on a fer-de-lance, however, is a solid 11.
Costa Rica’s deadliest snake has all kinds of cute tricks up its sleeve, such as hiding in leaves, hanging from trees, and standing up cobra-style.
Needless to say, I lost no time calling the GORE-TEX people back and accepting their kind offer of four pairs of really thick boots. I figured it couldn’t hurt.
The Boots
When I opened the box containing my Merrell Chameleon Arc boots, I was immediately struck by how light
they were. I hadn’t been looking forward to lugging heavy footwear all over the tropics, so this was a pleasant surprise. They were also more attractive and less clunky than I’d been expecting, so two thumbs up for that.
As far as comfort goes, I wouldn’t have wanted to lounge around the house in them but they were great on the trail: nice and
cool, lots of support, no rubbing.
My husband tested out a pair of Merrell Chameleon Hex boots, and just you try to get them away from him. Although I thought he was nuts, he even wore them on the plane coming and going (lacing and unlacing while the kids and I impatiently waited each time we cleared security). He admires them aloud and often, and even wears them to work. Then again, he works for an internet start-up. It’s a rugged environment.
Avery got a pair of L.L. Bean Mountain Hikers in surf blue and cinder. It turns out surf blue is her favorite color (who knew?), so she was predisposed to like them very much. Also, she likes animals. And hiking. Here is an actual transcript of my attempt to interview her about her shoes. Me: How do your boots feel? Her: Great! Me: Is there anything you don’t like about them? Her: Nope. And so on.
Max’s Primigi Little Kid Dochov boots were the best of the bunch because they fastened shut with God’s gift to parents: Velcro. If you had asked me before our trip if a not particularly independent 7-year-old could uncomplainingly get his own hiking boots off and on 50 times in one week by himself, I would have laughed coffee out of my nose. Then I would have cried. Let me be the first to admit that I was wrong.
The Video
The boots were comfortable and attractive, but were they waterproof? It’s a good question, and one that should have been easy enough to answer in Costa Rica, since it’s one of the wettest places on earth. Famous last words.
GORE-TEX vs Costa Rica from TravelSavvyMom on Vimeo.
The Giveaway
We’ve got a pair of boots to give away to one lucky reader. Only our newsletter subscribers will be eligible to win, so if you haven’t done so already, please subscribe now. Then leave a comment here telling us your shoe size and which of the two adult styles you’d prefer to win (the Chameleon Arc for women or the Chameleon Hex for men) by midnight, May 25, 2009. U.S. only please. Good luck, and happy hiking!
May 10th, 2009 | by Jamie Pearson 174 comments
Oh I would very much like to win those Chameleon Arcs! I’m size 9. Last summer we were in Vermont for three weeks and it rained almost every day – those puppies would have come in handy. I never would have guessed that they might be a more necessary item in Vermont in August than in Costa Rica in the spring! Cute video. I especially liked the sloth.
Chameleon Arc for Women. Size 91/2 Medium
These sound very useful.
[...] Travel Savvy MomWhat: Merrell Chameleon GORE-TEX hiking boots.How To Enter: See contest/giveaway page for [...]
I would LOVE the Chameleon Arcs in a size 8.5. I too dread hiking boots because of their weight, so a great and light pairwould be phenomenal!
I’d love the Chameleon Arc in size 9. This got me thinking about my first pair of quality hiking boots over 30 years ago. (!) They weighed almost 5 pounds a piece! No joke! I’m ready to take up hiking again, and sneakers won’t hack it! I need some good boots, and these sound great!
VERY NICE AND A SUBSCRIBER
I love Merrells and I know I would love these boots.
new subscriber here. I’d love the Chameleon Arc for women in Size 7 1/2.
the Chameleon Arcs in 10.
I would really like to win the Chameleon Hex for men in size 9.5, I like how lightweight these shoes are, Thank you very much for the chance to win!
Merrell Chameleon Hex, size 8.5 womens. Would love these for my upcoming trip to Colorado.
I subscribed. If I won, I’d love the Chameleon Hex for men in size 10 1/2. Thanks so much.
I subscribed. The Chameleon Arc for women please!
I’d like the Chameleon Hex for men in size 9.5.
The Chameleon Arc size 8.
Ooh, those Chameleon Arcs look so great. I’m a 8.5. Thanks for doing this giveaway!
Nice! The Chameleon Arc for women in size 9, would be great.
Merrell is the only shoe that helps my plantar fascitis. I would be interested in & love to win the Chameleon Arcs in a Women’s size 10 ( or any other Merrell’s in a size 10!!)
Thanks.
My husband LOVES Merrell’s, so I’d love to give him the Hex boots in size 9. He is a farmer, but wears his Merrell’s year round.
Hi Jamie,
I loved the video! I can’t believe the horses walked in that deep river. Amazing! I would love to win the Merrell Chameleon Hex in a size 13 for my husband. I just bought of new pair of Merrells for myself. Thanks!
Would love the Chameleon Arc in a size 8.5!
Chameleon Arc for women size9.5
I love Merrell shoes. They really are tough and don’t wear out. I would love to win the Chameleon Arc for women. My husband already has some Merrells, so I’d like these for myself!
These look awesome! I’ve never had a pair of Merrill’s that I didn’t adore. Put me down for the Chameleon Arc in a size 8.
The Merrell Chameleon Arc boots in size 10.5 would be my choice. I have a friend who has these and says they are out of this world for comfort.
Chameleon Arc for women size 9 please
tvollowitz at aol dot com
You went to Costa Rica! What fun! I was just going to pop onto Facebook and unregister myself, until I saw what you were doing. I never have time to surf fb, but whenever someone wants to be my friend, I feel bad ignoring them. Anyway, I guess I’ll have to keep my account to see all the adventures that the Pearsons are going on. Sign me up for some women’s size 9 shoes, as I live in the mountains and my feet hurt! XOXO
I would choose the Hex for men, size 12. Thank you!
nice boots!
The Chameleon Arc for women size 9 i subscrib
just subscribed & would LOVE 2 win the Chameleon Arc for women size 8.5
would be taking pics wearing these boots hiking trails on Blue Ridge & Appalachians here in Virginia!
I am thinking I am probably not elligible to win this prize but I have to say those merril chameleon shoes are the exact shoes I have had my eyes on for months. I plan on getting them before my big trek this summer. I am glad you liked them. Gives me all the more reason to purchase them!
These (Vasque zoom Volta GTX® Shoe) in a size 9
OH! I would love to have the Chameleon Arc for Women size 8!
Merrell Chameleon Hex boots- size 11 mens
Chameleon Arc for women in size 8, please.
Merrell Chameleon Arc boots for men size 10.5 please.
Thank you
I subscribed Merrell Chameleon Arc would be the boots for me sized 7.5 for female
I would love the Chameleon Arc for Women in size 7. I could definitely use a hiking boot that fit as the last pair I bought was before getting pregnant with my first of five kids and somehow feet grow during each pregnancy : )
I would love to win the Chameleon Arc in a size 9. My husband was laid off last month and we are trying to do lots of fun things that are free and hiking is at the top of the list. I don’t have $ to buy boots right now, so winning these would be awesome!
Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com
I would choose the Chameleon Arc in size 7 1/2. Thanks for the chance.
PS. I became a subscriber: )
my husband could so use the chameleon hex in size 11.
Chameleon Arc for women for me. Size 8.5!
I subscribed! I would love to have the Chameleon Arc in size 9.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Chameleon Arc for Women in size 8.5, thanks!
We just moved to the Great Northwest and I’m in dire need of hiking boots!!!! I would LOVE to win the Chameleon Arc for Women in size 9.5! Thanks so much for an awesome giveaway!!!
I subscribed, and I would like the chance to win the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8, please. Thanks.
i subscribed
Chameleon Arc – for me!! size 10
thanks for the great giveaway
I wear a size 8 and love the Merrell Chameleon Arc – perfect for our hikes!
Chameleon Arc size 10.5 would be wonderful. Let’s put it this way, I bought my last pair of hiking boots when I was pregnant with my 10 year old, and after all these years They are not exactly waterproof. I’m a cubscout leader, so these would come in handy. Lucky you for being able to try out those boots for the whole family!
I’d love to win the Chameleon Arc for women in a size 7.5. Thanks for the chance!
i would love the chameleon arc for women in size 7 1/2
I would love to win the Chameleon Arc Womens in size 11! (I just subscribed to the newsletter)
sign me up
I’d love the Chameleon Arc size 9.
Chameleon Arc for women in size 7
Thanks
I would love the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8 1/2 wide. These would be great hiking.
New rss subscriber. I would love the Merrell Chameleon Arc in size 10. Thanks
If I won, I’d like the Chameleon Arc in size 9. Thanks for a great giveaway!
cherise420 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Hi Jamie, I have no clue about the shoe sizes that I see strewn all over the comments, but I do know that your video is a total hoot! Love the scenery, the adventure, and the commentary. Great job! What a fantastic trip!
Wow, Merrells! I would like the Womens Chameleon Arc Size 10. Thanks for the chance to win!
i needed a pair size 8.5 mens
i would really enjoy the chameleon arc size 9 womens they would be great for walk in fishing
Send me a pair of size 7 Chameleon Arcs!
I just subscribed and would love to win a pr of Arc’s size 6 1/2 !!…Could really test them out on our next family adventure (deciding whether to go to India or Turkey) or even right away hiking/camping…Can’t wait to check out your tips on those destinations!!
Chameleon Arc in a size ladies 10
i want to win
I love Merrells and I know I would love these boots.
Nice boots!I would choose the Chameleon Arcs in size 7 1/2 for myself!
Merrell Chameleon Arc size 8. Thank you.
love the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8
Chamelian Arc Women’s size 7.5
Great Contest!
Arc for Women would be my choice and I wear a size 9. Those are great shoes!
Subscribed and want the Chameleon Hex for men- size 10EE.
I love Merrill, the Chameleon Arc for women, size 8
Chameleon Arc for women size 7 1/2. Thanks.
I’d love to win the Chameleon Hex for men in size 7. My son would love these shoes! He’s 9 and wears mens shoes. Oy! Please, help my pocketbook! :)
I’d love the womans chameleon arc in a 7.5!
Merrell
Chameleon Arc GORE-TEX® Shoe -Mens 13
I subscribed and I would choose the womens shoe in size 7W.
madamerkf at aol dot com
I’d love to win the Chameleon Hex for men for my husband, size 10.5 medium. Thank you!
i like the LOWA shoe for women!
sorry, misread the instructions….subscribed, and I’d like to win the chameleon hex for men size 12.5
I subscribed a long time ago but never get any emails. What’s up with that?
My then-boyfriend and I went to Costa Rica and got engaged the week we got back (I’m still married to him). We studied ants and plants in the rain forest with a wacky Santa Cruz professor for 2 weeks, and used no hiking boots – only knee-high rubber boots. Saw a fer-de-lance as well! Can tell many stories from that trip – but only in person.
I’d love the women’s boots, size 8
I would love to win those Chameleon Arcs in size 9 medium. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!
I’d love to win the Chameleon Arc for women in size 9. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I subscribe to your newsletter. I would want the Chameleon Hex for men in size 12. Thanks for the chance!
WOMEN CHAMELEON ARC SIZE 8
THANK YOU SO MUCH, THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL GENEROUS GIVE AWAY!
GENEVIEVE
If I’m the lucky winner, please send the Chameleon Arc (women’s size 11).
I rarely find my size, good ole 11 so I checked the Chameleon’s Arc’s sizes and ta da. It was like the clouds parting on a dreary day and sunshine filtering all around me. Yeah, they carry big girl sizes:) Aaaaaaaaand, they’re S-H-A-R-P (had to go old school on that one because they look so nice. Normally, I make do with whatever (and I mean whatever) I can find to wear.
Thanks for offering the chance.
Love the women’s Chameleon Arc (size 10). Wonderful! Thank you for the offer, happy trails to the winner!
i like the Chameleon Arcs in a size 8.5.
Merrell Chameleon Arc size 7
Thanks for the offer. Women’s Chameleon Arc size 7.5 men’s size 10.
I would like the chameleon Hex in mens size 10.
Chameleon Arc size 9.
The Arc’s Size 7.5
I’d choose the mens Merrell Chameleon Hex boots in size 7.5
I subscribed! I’d love to win the Women’s Arc in size 10
the Chameleon Hex in men’s 13 wide
the mens hex boots 10 1/2
I am a womens size 9 and would love to have new boots to go hiking in Salida Colorado.
Chameleon Mens.. size 14
thanks for the great giveaway
Merrell Chameleon Hex, size 8 womens
Awesome!!! I could really use the Chameleon Arc for women in size 9 :)
Chameleon Arc in 8.5! LOVE THEM!
Merrell Chameleon Arc boots 9.5 is the ones i like
Chameleon Hex for men size 9.5
Merrell Chameleon Arc boots size 7 1/2
Chameleon Arc for Women in 7 1/2 would make my summer!
I want the Merrell Chameleon Hex for men in an 8.5!
I just subscribed! I would love to win the Gore Tex Arc in Women’s Size 9. Thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!!!
I subscribed! I love to travel, and the Chameleon Arcs would be such a gift to my weary feet.
Men’s size 11 chameleon hex.
I am subscribed! I’d love the Gore Tex Arc in women’s size 8–I hike everyday in the mountains where I live in arizona!
I would love the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8. I live in North Carolina and there are more spiders, snakes, and other creepy crawlys then I can name. These sweet boots would definitely make hiking through our state parks so much more enjoyable!
I would pick the Chameleon Arc for women in a size 7.5! :)
I would love to win a pair of the chemleon hex size 10.5 for my husband. I just got a new pair of hikers, and his are in bad shape. Thanks.
These are great, they look so durable! I would choose the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8. Thanks!
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
the Chameleon Arc for women size 8.5
I would love to have those Chameleon Arc for women size 10. I need new hiking boots but can’t bring myself to dispose of the current pair.
The Chameleon Arc in a size 8 would be much appreciated at my house.
I am a Women’s size 7 and would JUST LOVE to win the Chameleon Arc for women.
Thanks so much for the fabulous contest!
I am a Women’s size 7 and would LOVE to win the Chameleon Arc for women.
Thanks so much for the fabulous contest!
Chameleon Hex for men size 11
I would love a pair too but the Hubs need them more than I do. :)
I’d love to win the Arc for women, and I wear a size 7.
I would love to win the Merrell Chameleon Hex boots for my husband in size 10!
Chameleon Arc for women in size 9
I’d love Chameleon Arc for women, size 6
Thanks :)
I would love the Chameleon Arc in a size 9.
I would love the Chameleon Hex in 13 if they make them that big!
The Chameleon Arcs would be a huge benefit to me! A 10 would suit beautifully.
7 1/2- 8 Womens size (depending on the shoe) and would love to get the Chameleon Arc for women. Thank you!!
I am planning on doing a lot of hiking this summer and fall, and these sound excellent. I would choose the Chameleon Arc for women. I wear a 7.5 size shoe, wide if they have it.
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
I’d like the women’s Chameleon Arc in 7 1/2
We would appreciate the opportunity to own a pair of Chameleon Hex in size 13. They will get plenty of wear and will be admired as much as your husband admires his pair. Thanks.
The Chameleon Arc woman’s size 8 would be great if I win, thanks for the chance! I’m a subscriber
I’d love the Chameleon Arc for women in size 9.5
Thanks!
I would *so* appreciate the opportunity to be selected to receive a pair of Chameleon Hex boots – not for myself but for a friend who is the Associate Director of an orphanage located in Guaimaca, Honduras. He wears a size 10.5.
In the performance of his daily work managing the farm at the orphanage for 450 children, he needs a lightweight, breatheable, long-lasting, comfortable pair of boots for everyday wear. The Hex boots sounds perfect!
The women’s Chameleon Arch in size 7 1/2 is my pick for fave. Thanks!
Merrell Chameleon Arc size 8 1/2 womens. these are awesome shoes!
mercsmercado at yahoo dot com
I would like a new boots for walking
I’d choose the Womens Chameleon Arc in size 10. Thanks!
I subscribed and I would love the Chameleon Arc for women in size 8 lezanac@yahoo.com
I’d like the Chameleon Arc for women in a size 7.5. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
I have subscribed!
I’d like to have the Chameleon Hex for men, size 10 1/2
The Chameleon Arcs is size 8 look great. These would make your feet happy.
Chameleon Arc(size 9) sounds like a great shoe for some of my hikes!
My wife could use these! Thank you for the opportunity!
I’d like the Chameleon Arc in size 9.5. Great looking shoes!
I would LOVE the Chameleon Arcs in a size 7.5
My shoe size is 9, and I would like the Chameleon Arc. Thanks!
I would prefer the Chameleon Hex for men-size 10
I would love the Chameleon Hex for men in a size 12 for my son who hikes in his sneakers which isn’t good!
I like the size 8 Chameleon Arcs
i subscribed and id love the Chameleon Hex for men in 10.5
I would love the Chameleon Arcs in size 8!
Thanks for the giveaway…I am subscribed; the Merrell Chameleon Hex in size 13 would make my Summer !!!
I just subscribed, Iike the Merrell Chameleon Arc boots in 9 for women. Thanks
I would love the Chameleon Arc in a size 8. Thanks~!!
Merell Chameleon Arcs Size 12
I would love to win the Chameleon Hex for men for my husband in a 10 1/2
Chameleon Hex for men size 8.5
In Mississippi the reptile and insect population survive very well; for protection to self would love to have the Chameleon Arc for Women size six; love nature but with the rain so do all of God’s creatures this past spring. Thanks SW
I subscribed. I would love to win the Chameleon Arc for women size 11. thank you
I’m a new subscriber and I would LOVE to win the Chameleon Arc for women in size 9.
I subscribed.
Chameleon Hex size 10
Very very nice looking shoes!
Chameleon Hex for men size 13W.. I just subscribed :)
My shoe size is 8 1/2. Please enter me into the contest for the Chameleon Arc. Thanks!
I bought a pair of Muck boots about two years ago and they are still in great shape. I wear them to work almost daily. I’ll never throw them out.
Before you buy Hiking Boots For Women Make sure to check our excellent articles at this Hiking Boots For Women blog.
Before you buy Outdoor Boots Make sure to check our excellent articles at this Outdoor Boots blog.










174 Responses to “These Boots Were Made for Walking. And Winning.”