Over the years, water shoes have evolved in terms of design, material, and even technology. One good example of how far that evolution has progressed is the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve, a high-end water shoe that is maybe the most versatile one on the market today.
Technically, the Blaze is a pair of water sandals with a closed-toe design that has so much more to offer than your average pair of water shoes.
If you are an active outdoor enthusiast who often explores both on land and water–everything from kayak touring, boating, fishing and hiking to travel–these will interest you. They are in the higher-end category in terms of price, but they will meet or even exceed your expectations.
Because of the Vibram sole, they can be used on different terrains, and worn for longer periods of time without discomfort that you get with (especially) neoprene water shoes.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Good support on challenging terrain
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Quick-dry design
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Easy on the feet
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Comfortable and snug fit
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Antimicrobial technology that keeps feet fresh
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Breathable construction with enough coverage
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Grippy vibram sole makes them suitable for light hiking
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Firm and soft midsole promoting agility and stability
Things we don't like:
Fraying of the leather fabric sooner than we’d like
Where to buy:
Overview
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve is an excellent compromise of a sandal and a shoe, combining the best of both worlds into one smart design. It has less cushioning than a typical walking shoe but offers so much more than a traditional sandal with a flat sole.
These closed-toe sandals with waxy waterproof nubuck leather and neoprene uppers are known for their abrasion resistance and quick-dry capabilities. They fit snugly with a bungee cord lacing system and elastic neoprene collar.
Intended for wet environments, the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve has odor control capabilities that keep your feet fresh. It protects your feet without compromising breathability and comfort, especially in complex terrains. With a Vibram outsole, it is the ideal companion for climbing and hiking. This outsole has a reliable grip and stiff design, so you won’t hurt your feet even when you step on trail hazards. Some extreme hikers have even used waterproof socks to further extend the comfort of their feet.
Moreover, these sandals can absorb shock with their UniFly midsoles. These firm yet soft midsoles also help maintain stability, especially in tough situations that challenge your balance.
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve can serve you well in both short trails and rough terrains, especially those with tall grasses, mud, rocks, and tarmac. It also performs well when you are crossing rivers.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these features as we dive in!
Specs & Features
- Upper/Lining: Lycra neoprene stretch collar
- Upper/Lining: M Select FRESH
- Upper/Lining: Waxy waterproof nubuck leather fabric upper
- Midsole/Outsole: 3-mm lug depth
- Midsole/Outsole: TC5+Vibram outsole
- Midsole/Outsole: UniFly midsole
Comfort
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve is strongly preferred among outdoor enthusiasts because it is genuinely comfortable to wear, with or without socks. Its elastic collar lets you put it on and off conveniently. Moreover, it is easy on the foot, thanks to its adjustable bungee cord lacing mechanism that allows you to attain the most comfortable fit in every terrain. It comes with a secure fit without worrying about tying laces.
Ideal for long hours of outdoor exploration, these sandals are integrated with M Select FRESH, which keeps your feet fresh. These agents help prevent bad odor, especially after being exposed to wet terrains. They have breathable construction while providing sufficient coverage, ensuring that you are comfortable through and through.
Use
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve is so light that climbing and hiking become easier. Its Vibram outsole has an exceptional grip that makes it suitable for these activities, especially in wet environments. With a stiff outsole design, you will barely feel trail hazards like rocks and sticks under your feet. Additionally, it features a 3-mm lug depth, allowing you to tread concrete surfaces and rocks easily.
With firm and soft UniFly midsoles, these sandals have shock absorption properties. These midsoles also help maintain your stability no matter the environmental challenges.
Material
The Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve comes with M Select FRESH technology, which prevents the buildup of moisture and sweat, effectively controlling odor. This technology is made of antimicrobial agents that disrupt odor reproduction, successfully minimizing the effect and unpleasantness that other (cheaper) shoes will demonstrate.
Nubuck leather makes up these sandals’ uppers. It is a full-grain leather incorporated with waterproof agents, ensuring long-lasting durability regardless of the weather. Meanwhile, Merrell’s UniFly midsole technology offers soft yet firm cushioning, delivering agility and stability.
Value
Considered a pair of high-end mid-range water shoes, the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve guarantees value for money. It exceeds basic expectations, especially for activities like climbing, fishing, and light trekking. Just note that it may not be the best option for uphill climbs.
Needless to say, it is versatile and can perform well on any easy terrain. Its ability to dry quickly and fit snugly without any hassle are essential features that make it at par with high standards. Furthermore, it is also durable and can withstand the demands of tough terrains, especially with its Vibram outsole.
One tiny room for improvement goes to the stitching details because the leather’s edges will start to fray, especially if you use this pair often over rough terrain. If you don’t have unrealistic expectations that footwear put through the paces should last forever, the All Out Blaze is really an excellent choice for active people that appreciate having the right equipment.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Good support on challenging terrain
-
Quick-dry design
-
Easy on the feet
-
Comfortable and snug fit
-
Antimicrobial technology that keeps feet fresh
-
Breathable construction with enough coverage
-
Grippy vibram sole makes them suitable for light hiking
-
Firm and soft midsole promoting agility and stability
Things we don't like:
Fraying of the leather fabric sooner than we’d like
Frequently asked questions
Merrell is one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor gear. It has a line of versatile shoes for various applications, one of which is a pair of closed-toe sandals giving the best of both a sandal and a shoe— the Merrell Men’s All Out Blaze Sieve. Learn more about these sandals in this in-depth review.
Water shoes are essential for those actively involved in extreme activities and water sports. The basic factors you need to consider when buying your first pair of water shoes are the following:
- Comfort and Fit
Do they fit comfortably and snugly? Would you be comfortable wearing them for hours?
- Durability
Will you get your money’s worth? Are they long-lasting? Can they take a beating without breaking easily?
- Grip
Can they prevent you from slipping? Do they have a strong grip even on wet surfaces?
- Materials
Are they made of breathable materials? Are they environment-friendly?
- Suitability
Will they meet your needs for your intended activities or are there better options?
These are only some of the questions that should help you when buying water shoes. Check out this comprehensive guide on our favorite water shoes to learn more.
Vibram means “tank tread” in Italian. They were invented by the renown mountaineer, Vitale Bramani, and were the first shoe treads to use rubber lug soles. Combining the tank tread for displacement and grip with the robustness and shock absorbing qualities of the rubber, Vibram soles are very much recognized for their quality and performance, being incorporated into many leading shoe designs.
There are many ways to clean water shoes, especially if they are reeking with some foul odor. The best way will always be by hand. One fool-proof and easy method is just soaking them in warm water, which can quickly kill bacteria and dirt. However, be mindful not to soak them for too long, especially if they are made of leather.
To prevent odor buildup, make sure that you clean, rinse, and dry your water shoes after every use. Do not store them in a bag for too long after use. Instead, expose them to fresh air so that they can dry properly.
Oftentimes, we use the terms “water boots”, “water shoes”, and “water socks” interchangeably. However, these three things are not at all the same. So, what are the main differences and which one do you use for which? Let’s differentiate these three gears according to purpose.
Firstly, we have water boots. Water boots are used for water sports like paddle boarding and surfing. Their grips are intended for a board’s surface. Next, we have water shoes, which are versatile and can be used on dry and wet surfaces. The best applications, however, include hiking, kayak camping, and swimming. Lastly, we have water socks. Water socks are used for snorkeling where you wear snorkeling fins. Like typical socks, they are worn to prevent blistering and chafing.
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