The "one" shoe.

[targa88]

Merrell Chameleon

Merrell Chameleon's are great. I opted for the ones on the right (forget the variation name) due to the built in "bootie" and thinking it would help keep sand and such out of the shoe.

After having them for over a year... great shoe, but the bootie does not like to be showered with sparks from grinding or near the camp fire. It is a great driving shoe and meets nearly all your needs with the exception of waterproof.

I would feel safe to recommend these to you.

I have been using chameleons for years - very satisfied.
They have since come out with a goretex version that is suppose to be waterproof (looks like the pix on the left).
Soaz,
They do not stretch with time/break in. They are plenty wide enough, but I found I needed half a size larger than I regularly use for length.

 

[ChuckB]

Catus and Keen's probably don't mix... My one complaint is that I do occasionally get a few peebles under my feet, which is a bit annoying. I have done light hiknig in them and they work decently. Of course everything is a compromise.

I'm going to check out those Solomon's!

 

[Sloan]

Salomon Solaris, they're light< I usually wear them 12-15 hours a day on film sets and they're good and sticky for climbing things.

 

[SOAZ]

I like the look of these salomons. I haven't heard anything about how they hold up though. Elios LTR. The leather might make them warm, but they will definately pass at work etc etc.

 

[SOAZ]

Catus and Keen's probably don't mix... My one complaint is that I do occasionally get a few peebles under my feet, which is a bit annoying. I have done light hiknig in them and they work decently. Of course everything is a compromise.

I'm going to check out those Solomon's!

I have a set of what I'd call. Cheapo Keens. They were from Target for 10 bucks on sale one day. Looking at keens they look identical with just less quality stitching, components etc. They feel great on my feet though. Nice and light. They work great for hiking up canyons with lots of water. I used them to hike the narrows at Zion. They worked great. I think a pair of Genuine Keens may be in my future after I get these "one" shoes.

 

[Scott Brady]

I like the look of these salomons. I haven't heard anything about how they hold up though. Elios LTR. The leather might make them warm, but they will definately pass at work etc etc.

Those do look really nice, but I think you would be quickly disappointed by the lack of a true (i.e. rubber) rand. I can see that leather toe quickly failing in AZ terrain. But then again, I am tough on shoes - not exactly light on my feet if you will...

 

[Lost Canadian]

The best jack of all traits hiking shoe I've ever bought are the Tiberland Vaporate Boa. The Boa system is incredible, it truely is revolutionary as far as shoe technology goes, and it has to be tried to fully understand. The fit and adjustability make laces seem so outdated. The shoe incorporates all the goodies you would expect from a shoe of this type. A Vibram sole, a full-length protective plate, and the mesh upper is has a TPU layer that keeps water out but allows the shoe to breath. The shoe was designed for adventure racers so it should meet all the needs of an overlander.

 

[BigAl]

I like the shoes that are styled like climbing shoes, the closer the laces go to the toe the better the fit IMO.

 

[ChuckB]

I have a set of what I'd call. Cheapo Keens. They were from Target for 10 bucks on sale one day. Looking at keens they look identical with just less quality stitching, components etc. They feel great on my feet though. Nice and light. They work great for hiking up canyons with lots of water. I used them to hike the narrows at Zion. They worked great. I think a pair of Genuine Keens may be in my future after I get these "one" shoes.

You can't go wrong IMO!!

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Keens, Keens, Keens. These are seriously the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, I hike in them, I wear them to work, take on water crossings, drive, wear them around camp, I've dealt with cactus, dead trees/brush, you name it no problem...I was even stuck in NYC for 3 days with a brand new pair, first time wearing them because my luggage got lost....walked all up and down that city with no blisters or sore feet..I was a convert after that.

I wear these:

and these:

and these the most:

 

[SOAZ]

Keens, Keens, Keens. These are seriously the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned, I hike in them, I wear them to work, take on water crossings, drive, wear them around camp, I've dealt with cactus, dead trees/brush, you name it no problem...I was even stuck in NYC for 3 days with a brand new pair, first time wearing them because my luggage got lost....walked all up and down that city with no blisters or sore feet..I was a convert after that.

I wear these:

and these:

and these the most:

What are the model names of the last ones?

 

[FurthurOnTheFly]

Keen Arroyo II

Mr. R2 just picked up his very own pair at REI tonight!

 

[SOAZ]

Those do look really nice, but I think you would be quickly disappointed by the lack of a true (i.e. rubber) rand. I can see that leather toe quickly failing in AZ terrain. But then again, I am tough on shoes - not exactly light on my feet if you will...

Thats what I was thinking. They would most likely look good for work or day to day, but I think on the first real hike they might get shreaded up. Plus the leather = HOT.

 

[flyingwil]

Right on, thanks Wil! How did you find the sizing? Did you need to go a size up or down? and lastly, did they stretch or break in much?
Post up should you start carrying them. ; ) I'd rather give the business to you.
Otherwise I think I may drop by REI tonight and take a spin in a couple pairs of them.

Tim the Merrell Chameleon Wrap Traveler Gore-Tex XCR Shoes might fit your bill
http://www.rei.com/product/757418

They did not stretch much in terms of length, but width wise it took about 3 weeks to break them in. I have wide feet. The Size was pretty dead on.

We are not going to carry shoes at Sierra Expeditions... at least not yet!

 

[suntinez]

Keens, Keens, Keens. These are seriously the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned

x2!! I have both the 2nd and 3rd pair shown. I walk through the creek nearby pretty much daily in the summer over slippery rocks, these things have a grip! And they dry pretty quickly too.

I've noticed the 2nd pair with the open heel lets little rocks slide out with a bit of kicking, the 3rd pair (arroyo II) you gotta take em off. But the full heel one stays on with less movement when scrambling around rocks.