Cham Redux 1TRL Sneaker

I've been wearing Chameleons since 2002, and have owned roughly 20 pairs. I was excited about the Cham Redux Leather in Hunter/Graphite. These aren't Chameleons though. After wearing them for over a month, they still haven't broken in the way Chameleons usually do. Additionally, and more problematically, the lock on the elastic cord just doesn't work, which means that the shoes don't stay tight to my foot, and are constantly too lose. The "horn", for lack of a better word, on the heel opening is also much too stiff, so I can't really take them on and off without having to use both of my hands. One of the many reasons I've loved Chameleons over the years is that I can put them on and take them off when my hands are full, or if I'm in a hurry. I can't do that with these. This is the first time I've ever been disappointed in a pair of Merrells, and I should have just gotten regular Chameleons (but the color I want has been sold out in my size for months, so it wasn't even an option).

They are heavy, more than all my shoes I've had in my life. I don't understand how it can be trail shoes. Even for easy hiking, it's hard to go to the store in them. Their temperature regime is 32-45 °F, usually at this temperature it rains and is wet, and they are made of suede and with a mesh at the front (no logic) Even if they fit someone, then they did not wear light comfortable shoes. People with flat feet are generally contraindicated. Wasted money.

Love the shoe. The dark, blackish green leather and dense green mesh are eye catching. Quality and finish is excellent. Wish they had wide options. Fits true to size, decent arch support for my flat feet. One star short because, it's heavier than my earlier Chameleon and the non Vibram sole is "plank stiff", wish there was some flex from mid to toe. Too stiff for city.