Bottom Line
The Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid is a lightweight and versatile winter hiking boot sure to please winter hikers and recreators with its excellent warmth and traction. Using these boots in Alaska’s Chugach Range, we were immediately struck by their high level of performance at a price point that won’t break the bank. The Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid beat out other winter hiking boots we tested in various metrics while still coming in at an attainable price point.
The boots are supportive and comfortable, and we were never plagued by any discomfort. This boot has a slightly narrower fit, so those with wide feet may find this boot a little narrower than others in our lineup. Through our testing on Alaska’s icy trails and snowy slopes, we found the traction limited. The wide flat lugs, while great for flat surfaces like concrete, were not quite as grippy on steep terrain as other boots we tested. But we did appreciate the stiff sole, which helped for kicking steps into steep and snowy slopes.
We loved using these boots on a variety of winter trails, including steep and icy mountain hikes – as well as strolls on neighborhood trails. Paired with winter socks, these boots are warm, comfortable, weather-resistant, and ready for the long haul.
Quick Specs
Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid
Best Lightweight Hiking Boots
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $150
Weight: 2 lb. 2 oz.
Insulation: 200 g synthetic
Height: 5.75
Pros
- Good value
- Lightweight
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Reduced traction on steep slopes
- No gaiter attachment loop
- Ankle design may not be comfortable
Comfort
The Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid was comfortable right out of the box as we headed up into the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach range. It required little to no break in time. The footbed is supportive and stiff while still being comfortable enough to wear for multiple hours.
With one level of eyelets and one level of hooks up the shaft, the Thermo Chill 2 Mids can cinch snugly to the ankle, providing great ankle support. Walking on uneven and slippery trails felt solid and supported while wearing these boots. The only discomfort we felt came when we tightened the hooks. The shaft has minimal padding. Although that makes the boot light, it also means the metal rivets of the hooks dug into our ankles at times. You can fix this by wearing a thicker sock or loosening up the boot.
Warmth
On a single-digit day in Alaska, we took these boots on a hike with trepidation- at first feeling concerned that they wouldn’t keep our feet warm. But those fears were quickly diminished as the Thermo Chill 2 Mids were plenty warm and provided top-notch insulation for an active outing. With 200g of insulation, these boots felt plenty comfortable for most winter temperatures we encountered.
These boots are warmest during activities with moderate to high levels of energy output. They lack the heavy-duty warmth of other boots that tested well for more stationary time spent out in the cold. The Thermo Chill 2 Mids work best with a winter-weight sock for both cushioning and added warmth.
Traction
In this latest version of the Thermo Chill, Merrell completely redesigned the tread pattern. The original version featured deep, chevron-shaped lugs that worked best in deep snow and steep slopes but sacrificed surface area needed for ice or flat surfaces. In this second version of the boots, the lugs are wider with a rounded shape and have a much shallower depth.
Although this improves their grip on flat ice or concrete, it sacrifices their performance on deep snow and steep terrain. During our testing on steep trails, we found the lugs lacked the depth we needed for adequate purchase in loose snow. This tread update left us wanting deeper and sharper-shaped lugs to provide more traction in more varied terrain and surfaces.
Weather Resistance
The Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid punches well above its weight in weather-resistance. With a durable rubber material, the foot of these boots is strongly weather resistant. We were never wet using them in deep snow and an icy creek. The rubber material diminishes further up the shaft -which we thought might be a potential point of weakness. However, during our tests, snow never penetrated the boot’s uppers, and we were happy with its performance.
With a moderate shaft height of 5.75 inches and no gaiter attachment points, these boots’ ability to keep out moisture was limited in deep snow. The level of hooks on the shaft helped keep the opening of the boot tight and secure around the ankle, but some snow was still able to enter. These aren’t the most weather-resistant boots for deep snow.
Durability
We were initially hesitant that the Merrell Thermo Child 2 Mid would be one of the least durable choices in our lineup since it’s also one of the cheapest. So far, that has not been the case.
The soles have held up to scrapes and abrasions against rocks, and all features of the boots are still functioning as when we first wore them. The webbing eyelets are much thicker than other lightweight boots we tested, and we are impressed with their ability to withstand tension.
That being said, the low price of this boot comes with some concessions in design that could lead to durability issues down the road. There is no articulation through the flex point of the boot, which creates stress on the seams due to awkward bending in the toe. So far, the Thermo Chill 2 Mids show no sign of slowing down, but we are cautious about extended heavy use.
Should You Buy the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid?
If you’re someone trying to maximize your dollar, then the Merrell Thermo Chill 2 Mid is what you’ve been looking for. One of the cheapest boots we tested, they still hold up well and are designed with performance in mind. A stiff sole helps to kick steps in snow, but the wide and flat lugs don’t provide quite as much bite as we would have hoped. Warmest at moderate to high output activities, these boots may not be warm enough for the coldest winter days or stationary activities. Even though they held up during our tests, the lack of articulation in the boot leaves us wondering about the long-term durability of the material. Regardless, this boot provides some of the best value of any we tested and performs higher than its price tag would suggest.
What Other Men’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?
Check out our full gear guide for all of our favorite winter hiking boots.
KEEN Revel IV Polar Review – With a taller shaft height and stronger weather resistance, the Revel IV Polar provides enhanced winter protection while still being lightweight enough for long days on the trail.
North Face Vectiv Fastpack Insulated Review – While slightly more expensive, the Vectiv Fastpack has increased traction and comfort for long days on the trail.
Salomon Crosstrak Powder Review – If having a light boot is your number one consideration, the Crosstrak Powder is one of the lightest in our lineup.
