TREKKING
Product 2023
Woman, Man
It didn’t take long for the testers at Test4outside.com to award the “First” prize to the Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX.
This shoe brings together a host of smart design choices to create a very modern hiking product. The Rogue Hicker Mid GTX draws on technical elements from both hiking and trail running. Its shape is borrowed from Merrell’s trail running shoe, the Agility Peak, and it also features the Vibram Megagrip sole found on many trail models.
Right from the first steps on mountainous or technical terrain, the lightweight nature of the Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX is noticeable: 485 grams in size 43. The foot placement is precise, thanks to the sleek shape—especially at the forefoot.
The transition is smooth and fluid, very different from the stiff, bulky hiking boots typically designed for crampon use. This Merrell model is built for agility and speed, without sacrificing protection. The upper rises fairly high, providing good protection in rocky terrain. However, while the fabric resists abrasion well, it remains relatively thin and flexible. The toe cap is clearly inspired by trail running shoes.
Another major strength of the Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX is its outsole, which delivers strong grip on wet surfaces and performs well on angled rock slabs and technical ground. The Megagrip compound provides trustworthy traction.
The lacing system deserves special mention. It requires some care, especially over the forefoot where you need to pull the lace back toward the heel and then upward to lock it into the metal eyelet (orange). Final tension should be adjusted carefully, particularly around the second-to-last eyelet, as overtightening here can create a pressure point at the top of the ankle. Once fitted, the shoe offers a secure blend of precision and comfort. Soft materials and moderate flexibility (in both torsion and front-back movement) help the shoe feel less bulky than it looks.
The Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX is equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane, making it highly waterproof in wet grass, puddles, or snow. Waterproofing extends up to the top of the ankle. As is typical with Gore-Tex, breathability is limited—waterproofing clearly takes precedence here.
We appreciated the overall look of the Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX: technical, modern, with clean lines and thoughtful visual details. The finish is flawless.
Among the testers, we even wondered how this model might perform with a Boa lacing system—a path worth exploring?
The Merrell Rogue Hicker Mid GTX is a textbook example of the modern hiking boot: lightweight, flexible, yet supportive; grippy on all surfaces; waterproof; and featuring a sharp, technical design. Many of its technical choices come straight from trail running—volume, rubber compound, sole. A well-deserved “First” award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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