Keen vs. Merrell

versus

The 2 major disc golf shoe sponsors. 

Keen vs. Merrell (Vibram).

Which do you prefer and why?

[Ryan Rios]

If we are talking outdoor shoes, then yes nf has great offerings-including the hedgehog. It's vibram and goretex, can't go wrong there. I personally decided against the hedgehog due to the nubs on the sole though I've seen others have sucess with them- I just imagined the nubs tearing off or messing with my rotation.
For disc golf the best are actually salamons. I just don't feel thier durability supports thier price.
Merrel offers a full line of shoes, including water and rock climbing so I can't imagine how they'd be pretenders. I made the poser comment due to nf's brand identity, not thier products so much- they do make great gear (summitt series). I just feel they chose making sure 1/10 Americans own thier danali fleece over catering to a small market. Yes it's buisness, I know, but making those choices results in sometimes losing your most loyal demographic. I don't like popular things, plain and simple. Weather it's music or fashion- if it's popular it's lame in my book;)

[Rescue]

Then you must be a Rush fan too lol! couldn't help a shameless plug for my favorite band and yes, waaaaay off subject ;)
As far as the Salomons. You have to get the ones with the added carbon fiber and plastic..I think there the 3D Xwing? but you should try Montrail or Garmont if you want a solid shoe. My Garmonts lasted close to three disc golf seasons.
Peace!

[Discette]

Keen is sponsoring Disc Golf and Vibram is also a sponsor (and now disc manufacturer). Bite Shoes gave disc golf a try a few years ago and were sponsoring Ken Climo and Solomon sponsors Barry Schultz.

Which Merrell shoe model is specific to disc golf and what players/events are they sponsoring? I love my Bite Shoes but would consider trying Keens and Merrells if they are now sponsoring the sport.

FYI, Merrell and Vibram are two separate companies. Merrell is an American company started in Vermont in 1981 and Vibram is an Italian company started in 1937. While Merrell does use Vibram soles on many models, it is not a part of the Vibram company.

[Donny Olow]

I also have a pair of these !!
The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR Hiking Shoe

The North Face made the Men's Hedgehog GTX XCR Hiking Shoes for adventure racers and fast-paced hikers. A waterproof breathable Gore-Tex membrane fights mud-season trails and inclement weather. The North Face added cushiony forefoot and heel inserts, plus a heel air pod for bottom-of-your-foot delight, and stashed an antimicrobial covering on top of the ergonomically designed footbed to cut down on stink. The Hedgehog GTX XCR Shoe's lightweight Vibram outsole grips rocks and wet leaves as you fly over the trail.

Bottom Line:
The North Face equipped the Hedgehog GTX XCR Hiking Shoes for Mother Nature's gnarliest topographic challenges.

[MitchB]

Donny, how much do they cost and where'd you get em?

[Joe Arnet]

really? solomons are so much more comfortable, and convienient, hands down. too bad they don't hold up to abuse as well. my $140 top end gore-tex solomons just don't hold up. i also have a pair of merrell chameleon ventilators, they sure grip well, but - not even close to as comfortable. it's the lace system, mostly.

[Ryan S. Flahive]

Sorry, this is a silly discussion.
First of all, when teeing off of concrete, what does $140 high-tech tred matter? Might as well have a pair of Chuck Taylor's. Secondly, unless your playing an unruly course in the Rocky Mountains with a 30 degree grade (which I play daily with basic Nike cross-trainers), why are hiking shoes needed, particularly in the Midwest?

[Wicked Dyes]

Good point. I have been using a $10 pair of shoes for the last 6 months. They are just starting to look bad. At $10 bucks a pop it will take me about 7 years to spend as much money as everyone else is on one pair of shoes. How long do these other shoes last? You all are probably going to say that the shoes I wear are not as comfortable and not water proof, but who cares that's what plastic bags are for or I could go out and spend the money that I have saved on a pair of water proof socks. And yes these shoes are very comfy.

[Ryan S. Flahive]

Gotcha beat...my Nike cross trainers were $5! They're working on 3 years and still as solid as they were 250 rounds ago!

[Socsavvy]

I have had a pair of Merrel Chameleons for the past 2 yeas and a pair of Keen Newport Trails for the past year. I honestly like them both. The Keens have the 'keen-dry' technology (like gore-tex) and it works pretty well, but doesn't keep my feet as dry as it used to. My Merrel's were a gift and do not have gore-tex, so if there's any moisture on the ground, my feet will know it in no time.

Overall, both are great shoes. Both are very comfortable, durable, and have good--but not too good--grip. I find myself continuously impressed by them given how hard I am on my gear. But whenever it does come time to buy a new pair, I'll probably lean towards Keen...

[Disc Player Sports]

Okay, okay....
Merrell doesn't sponsor disc golf.. but Vibram does.
Vibram gives its employees a discount to purchase Merrells.
Go figure.
The more I wear the Merrells the better they feel....

[Disc Player Sports]

As far as price...
You can get Merrells at Marshalls for $49.99 instead of $120!
And why buy $10 shoes that last a week or two....
Don't tell me if you can drive a Porsche or a Chey Cobalt... and for a few dollars more would not upgrade.