BUT, here we are about a year later (and I do not wear these shoes every day) and the shoes are literally falling apart.  Both shoes are showing separation of the upper from the lower sole &quot;assembly&quot; around the toe. They are coming &quot;un-glued&quot;.. These are supposed to be waterproof, Gortex, light hikers.<br />Not what one would expect from shoes in this price range.<br />Just to be fair and for completeness, I wrote to Merrill and they offered to replace them under warranty. that takes a month or so..<br />But I have tried my own &quot;repair&quot; using hotmelt adhesive.. so far, at least, it is working (over a few days)..since this is my second pair of Merrills that this has happened  (first was after over 2 years).. I probably will not buy again.