Merrell Sugarbush

Best Trail Ready Women’s Casual Boot

A little more substantial than the rest of the women’s boots we are recommending, the Merrell Sugarbush boots are also a little more rugged. Made with waterproof leather, they are well sealed and boast an integrated tongue, making them incredibly resistant to water incursion even while submerged. A Vibram sole provides traction over a large variety of terrain. These winter boost are well constructed with multiple layers of varying EVA, including a cork layer that really helps with shock absorption and comfort. Merrell added an antimicrobial agent to the breathable lining, which does a lot to reduce odors. However, the thick, quality leather used means you are still looking at some heat build-up.

They still turn heads in the urban scene with classic styling and a few pops of color. Get ready to receive a lot of compliments. And if blue is more your thing over red, these come in both a black and darker brown with blue detailing.

Field Notes: We grabbed these to hike around the Steens Mountains, and they were great for scaling rocks, trudging through creeks, and putting in miles. The leather stood up well against water incursion and the soles stuck to just about anything we threw at them. I wouldn’t take these backpacking over a long distance, but for shorter spurts or pop-up outdoor adventures they surely did the trick.

Tester Comments: “I have to admit they snuck up on me. The red laces, blue stripe, and multiple colors of leather seemed a little ‘louder’ than my normal casual footwear. But one hour in and I fell in love with these Merrell boots. They come with an additional cream pair of laces in case the red is still too loud for you, but I would recommend giving them an hour or so to sneak up on you too.”

Key Attribute: Weather Protection

Complete the Look: Soft black jeans and a light denim oversized button-up are a classic canvas for rocking a hit of flannel, a matching leather belt, and maybe a little shot of gold or brass in earrings.