The Merrell Speed Strike 2 Mid GTX Olive are mid-cut men's hiking boots with a Gore-Tex membrane, mesh with overlays, a rubber sole with deep lugs and a cushioned midsole, made for walking in the mountains with grip, dry feet and a supported ankle. We selected them at Calzados Vesga because they combine the weight of a shoe with the support of a boot.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Brand and model |
Merrell Speed Strike 2 Mid GTX (J037819) |
| Outer material |
Textile mesh with synthetic and leather overlays |
| Membrane |
Gore-Tex, waterproof and breathable |
| Lining |
Breathable textile |
| Sole |
Rubber with deep lugs |
| Sole / heel height |
Approx. 3 to 4 cm, cushioned midsole |
| Insole |
Cushioned comfort footbed |
| Closure |
Flat laces with eyelets |
| Shaft height |
Mid, covers the ankle |
| Colour |
Olive (olive green, dark grey and orange) |
| Sizes available |
EU 41, 42, 43, 43.5, 44, 45 and 46 |
| Manufacture |
Technical construction with artisan-level quality control |
A light boot for walking with dry feet
Hiking demands grip, protection and, when the weather turns, a dry foot. The Speed Strike 2 Mid GTX offers these with a sole of deep lugs that bites into loose ground, a Gore-Tex membrane that stops liquid water getting in without giving up breathability and a mid cut that supports the ankle on uneven terrain. The midsole adds cushioning for long days.
The membrane sits between the mesh and the lining, so the boot keeps a moderate weight. It lets perspiration vapour out, though as a waterproof boot it is somewhat less cool than a shoe without a membrane.
It is a sensible choice if you walk in the mountains in autumn, winter and spring, do routes with a light pack or want more support than a low shoe without carrying the weight of a classic boot.
Design and style: Olive
The Olive colour combines a muted olive-green mesh with overlays in the same tone, a ribbed dark grey midsole, a caramel sole and orange touches on the lace loops, the heel pull and a detail under the heel. The brand name appears embossed on the side, next to the Gore-Tex label.
The silhouette is mid cut, with a padded tongue, eyelets for the laces and a rear pull tab that makes putting them on easier. The collar is soft and prevents rubbing at the ankle.
Materials and finish
The upper is mesh with synthetic and leather overlays that add abrasion resistance. The toe carries a reinforcement that protects the toes and the heel a counter that stabilises the foot. The lining is textile and the insole cushioned.
The midsole is a large-volume cushioning foam. The sole is rubber with deep, spaced lugs that clear mud and bite into loose ground.
Everyday comfort
A comfortable mountain boot must support, cushion and stay light. The Speed Strike 2 Mid GTX supports with the mid cut and adjustable laces, cushions with a very thick midsole and keeps a reasonable weight despite the membrane. The standard fit leaves room for the toes on long descents.
A practical tip: if you plan long descents or will wear thick hiking socks, try half a size up. For short or urban use, your usual size will be right.
When to wear them
For hiking of one or several days, mid-mountain routes in changeable weather, walks on tracks and trails with a light pack and for anyone who wants a light boot that copes with rain.
It is not a high-mountain boot: for deep snow, crampons or heavy loads, a stiffer boot offers more protection. Nor can the foot be submerged above the collar. In summer and in intense heat, a shoe without a membrane is cooler.
How to style them
With hiking trousers and a waterproof jacket they make up the basic mountain kit. In winter, with thermal tights and merino wool socks. On the street, the olive green goes with outdoor clothing, earth tones and dark jeans. Seamless technical socks improve comfort and reduce rubbing.
Size guide
The model comes in EU 41 to 46, with the half size 43.5, with a standard fit: neither especially small nor especially large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan long descents; in the mountains it pays to leave a little room at the front.
Approximate UK equivalents: EU 41 is about UK 7, EU 42 about UK 8, EU 43 about UK 9, EU 44 about UK 10, EU 45 about UK 10.5 and EU 46 about UK 11.5. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. With laces you can tune the pressure precisely, but the inner length is fixed: between two sizes, the larger one with firm lacing usually works best.
Care and maintenance
- Remove dry mud with a soft bristle brush and clean the mesh and leather with a damp cloth, without running water.
- Let the pair dry at room temperature with newspaper inside, away from radiators or direct heat.
- Do not put them in the washing machine or the dryer, which damage the bonding, the foam and the membrane.
- Loosen the laces when storing them so the tongue and collar recover their shape.
With these basic steps, the boot keeps its look and the membrane keeps performing for many kilometres.
Our verdict at Calzados Vesga
We think it is a solid buy for anyone who wants a light mountain boot with grip that copes with rain. Its limit is that of any mid-cut boot: it does not keep out water coming in from above, and for heavy loads or very technical terrain stiffer models exist.
About the Merrell brand
Merrell is an American brand specialising in outdoor footwear, known for comfortable, accessible hiking and trail shoes and boots. See more options in our men's Gore-Tex shoes section or in the men's hiking and outdoor shoes category.
Frequently asked questions
Are they waterproof?
Yes. They have a Gore-Tex membrane, which blocks liquid water and lets perspiration vapour out. They protect against rain, mud and puddles, though not against water coming in over the collar.
Do these run small?
No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or do long descents.
Are they comfortable all day?
Yes. They are cushioned, reasonably light and the mid cut supports the ankle well. They suit long hiking days and active everyday life.
Are they good for winter?
For autumn and winter routes without deep snow, yes, with suitable socks. For deep snow or crampons, a stiffer boot is better.
How do I clean them?
With a soft brush and a damp cloth, no washing machine or dryer. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.
Are they hot in summer?
With a membrane and a mid cut, they are slightly less cool than a shoe without one. For intense heat a light model without a membrane is better.
What size should I choose with wide feet?
Half a size above your usual. The laces let you loosen the instep, but a mountain boot should be roomy across the width of the foot.
Delivery, returns and secure checkout
Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.
Why buy from Calzados Vesga
We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.
Are these your boots?
Yes, if you want a light, grippy, waterproof mountain boot with ankle support. Perhaps not, if you need a high-mountain boot, a very cool summer shoe or a more minimalist model.
If you want a boot for mountain walking that copes with rain with grip and comfort, the Merrell Speed Strike 2 Mid GTX Olive are a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.
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