Which shoe?

I am looking for casual/occasional hiking/play/occasional work shoe. It is down to either Wolverine or Merrell:

Merrell: http://www.o2gearshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&language=en&currency=USD&products_id=18855&zmam=55982562&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=18855

Wolverine Oxfords: http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/net/cb/wolverine-omni-mx-chukkas-or-mx-oxfords.aspx?a=432683

The Oxfords would be cheaper. Which do I go with? I'm looking for feedback on both..

merrell has vibram sole = winner.

I am not saying that they are the same but the company Wolverine World Wide owns the following brands:
http://www.wolverineworldwide.com/brands.asp

I have had nothing but luck with my Merrells. I'm actually wearing a pair right now. Great shoes they last quite awhile and are very comfortable.

I ended up buying the Merrell's shown in the link. How long do Merrells usually take to break in? The pair I bought are very stiff..

My Jungle Mocs took all of about the time it took me to walk out of the store to break in. My hiking boots took a couple of weeks, but didn't need a forced break in like a lot of other shoes I've owned.

I've had two pairs of Merrells in the past 7 years. They're my everyday shoes in the cold months, and in the rest of the months when I need something more protective than sandals. This pair is ready to be replaced, but only because the soles have went. Tough shoes.

I do think that's the only drawback to Merrells. You can't resole them. My soles wear out long before the upper does.

In reply to Derick Freese:

I have to agree my Jungle Mocs uppers still look just about perfect and the soles are almost perfectly smooth.

92dxman wrote: I ended up buying the Merrell's shown in the link. How long do Merrells usually take to break in? The pair I bought are very stiff..

I had a pair of chameleons and they never really lost their stiffness. I wore them right out too.

In reply to rebelgtp:

I wore my Jungle Mocs long after they were slicks. I've worn the inner leather out(!) I've worn them so much. I hate to get rid of them, and I don't want to pony up for another pair when I have other shoes that work well enough for me.

Yeah, I honestly don't think Vibram soles are all that great. I spend a lot of time on my feet - usually in one pair of shoes until I wear them out - and my boots with Vibram soles always turn into slicks well before the boot is worn out.

I love both my Marrells. To the point where when it is time to replace them, I wont hesitate to drop another $80-125 on new ones.

alex wrote: Yeah, I honestly don't think Vibram soles are all that great. I spend a lot of time on my feet - usually in one pair of shoes until I wear them out - and my boots with Vibram soles always turn into slicks well before the boot is worn out.

thats very interesting I've had nothing but success out of solid vibram soles.

92dxman wrote: I am looking for casual/occasional hiking/play/occasional work shoe. It is down to either Wolverine or Merrell: Merrell: http://www.o2gearshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1&language=en&currency=USD&products_id=18855&zmam=55982562&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=18855 Wolverine Oxfords: http://www.bargainoutfitters.com/net/cb/wolverine-omni-mx-chukkas-or-mx-oxfords.aspx?a=432683 The Oxfords would be cheaper. Which do I go with? I'm looking for feedback on both..

You do realize those both made in the same factory in Rockford, mi?