I am very impressed with these shoes.  I have always worn Columbia hiking shoes, and I needed a new pair.  I bought a pair of Columbia and this pair of Merrells.  I tried both on, and these shoes were so much more comfortable!  I find they are a little longer than the Columbia size 9, but I like  it because my toes cannot slide forward and rub on a descent.  Both pairs of shoes are nice and wide (I have wide feet) and do not rub anywhere on my foot.  Needless to say...I returned the Columbia shoes and kept these.