I purchased these based upon other Merrell shoes that I have had.  They are hard as others have mentioned but, most worrisome, is that I have slipped and fallen several times while wearing them.  They are decent on dry days but I dare not wear them when hiking if the trails are wet.  I have never had this problem with a pair of shoes before. Many of the trails here have exposed limestone rocks so it is a serious concern.  I use these on dry days and my old Merrell's if the trails are wet. Defeated the purpose in buying them.