Merrell Capra Sport Review

Review: Merrell Capra Sport

If you’ve ever climbed a mountain, you’ll know how important good footwear is. I’ve done a fair bit of mountain climbing and have suffered all kinds of issues down to footwear. I’ve had blisters, cuts, turned my ankles etc.

I hadn’t found the perfect mountain climbing shoes. Until now.

I used these Merrell Capra Sport shoes on a recent charity event in Snowdon. As well as cycle 40 miles and Kayak around a mountain lake, I had to climb and descend Snowdon in the quickest time possible.

I did the same event last year and focussing on speed, I used TevaSphere shoes. They are a great trail running shoe but are useless on the mountain. The soles are too light, there isn’t enough grip and there is very little ankle support. This year I learned from those mistakes and wore the Merrell Capra Sport.

I wanted a light shoe with grip and support. Looking at the soles of these shoes you just know they have all of the above…

The Merrell Capra Sport are just perfect for speed climbing. They offer a strong, supportive yet flexible sole with plenty of grip – vital for the wet sections. I can honestly say I didn’t slip or roll an ankle, despite running in sections and picking a quick route through the loose stones. The teaming up with Vibram here seems to be a winner (I use their shoes too and love them).

Here I am picking my way up the Rhyd Ddu path on Snowdon, the Merrell Capra Sport offering a splash of colour on a grey day!

For most people who are walking up and down mountains using man-made paths, there really isn’t a need for walking boots. They are heavy, offer little in the way of extra support and take a long time to ‘break in’ and soften. If you fit into this group, honestly look no further than the Merrell Capra Sport. You have premium build quality, excellent flexibility and support with the lightness of a training shoe, without sacrificing the positives of a walking boot.

I gave these things the ultimate test – a speed climb up the Rhyd Ddu path in Snowdon. They passed it with flying colours. I know they performed well because I’ve been up Snowdon on 5 occasions, each time wearing different shoes so I have a like for like comparison.

I didn’t have a single blister, no rubbing and they felt great from start to finish.

The Merrell Capra Sport continue the great line of products from Merrell and they certainly have a massive fan in me.

By the way, I’ve now started a VIP email list with discounts, offers, tips and news. You can subscribe at on my homepage! Click here to sign up (blue box at the bottom).