text: Merrell shoes were much better a year ago when I bought the equivalent of the last generation (no longer available in America - only Japan apparently).  The problem with the newer generation is the lace holes which are only secured to the shoe by a single row of cheap stitching.  They are too weak to hold in the laces and can break easily.  I had to have them mended at a Tailor shop and strengthened the other holes for an extra $20.  Bring back the 2013/2014 design!