Best Overall · 1 of 6
Merrell Women's Speed Strike 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof Boot

- Waterproof membrane, 246 g insulation
- Coated leather and ripstop upper
- Sticky rubber outsole
Our take
Pick it for built-in warmth and grippy rubber.
Why it made the shortlist
The Merrell Speed Strike 2 Thermo Mid is a waterproof boot with a membrane that seals out water and lets moisture escape, a coated leather and ripstop upper, and a coated leather heel and toe cap. A layer of 246 grams of lightweight synthetic insulation is built in for warmth.
Merrell's sticky rubber outsole gives more grip on wet surfaces than the generic outsole on the NORTIV 8 Women's Waterproof.
It suits a woman planning cold, wet day hikes and wanting a light, low-bulk boot. The heel and toe protection takes scuffs from lava gravel.
What works
- Built-in insulation adds warmth
- Sticky rubber grips wet ground
- Coated heel and toe cap
- Lightweight, low-bulk feel
Watch out for
- Priciest pair in this group
- Insulation may run warm on mild days
- The catch
- The insulation can be too warm in mild weather.







