On easy terrain, where I barely need crampons, I occasionally use Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof hiking boots with Black Diamond Contact Strap crampons. I use stiffer and heavier boots for Mt. Whitney (any route) if there is snow. BFR is right. Merrells won’t cut it. It is too easy to step out of the crampons on steep terrain with soft boots. BTW, the BD crampons are on sale at REI until May 29.