This is quite normal. Any alpine boot that will actually protect your ankles and feet and can take crampons are just horrible to walk in. You used to be able to buy so-called approach shoes but now trail-runners have taken over that market
Getting into a bit dubious territory as Merrell never officially rated them, but the Merrell Polarand boots (some versions) can take crampons, have reasonable angle protection and are decent to walk in - Merrell really should have pressed on with the development of them no one in their right mind would use them for serious use where rating is actually important though - the front groove does not inspire me with confidence.