Merrell Walking Shoes

I wear Merrells all the time and they're great. Probably another model however; but I cover miles and miles in them all over the world without a problem in either streets or rough terrain. Never tried them without socks since that's what boat shoes are for. I do find, however, than when I wear them with skirts or tights people look at me kind of funny so I quit doing this.

(Late edit after being slapped in the head by Herself). She says: Merrels are great -- don't wear water shoes since they're no good in bad weather -- go for comfort and support -- wimmins wear all kinds of stuff and nobody gives a second glance.

I wear both Ecco and Merrell in oxford styles. I do wear them with skirts and tights (always socks). I don't think they look tacky, but I guess tacky is in the eye of the beholder. Any way they are great walking shoes.

I have several pairs of Merrells that I like, though not this model. I wouldn't wear the Pandi's with a skirt.

I also face this problem when travelling - I do like to wear skirts, either because I want to dress up a little, or because it's warmer. And I like to wear the kind of shoes with them that I think look good (and are at least reasonable for walking around).

For our last trip, I got Born Adeles, which I could walk around all day in, but that also looked good with skirts. I also had another pair of walking shoes, heavier and more durable, and I traded off between the two.

I think the other pair (which are quite old) are Merrell Spire Emme, and they look pretty good, and I could wear forever, with or without socks, but to me, they're a bit clunky to wear with a skirt.

I have the Merrell Waterpro Pandi and absolutely love them (and practically live in them in the summer). It is the type of shoe I would feel comfortable taking on a trip and walking a lot. I wear them without socks when wearing capris or shorts, but have been known to sometimes wear them with socks when wearing long pants. I don't personally feel they look funny with socks, but I've never been known to be a slave to fashion...

However, as they are designed to be able to wear in and out of water, the mesh-y fabric they have would not be conducive to either chilly weather (even with socks) or rain, which might be a consideration when traveling during April/May.

As to other brands to look into, well, I'm a big fan of Merrell but there have been some extensive conversations on this board about shoes and a lot of it boils down to what "type" of foot you have.

Good luck!

Check out SAS. They have several styles and carry wide widths (and narrow I think). I personally don't wear skits when I travel, but I think several of theirs would work with pants or skirts. They even have a "dressy" sandel that might work as a walking shoe, too.

Jesse - I wear Merrell's on my European trips, but not the water shoes. I would recommend a regular shoe for April/May because of the weather - although it is just my personal preference.

Just got a new Merrell leather shoe that looks similar and is very light - I believe it's called the Brio. I also saw the Plie and the Circuit Mary Jane (the leather rather than the mesh version) although I have not had a chance to try those on yet. Nordstrom (store or website) is a good place to buy them because they will take them back even if you have worn them.

When I don't want the look of socks, I usually use shoe liners that just cover the foot and aren't visible instead of going 'sockless'. I use both the nylon ones as well as the athletic type ones depending just depending on the shoes. I get them at Target but the major department stores have them as well.

Hi Jesse I wore Ecco Cloud (maryjane style) without socks, with capris, skirts and pants. I got many compliments from the other ladies on my RS tour of Italy in October.

I have merrells, eccos, keens, mephistos, ahnus and several other 'comfort' brands. I also have some red suede keens which I love, with good arch support and good heel cushioning.
The shoe salesman at the national chain adventure told me that merrels are better than keens... and watershoes are not good for walking, even tho they may have a good arch support.
I bought these for a trip: http://www.eccousa.com/shoes/womens/casual/flair-mary-jane/2234/detail.aspx , which I think are cute with skirts or capris.
Of all my shoes, though, I love my wolkys sandals ( http://www.wolky.com/US/Shoes/Ladies-summer-09.aspx ): light weight,last forever. I can't wear birkies, Danskos, clogs or heels. Try on several brands and styles within the brand, and I hope you find a couple of pairs you enjoy. The depatrtment stores usually have more stylish versions of comfort shoes than the adventure stores, imo. Good luck!

That's great that you like those shoes Steve, but I doubt they will go with skirts and tights, which is what Jesse is looking for.

She was asking about something to wear with a skirt, not pants.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I have now become more interested in the Merrell Plie .. but I feel like I remember reading somewhere that I should look for shoes with vibram? rubber. I noticed this in a lot of the shoe's but not the Plie.

It does say that they have a muse rubber sole .. but this means nothing to me. Does anyone know if it is the same or if it makes a difference?

Thanks!

Here's some intersting comments on the Merrell site:
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-us/Product.mvc.aspx/W-F-F/17200W/37842/Gender-Gallery-Root/Women/Footwear/Filters/Womens/Plie/Coffee-Bean/J76436 . Can you try them on nearby? The strap on these will be good for your feet.
Vibram is a brand name,but it's not the only good sole you'll find. It's frequently touted as a light weight long lasting shoe sole.