Walking on air! (Merrell Siren Ventilator)

Member Name: anwar7

Product:	Merrell Siren Ventilator
Date:	08/07/09 (81 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see review

Disadvantages: see review

Many years ago on a holiday to the Isle of Skye I discovered I had forgotten to pack my walking boots! A trip to the Island outdoor shop was necessary and after trying on several different makes I finally opted for a pair of Merrell walking shoes. Fast forward almost a decade and I can honestly say these were the best pair of shoes I have ever bought. Sadly after walking many miles my shoes had started to show their age! A few months ago I decided it was time to buy a new pair. Having had such a positive experience with Merrell I knew I wanted to stick with the brand.

A trip to my local Milletts revealed a few styles in the Merrell range. I have fairly skinny ankles and so find that high walking boots tend to rub my ankle bone. For this reason I wanted a trainer like walking shoe. I didn't want anything to heavy either .The Merrell Siren ventilator caught my eye and I was soon on my way home with a pair.

Merrell market this shoe as a lightweight summer hiking shoe. The shoes are made of suede with a breathable mesh lining. They have the Merrell vibram sole so give excellent grip. The shoes are air cushioned in the middle for extra comfort. The heel is moulded for support. There are two colours to choose from either beige suede called desert sage or brown coloured suede called pinecone. I choose the beige colour.

My thoughts.
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I have had these shoes for over two months now and love them! They are very comfortable even on very long hikes. I have never experienced any blisters or even had sore feet even on a recent 10 mile walk. The inside of the shoe is very well cushioned so feels like you are really walking on air. Walking in these shoes will literally give you a spring in your step!

The Vibram sole gives excellent grip even on wet ground. Although these shoes do not give good ankle support I find my heels stay in place and that helps to support my ankles. I have never had a twisted ankle wearing these so I guess that's proof enough!

The breathable mesh works well by keeping your feet cool. I don't suffer from sweaty feet but have no reason to think the Merrell promise that the mesh will also take away any moisture from you feet is not true.

On the negative side these shoes are not great to wear when it rains! They are sold as a summer weight walking shoe after all. The mesh on the sides of the shoes lets in water, although the shoes do dry quickly. We tend to do a lot of walking over rough terrain and these shoes are not good for crossing streams! Still on balance I am happy to get my feet damp in exchange for a superbly comfortable shoe!

Another slight negative is that these shoes don't come in half sizes. I usually take a 5 ½ but found the size 5 fitted well. I tend to wear lightweight socks with these to get the full benefit of the cool breathable mesh.

Although these shoes have walked along many muddy tracks they are easy to clean. I tend to let them dry and then give them a quick going over with a suede brush.

I paid about £60 for my pair of shoes in Milletts. I have checked the price on line and see Milletts have these on offer for £54.99 although you will have to pay postage. I recommend you try a pair on before buying and ensure you take the socks you like to walk in with you!

I can't recommend these shoes highly enough!

Summary: Merrell walking shoes