Kit review: Merrell Mimosa Bright shoes
My walking shoe tester, my Auntie P, is thoroughly enjoying her senior years. Still in great health and very active even in her 80s she spends a lot of time travelling and pursuing her hobbies. She also walks a fair amount although, as she told me: “Nothing like your kind of walking. I like lower-level trail walks and in nicer weather.”
She asked me if I could recommend a pair of walking shoes. Her criteria included:
- Lightweight
- Not too “clumpy” looking
- Good grip
- Stylish
- Suitable for long, narrow feet (now I know where I get my long, narrow feet from!)
- Comfortable.
- And waterproof (if possible).
My first thought was Merrell. I like Merrell off-road barefoot trainers. They are lightweight and have a natural feel. But I worried that the barefoot range might be a bit too bright an colourful for Auntie P.
What I didn’t realise is that Merrell also do a lovely range of women’s hiking shoes and casual shoes. Auntie P felt the hiking shoes were a bit on the “clumpy” side for her but she loved the look of the causal shoes, especially the Merrell Mimosa Bright in the black.
However, even if a shoe looks good it doesn’t mean it will feel good when you put it on. Thankfully, the Mimosa felt “so, so comfortable” the minute that Auntie P slipped her long (size UK 7) feet inside the shoes.
She called me to tell me of her delight: “I just didn’t know that these kind of walking shoes existed. I’ve never seen them before. I had no idea that shoes for walking could be so comfortable, too.
“They fit really well and they feel immediately right. I have been walking about in them and there are no rubs or sore bits. They are not too tight, nor too loose. I am looking forward to taking these to Aberdeen for a holiday that I have coming up.”
On test: Merrell Mimosa Bright walking shoes
“The shoes are also attractive in appearance and I felt smart wearing them with either jeans or smarter trousers and, of course, cut-offs in warmer weather.
“What a great pair of walking shoes and I am so pleased I discovered them.”
Merrell Mimosa: The finer details
Upper:
- Nubuck, pig suede leather and mesh upper
- Breathable mesh lining
- M-Select FRESH naturally prevents odour before it starts for fresh smelling feet
Mid and outer sole:
- M-Select MOVE foot frame gives a combination of natural flex, contoured support and performance cushioning for all-day comfort
- Moulded nylon arch shank
- Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- M-Select GRIP tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it
Sizes: UK3.5 to 8.5.
Weight: 255g
Price: £68 to £85 at Merrell.