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Kit review: Merrell Mimosa Bright shoes

Written by Fiona October 30 2014

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.”

Screen Shot 2014-10-28 at 11.52.58She 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

Auntie P reports: “I have found the shoes to be very, very comfortable. Lightweight yet very supportive.”They have been suitable on most terrains, including footpaths, both grass and shingle. Even on cobbles, and there are a lot of those when walking about castle and gardens in Scotland and France, I have had no fear of slipping over.

“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.

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