Footwear manufacturers Merrell have a new multi-sport range out this spring. It's made up of trail shoes (below) for all round outdoor use, so they wouldn't fit the bill on particularly rough ground, but should be a good option for summer hill walking when the weather isn't too gnarly. Merrell certainly reckon they're pretty irresistible if the name's anything to go by - the 'Sirens'.
Just one drawback, or advantage, depending on your gender - these are all women's trail shoes so there won't be any size thirteens out there. Sounds good to us, as the existing choice of women's footwear is smaller than the men's and a bit of extra variety does no harm.
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| Merrell Siren Ventilator |
Merrell Siren Sport |
Technical features include a Vibram sole, full grain leather upper and rubber bumpers at toe and heel. They also use Merrell's own Q Form Alignment System, a triple density midsole that varies in stiffness across the foot. The idea is that the denser areas redirect and centralise weight, to counter any over-correction as you walk. This is a common problem for female walkers so the system is common to all Merrell's women's-specific shoes.
The lightweight Siren Sport and Siren Ventilator retail at £60 while the sturdier Siren Ventilator Mid and Siren Ventilator Mid Waterproof are going for £80. Full details at www.merrell.com.
