Shopping Writer Meghan has recently swapped her previously sworn-by Nike trainers for Merrell’s hiking shoes as she says ‘they’re so much more practical and comfortable’
Any dog owner will know, especially those with energetic breeds like my springer spaniel, that taking them on walks can get messy, especially during winter. But to get them their proper exercise and let them have a fun run-around, dog owners often have to walk in muddy and wet areas with unstable terrain to ensure their pooch has a fun time. This is something I have to cope with daily.
Living in a fairly rural part of Cornwall, I’m surrounded by beaches, coastal paths, nature trails, and woodlands where my dog (Monty) loves running, getting dirty, and chasing leaves. Though I am always happy to take my dog to his favourite places so he can have fun exercising, this regularly means I come home with damp and cold feet, with my Nike shoes lagged in mud, clay, and other nasty things you might find on the woodland floor.
As you can imagine, I’ve always been looking for sturdy, comfy, and durable shoes that can see me through any walk with my dog without leaving my toes wet, freezing, or sore. That’s where Merrell comes in.
‘I made frozen daiquiris with Ninja’s new slushy maker and it was surprisingly easy’
Fashion lovers race to buy new M&S trench coat loved by Claudia Winkleman
I got my hands on a pair of Merrell’s Moab Speed 2 Vent 2K trainers, now my go-to for walking the dog anywhere. These shoes are an innovation of the archival Moab from Merrell, as they are updated for various terrains. Boasting a breathable mesh upper that prevents your feet from getting too snug, these shoes are super breathable without letting in the chill – which will come in handy during the warmer months.
These shoes are equipped with protective and abrasion-resistant rubber heels, toe caps, and a rock plate for protection, making them ideal for any rocky obstacles or rough landscapes. They keep your feet safe and supported throughout a short walk or a long hike.
They also come with a 50% recycled removable EVA foam footbed and FloatPro™ Foam midsoles, which add serious comfort for extended lengths of time—I walked for over an hour in these shoes and didn’t feel any discomfort or that my feet ached afterwards. With that being said, these are super lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re being weighed down as you stroll, which is really useful on longer walks.
My new trainers also feature Vibram TC5+ outsoles, which provide much-needed and impressive traction, so these are my new go-to for outdoor activities, especially during wet weather. And for bonus points, these trainers are Cleansport NXT™ treated for natural odour control, so you don’t have to fear any smelly foot scents left on the shoes after your latest dog walk.
These shoes retail for £115 and are currently out of stock in several sizes, so you’ll need to act fast to get the exact shoes I now swear by for taking my four-legged friend out, come rain or shine.
If you’re keen on getting a great alternative to my new shoes, check out Merrell’s Moab Speed 2, which are a new and improved generation of hiking shoes. Merrell has paired the knowledge and trail insights from the best-selling hiking boot to create the Moab, implementing the latest innovations from athletic hikers across the globe. These retail for £125 and are currently available in all sizes.
For further alternatives, check out these Women’s Expeditor Trek 2.0 from Berghaus for £130 or these Terrex Hiking Shoes from Adidas for £71.50.
