I write this on March 15, 2013. In November 2011, as I was preparing for my year’s travel, I visited a favorite cousin, who happened to work at a respected sporting goods store. At the time, I had no idea where I would begin my year out of the US, nor where I might end up. (I only knew I would stay away only for year due to a promise to my nieces that I would not stay away longer.)
I had carefully picked out a pair of Aerosoles * as my all-around travel shoe, but my cousin looked at them, pointed out that they would not provide support and that I would want or should have a good hiking shoe for both hiking and long walks.
My hiking boot choice — Merrell Jungle Moc Shoes. Pictured are my color, Gunsmoke. But I would have gotten Taupe if they were in stock at the time.
I was 100% opposed to taking hiking boots when I had to fit everything I required for the year into one backpack — and refused to expand that backpack. Happily, as we shopped together, I found the Merrell Jungle Moc Shoes.
I love these shoe-boots and easily recommend them for travelers.
They are shoes — but with the benefit of boot-like traction for hiking.
They looked fine with my nice, skinny jeans. And well, with dresses… well, every backpacker just does it even though we wouldn’t do it back home.
One description I found as I write this today says they are water-resistant. I was told they weren’t waterproof so I bought water-proofing and coated them well before wearing.
I walked miles in these and I walked miles in plastic beach shoes — and as a traveler you’ll do both as well. But you’ll want a comfy good walking shoe at times. If you don’t get these, get a pair of great sandals with an ankle strap that can grip and handle walks. Or perhaps sneakers that have traction. (Merrill has some. You know I just had to look.)
Merrill.com says: “Lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial solution.” I didn’t recall this, but I can report that after over a year, they don’t smell. There were times I put them in a plastic bag for transit and kept them in that bag for weeks at a time. They never smelled.
Their weight is reported at 1 lb. 6 ozs. That’s why they are the shoes I wore as I carried my backpack when going by boat, bus or train to a new place. You were your heaviest shoes to carry the least weight.
Some of you will recall that in July I posted that I regretted not getting one particular pair of Merrill sandals for the trip. For me, dressy-but-comfy sandals like those Merrills and these shoes or a good sneaker would have been sufficient.
*I must give proper credit to Aerosoles and their NYC sales staff. When I asked for the lightest shoe, they pointed out that I should select a thicker-soled shoe and there were, indeed, two similar styles that would have provided more cushioning and support. However, I wanted the lightest, smallest-space-taking shoe. I don’t regret my selection. (And need to do a post on that as well.)