Design: Merrell Hiking Shoes
Illustration by Nicole Bush
What are these shoes?
Merrill Siren Sync Mint Hiking shoes
When did you buy them and where—location/store?
Bought in the spring of 2010, from Playmakers, by my mom
What were they initially purchased for?
I initially got these because I was going to be studying abroad in Austria that summer, and everyone told me that if I wore running shoes, I'd stick out like a tacky American.
How did you pick them out?
I'm pretty sure I just told the associate that I wanted shoes that were good to walk around in, but weren't running shoes. She brought them out, I tried them out, and said, "Eh, these seem fine." I liked that they were green (my favorite color).
What was on your mind while deciding which shoe?
I kept thinking, what're the least American-looking shoes I can find? It didn't hurt that they were the color of a mossy forest and reminded me of Robin Hood and Indiana Jones and other green-brown-colored adventures.
What made you choose this one?
Mainly the color. But I have super long, narrow feet so these were the only ones that fit right and made me look like a Wood Elf instead of a clown.
Where has this shoe been?
These shoes have been to Austria, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Sweden, Norway, Moldova, Kosovo, Turkey, Iceland, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, England, and a vast majority of the National Parks west of the Mississippi.
What was the most memorable adventure/experience you had in this shoe?
Too many memorable adventures!! From their very first hike around the Matterhorn in Switzerland, to the cobbled streets of Paris, to the frozen ice of a woodland lake near the homestead of my Swedish ancestors, to uncountable treks through the Slovak mountains....I don't think I can choose a "most" memorable. So much of my life from 2010-2020 has been lived in these shoes, and they're still the only shoes I wear whenever I travel.
The longest amount of time spent in this shoe and where?
The longest stretch of time I've worn them is probably two days straight when I was trying to get back to the US from Kosovo. The American southwest and northwest trips I've taken with my brother and old college roommate are close seconds.
The first adventure in it?
First adventure: Hiking around the Matterhorn in Switzerland with a college friend who has become one of my best friends since that trip.
Last adventure in it?
Last adventure: Hiking the Boulder-Skyline TRAverse with my old college teammate Nicole back in October :)
What do you love about this shoe?
They're discreet, but sturdy. I love that they make me even taller (I already stand at 5' 11"). They're the color of dust and trees and I feel more confident whenever I wear them....they sort of embody my childhood persona of Lady Em, cousin to the Queen of the imaginary woodland kingdom of Benselot, and General of its armies. I like to imagine that I have my bow strapped to my back as I walk in them, and that I'm mounting my steed whenever I get into a car. I walk differently in them...they're dirty and ragged with use but I feel like an explorer in them.
What don't you like about it?
These shoes don't have the best ventilation...but I don't sweat very much, so I guess I can live with that.
How many miles would you estimate are on this shoe?
At least a thousand.
Is it being retired?
These shoes have gotten so beat-up over the years, I probably should retire them. The right one is developing a hole in the toe area. But new shoes are expensive....and I haven't seen any new shoes that are quite this color.
Write a short note to this shoe?
Shoe, you’re the best.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Whatever I eventually get to replace these will have a lot to live up to. They'll have--quite literally--some big shoes to fill. Until that time, I shall continue to pair them with my skinny jeans and stride over mountain and glen like the elvish creature that I am until they fall apart at the seams.
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