Everyday Shoes from Outdoor Brands

I love being outdoors and know for sure that when you’re enjoying the countryside what you need is something decent on your feet to make getting around nice and comfortable. I lean towards decent outdoors footwear brands such as Merrell, KEEN, The North Face and Salomon (to name just a few – I’m not fussy as long as it’s decent). But as I can’t be in hiking boots or technical walking shoes all the time, it’s great to see that many of these outdoor-focussed footwear companies are catering for more everyday shoes too – and they’re becoming very wearable.

I have recently treated myself to these Whisper Flush flats from Merrell. You can’t get much more “everyday” really – flat black leather shoes with a decent sole; very sensible! A bit of detail in the leather work and stitching means they are not plain by any means, and are the sort of thing I will live in once it’s a bit too warm for my Dr Martens.

They have some of the features you expect from Merrell’s more technical range, too. The M Select Fresh odour control should keep the leather lining fresh, M Select Move foot-bed should keep my feet comfortable with or without socks, and the M Select GRIP providing durable traction that grips when and where you need it.  Hopefully all these things mean I will be as happy when on my feet for a day at work as I am on my feet for a day in the countryside.

What do you think? Do you like my new Merrells? Do you look at outdoor brands when you need new everyday shoes?