The summer solstice has arrived, meaning the return of brighter mornings and lighter evenings. With the sunshine finally making an appearance, many of us are planning activity-filled weekends and trips abroad that will more than likely include a good long hike or walk starting early – and for that you need a pair of decent, comfortable shoes.
While a good quality pair will often set you back over £100, fashion fans are ditching their trainers for a pair of shoes from outdoor clothing brand Merrell that has been reduced by £36 in its sale – and they’re said to be so comfortable, people ‘won’t take them off’. The Women’s Antora 3 comes in a selection of colours – although our favourite is willow/fondant shade with the lilac hue and speckled cream sole, which is available in sizes 3.5 to 8.5.
With a soft, responsive midsole that has been created with FloatPro Foam pods under the heel and forefoot for ample cushioning, it’s no wonder this trail running shoe is a best-seller. It’s also a firm favourite amongst sporty folk and fashion enthusiasts alike.
Being incredibly comfortable and stylish, one shopper can’t stop wearing them and said: “These are so very comfortable I have found that I want to wear them everywhere and not just hiking which is what I bought them for.”
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Another uses them for both outdoor activities and as a work shoe as a nurse and said that these shoes stifle any foot and leg pain. They explained: “I took my Antora 3s to work. I work as a nurse on a behavioural health unit for geriatric patients located in a hospital. I was able to keep working with any foot or leg pain. I have three different types of Merrell’s now and this is my favourite. The toe is boxy with lots of wiggle room.”
Others have cited them as the perfect travel shoes that have kept their feet happy on treks around new cities and locations with varying terrain, with one saying: “Very comfortable lightweight sneakers. Took them on holiday that had our group on walking tours every day. Happy I had my Merrells.”
One epic detail that is commented on a lot in the glowing reviews is that the shoes need no breaking in and are immediately comfortable – so much so shoppers have been stocking up and ditching their regular HOKA’s for them.
With a composition that includes breathable mesh and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) around the foot, the shoes are perfect for your summer adventures be that hiking up the Snowdonia National Park or strolling around your local nature reserve – and they’re great for the more outdoor sporty types whose hobbies aren’t limited to a hike on the coast or countryside as the ‘Vibram® TC5+ outsole provides exceptional traction for outdoor multi-sport activities’. Plus, it’s been designed with Super Rebound Compound midsole support to provide ample shock absorption which helps to reduce torque (in simple terms the turning or twisting force used to complete an activity like running).
While the vast majority of shoppers love the shoes for their comfort level and brilliant support for hours on end, some shoppers have said that the shoes are “not for people with high arches” and it left their feet feeling rather sore, so keep that in mind when shopping if your feet fall into this bracket. Others have said they run larger than your normal size too.
The discount on these shoes is just one of a bunch of reductions on the Merrell site that sees the likes of mens and womens shoes, running gear, raincoats and jackets reduced by up to 40% – great for those of us who are looking to stock up on weather appropriate outdoor wear ahead of the summer because, let’s face it, the British summer guarantees regular downpours but why should that stop you from adventuring.
Merrell isn’t the only outerwear brands that’s getting people ready for summer activities as Columbia’s sale sees raincoats, active wear and hiking shoes – like these Women’s Facet™ 75 Outdry™ Waterproof Hiking Shoe, now £100 down from £125 – on sale.