I have been wearing Merrell shoes for 20 years. I fell in love with them because they were impervious to the sloppy, wet winter conditions in Pittsburgh, they had super sticky traction on mud, ice and snow, and they fit great.
Over the years, I noticed some changes. The cushioning, while never super soft, got harder and harder. The insoles seemed to go flat within a year. But still I stuck with them as my go-to walking, hiking and workout shoe.
When I got plantar fasciitis a few years ago, I replaced my minimalist shoes with Merrells.
When it seemed to be flaring up again a few weeks ago, I searched until I found Merrrell workout sneakers that I thought would help.
And then something popped in my right foot and I went down.
A few days and one orthopedic surgeon’s visit later, I went to a running store. I purchased Mizuno and Brooks running shoes and returned the Merrells to Amazon.
I am a brand loyalist. When I find something I like, I’ll stick with it.
Sometimes I get too stuck. Like with Merrell. They served my needs 20 years ago, but have not been ideal for many years. I would have been more comfortable and possibly even healed from injury faster had I explored other brands.
Live and learn.