The Shoes of Summer - Merrell Calafina

May 29th, 2008 Wade

Summer is a time when the sun beats down on you and you sweat all over. It’s also a time that you can break out your “summer shoes” so your dogs don’t get all soggy and stinky. Summer shoes are fun, they can be flops, sandals, ventilated runners, water shoes, clogs, and on and on.

So over the next few weeks Outdoorzy will be reviewing some of the coolest shoes out this summer. We’ve been running, hiking, fishing, swimming, paddling, and lounging so we can provide you with the 411 you need to keep those ugly things on the bottom of your legs as comfortable as possible as the heat comes on.

Starting us off, the Merrell Calafina.

I had the pleasure of testing these casual flip flops out myself over the past few weeks. I spent one week on the AT wearing gore-tex-ified boots that kept my feet fairly warm all day. I had to wear socks at night to keep my feet warm in the chill of the higher elevations, so when I returned to civilization i slipped these guys on so my feet could breathe. I don’t normally wear flip flops, I’m a sandals guy, but these were a good transition for someone who likes sandals. The suede leather sole provides some grip to prevent slippage. The leather on the strap that crosses the top of your foot is padded and comfy. And the bottom of the shoe is a Vibram, and we all know what that means… well if you don’t, it means that they won’t be slipping on any wet surfaces. Spilled your margarita at the pool? No problem, keep walkin like nothing happened. (then be sad later cuz margaritas are pricey).

The Calafina has an elevated heal, so if you have a Napoleon complex don’t worry, you have an extra inch on people. If your Chacos are muddy from the river, and you need to throw something on to go to the bonfire this weekend, the Calafina would be my recommendation. They retail for $50, but heck you’ll be looking like Magnum PI and the ladies still love that, no matter how young they are.

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