Muzzles for my barking dogs: the Merrell Siren Sport
My rheumatoid arthritis is currently flaring, causing the ol' dogs to bark sun-up to sun-down. My right ankle, which has never been affected by RA before, is suddenly acting up along with the metatarsals in both feet. I'm limping to compensate for the ankle pain causing my left knee to take on more weight--even my most comfortable shoes (Naot, Wolky and Birkenstock) can't bring relief like they usually do. Between taming my thyroid issues, treating the pain of RA, and keeping up with my warp-speed toddler, I feel like I'm barely winning (but winning nonetheless) at a day-in, day-out game of Whack-A-Mole.
My new shoes couldn't have arrived at a better time. Mitch from Richard York Shoes in Southampton, New York (@shoedawg on Twitter), graciously sent me a pair of my all-time favorite kicks, the Merrell Siren Sport. I had to put my old pair down after four years; a sad day, as I had literally worn the life out of them. What's so special about these comfortable shoes?
- Excellent fit. I have a medium width foot with a wider forefoot (bunions) and narrower heel. The Merrell Siren Sport never pinches toes when I walk thanks to the roomy toe box. I'm wearing them as I type and wiggling my toes to prove my point. I recommend the Siren Sport for medium to slightly wide widths. I wear between a 9.5-10 and the 10 works best for me: a little extra room for socks and swollen feet but no heel slippage.
- Comfort technologies. The Q-Form™ Alignment System of the footframe promotes healthy alignment for women. I don't know how they do it, but my ankle pain subsides and my knees feel relatively normal when I walk in my Siren Sports. If you suffer from ankle, knee or hip problems, try a pair of Merrell shoes with the patented Q-Form™ Alignment System and see if you feel a difference compared to your other fitness/walking shoes.
- Arch support. While I don't think these were designed to accommodate an orthotic, the footbed is removable. I've read customer comments stating to order up a half size to you plan to use your own orthotics. However, I find the built-in arch support to be just what I need for my fairly high arches.
- Breathable mesh. I like shoes that breathe in the summertime for obvious reasons.
- Nice-looking shoe. I ordered the brindle with coral accents and laces, but there are eight color combos from which to choose.
- Traction: The Siren Sport is a trail shoe. You won't be slipping around with it's multi-layered rugged Vibram sole. You'll still love the shoe even if you don't hike, it's not clunky and is very lightweight.
Where to buy the Merrell Siren Sport:
- Richard York Shoes: if you're in the Long Island, NY area, stop in and browse the wide selection of comfort shoes from Merrell to Alegria to Dansko and get excellent customer service.
- Zappos: $90, free shipping both ways.
- OnlineShoes.com: $89.95, free shipping and exchanges.
- PlanetShoes.com: $90, free shipping and returns.
