I went shoe shopping a few days ago and tried on about 5 different kinds of Merrell lightweight mid hikers. They ranged in price from $90-$130 and none of them were worth more than $40 at the most. Seems there's very little difference between them now and no-name cheapo shoes.

I am disappointed how the quality of these shoes has fallen in the past 4-5 years. I really can't recommend them anymore, and I'm a little peeved that yet another company that made a good product that I really liked has decided to cash in on the goodwill and patronage that devoted customers like myself have given them over the years.

The sales person mentioned that most shoe makers expect you'll buy aftermarket insoles. If I am going to do that I think I can get by with a lot cheaper shoe. Since I already bought some insoles I dug up an old pair of Merrells I hadn't tossed and I'll wear them until hiking season starts in Autumn and then go buy something.