Gelert walking shoes from Sport Direct

cajef

forgotmyname wrote: »

I used to buy the Merrel? Mid hiking boots for everyday wear.

Then one day i picked them up and thought that feels light, checked the size and yep right size. Then started checking them. All the padding had gone. Utter junk, seems they were bought out/taken over around that time and now rubbish.

We have had several pairs of Merrell Goretex walking shoes with Vibram soles over the years and have not noticed any change in the quality, both myself and my OH have them now and they are used regularly on the Cornish coastal paths.

comeandgo

forgotmyname wrote: »

I used to buy the Merrel? Mid hiking boots for everyday wear. I would just go in and buy the same item each time no need to try them on.

Then one day i picked them up and thought that feels light, checked the size and yep right size. Then started checking them. All the padding had gone. Utter junk, seems they were bought out/taken over around that time and now rubbish.

..

Totally disagree with above regarding Merrell, who took them over?

They are a very responsible decent company with good footwear. Many long distant walkers, myself included, need lightweight items and companies now recognise this. If you prefer heavier boots with lots of padding then I'm sure another of their styles would suit you.

knightstyle

I think what has happened is that Merrel now make a cheaper range for shops like Sports Direct.
Lee Cooper jeans did the same, you couldn't buy the cheap range anywhere but the discount stores.

DCFC79

comeandgo wrote: »

Totally disagree with above regarding Merrell, who took them over?

1997 was when the company was bought by Wolverine world wide.

comeandgo

DCFC79 wrote: »

1997 was when the company was bought by Wolverine world wide.

Yes, I knew that but they still own them, and that was twenty years ago.