[pct-l] shoes

[jim@rollercoaster.com (Jim Serio)]

> I've been using the Merrell Red Desert.  I kinda have a love-hate relationship w/ em.
> 

Speaking of Merrell's, I happen to be at REI this weekend still searching
for shoes (I have wide feet and the 803's (and 804's) are just too narrow,
especially since I've had ingrown toe nail problems for 10+ years. I have
a pair of 702's that I love but they have moved to the 703s which seem a 
little tighter. They are my backup shoe though.

In any case, I noticed a new pair of Merrell's called the Shoreline. They
appear to be made of neoprene, are about 1.5lb per pair and are touted 
as being very breathable. the literature mentions they are for trail runners
who are in and out of water all day. I tried them on and they were very
comfortable but I have a few concerns abotu them:

1.) There really is no toung. These shoes are sort of like water socks or 
slippers. You slip your feet into them. Because of this flexibe nature, I'd
be concerns of it wearing (stretching) out rather quickly.

2.) The lace is like a rubber band with and you tighten it like you
would a stuff sack. Since the shoes are pretty elastic you don't need
too much tightening, but again, I'd be worried about the material eventually
stretching out to the point they fit too loose.

3.) Due to #2 above, I fear that your foot is not restrained anough from
moving forward during descents. I tested this a little at the store and
my toes jammed into the front of the shoe.

Needless to say, I bought a pair to try out for a few days. If anyone else has
seen/tested these I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Jim