If anything has really changed over the years it’s been my opportunities to be able to do the things I love. In college I headed the environmental organization that took to trekking Taal and Majayjay Mountains in Laguna to replant trees, kayaking, and "camping" in Makiling (I say "camping" because we actually had a house up there in the mountains). After graduation I joined the Planet Rock wall climbing team, finally took up martial arts with one of the most knowledgeable groups in the Philippines, Bakbakan International, explored the underwater world with the professional divers of Adventure Bound, and even tried my hand at adventure racing.
It has, indeed, been quite a thrilling ride. Don’t get me wrong – I’m far from female iron athletes like Gameplan’s Akiko Thompson or Tricia Chiongbian. I’d probably faint if I even attempted to do a real triathlon (I barely made it through a baby one and during the 10K run I thought my lungs would burst!). I still enjoy thinking about possibly going caving or kite boarding in the future and in the present I enjoy my share of martial arts, scuba diving, and the rowing machine at the gym. I think I can safely say – iron athlete aside – I am a typical outdoors person!
And of course, coupled with the love for the great outdoors (above and – even more so – below the sea) is a love for any equipment that can take me from my house to the mountains in a snap! I’ve actually only recently been more particular about the outdoor shoes I buy or the backpacks I purchase. I have friends who are far more knowledgeable in such matters and have taken to guiding me through the several brands that claim to be the "best" mountaineering shoes or the "sturdiest" backpack on the market. One of the earliest pair of outdoor shoes I bought were after an adventure race on the suggestion of a fellow female racer – they were a pair of blue and gray Merrell Mesa Ventillators and from the moment I put them on my feet, I was in love.
Doing a little more research I discovered that Merrell is indeed well-known in the outdoor community. Known for providing quality shoes and sandals for any sport or outdoor endeavor Merrell is dedicated to the outdoor journey of discovery – the search for self-knowledge, meaning, friendship, and fulfillment that links the world’s people who enjoy the outdoors. Beginning in the mountains of Utah and now trekking the world over, Merrell has been providing outdoor enthusiasts with quality and performance footwear for the past 20 years. And not only are their pieces reliable and functional but they’re comfortable and quite fashionable as well, not to mention up-to-date with consumers’ needs. Starting only specifically in mountain and hiking shoes, Merrell has recognized the changing needs of the outdoor lover and has broadened their scope to include all types of activities and environments – natural and urban. Merrell keeps pace with what it’s coined the "New Outdoors" and continues to evolve.
As a matter of fact, one of their taglines is WHEREVER YOU GO and this hits right on the money. After enjoying my Mesa Ventillators I purchased a pair of blue Super Thongs to take me to the beach and they’re the most athletic and comfortable pair of thongs I’ve owned. Not to be mistaken for the fashionable urban and beachwear flip-flops, Merrell thongs are for those who enjoy light trekking and extreme aquatic sports.
With these two pairs of Merrell shoes residing happily in my closet and still looking brand new after a whole year despite outdoor usage (a living testament to their longevity) a new pair of Merrell shoes have found their way on my feet. Antonette Salvacion of Agatep Associates caught on to my love of anything outdoors and suggested I give a pair of Merrell Rave sandals a try.
Designed especially for women, the Merrell Rave sandals boasts new Merrell technology called QForm which is a way of designing shoes made specifically to fit women. Studies have shown that women move differently from men due to their Q-Angle or Quadriceps’ Angle which is the angle between the hip and knee. Due to wider hips and a lower center of gravity a woman’s Q-Angle is more pronounced. This causes the initial strike of the heel to put pressure that’s concentrated on the outside of the foot. Women compensate for this by putting more weight on the inner foot and this outer foot/inner foot weight contest becomes a cycle that often causes discomfort and pain. QForm professionally combines sequenced cushioning with a supportive and naturally-aligning midsole to erase this weight imbalance thereby making their footwear specially tailored to support the way a woman moves. To be sure the Merrell Rave sandals were ergonometrically designed to fit my foot and cushion my movements.
It’s been over a week now since I first tried the Merrell Raves. What can I say about them? Well, Qform technology aside, I have to admit the Rave sandals are extremely comfortable. I haven’t been hiking or trekking in them yet but I have worn them around the city and even tried running with them and they supported me excellently and kept my feet from hurting. I recommend these good-looking sandals to any female outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable footwear that they can take anywhere… and by that I mean anywhere for these babies aren’t only functional in the forest but they’re nice enough to wear to the mall.
So if you’re in search of quality performance footwear check out Merrell’s large selection of urban and outdoor shoes available in all leading sporting good stores. Or you can check out their website at www.merrell.com.
(On a quick note I’d like to add that I received an e-mail from Veronica Villegas in response to my "Girlosophy" column last week regarding the quote I ended with from Marianne Williamson’s A Return to Love. Apparently, although these words did appear in Ms. Williamson’s work they were originally words of wisdom spoken by Nelson Mandela when he was inaugurated President of South Africa on May 10, 1994. Thanks, Veronica!)