So my favorite show in the world is the Merrell MOC, “jungle color”:

I got my first pair right outside of GenCon (a gaming convention) a couple years back, and have worn them for everything from work, to walking, to hikes, to even running. They just are so much more comfortable, and offer even more support than running shoes. Anyway, mine are now worn to the point that they’re falling apart.

They’re size 10, but when I got a similar paid but a slightly different model on eBay in size 10, it turns out that they were too small. My foot is about 10.5-11, it turns out. Crazy thing is, for all other model of Merrell shoes, 10.5 will fit me, but for this model alone, size 10 is the better fit. So to make sure I didn’t screw up again, I decided to try out some Mocs (as well as look for sandals, as my old 5-year pair are falling apart too) at the local department store before Orie and I went out for dinner.

Turns out that my confirmation was correct: For all shoes, my size is size 10.5, even with other Merell shoes. But for this MOC style, my size is 10 or my foot slides around inside. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the Jungle color, just the black color which looks too hot to wear in NC. So I decided to try on some sandals.

I asked to try on two different models, and the rep came back with those models plus a third: “I don’t know if you saw, but we also have ECCO sandals. Here’s a pair.” OK, sure, the guy was trying to make a buck by offering a sandal that was twice the price that I was looking at. However, after last summer (see my Gatlinburg posts) and trying on dozens of brands and styles of hiking boot, the Swiss brand ECCO was the best, most comfortable yet sturdy fit, and the boots I bought, while a bit pricey, are the best pair of boots that I ever owned. I beat the hell out of them in the last few months and they are still pristine and fit like a glove without having to break them in over years like Timberlands.

ECCO made sandals? I had no idea. So I slid one on… It was like stepping into Foot Sex. I’ve worn sandals since I was 14 or so, probably had at about 7 pairs at some point or other in my life. These were hands down the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever worn. I had no choice but to pick them up there rather than price-hunt on eBay: The salesman totally nailed that sale, and I saluted him with that purchase.

Today I went on a brief hike with Orie: A few mile circle over at Umstead park on some worn but solid trails (I didn’t want to do anything crazy without ankle support) to see if they needed any “breaking in”. Nope, walking around in them felt like walking around in 4-year-old sneakers. They were again a bit pricey, but worth it. Crafted sandals like these will last me years.

Other news: Went to the Fondue Restaurant near my house for the first time (”The Melting Pot”). It was a lot better than I expected, but I think for the price it’s definitely a “once a year” kind of place. The other day I had the Korean BBQ set with my coworker-friend Steve at the Other Korean Place near work, and that was awesome.

I think in a bit I’ll have to categorize my local restaurant experiences so that my friends can keep in the know for what is good in the area.