User Review: Mion Flood Tide

Mion Flood Tide
Above: The current Flood Tide, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed September 6, 2006 by Mark Sachs

Rating:
Materials: rubber material of some kind
Use: many; kayaking, walking, poolside, stability on wet surfaces.
Break-in Period: 12 hours for the footbed
Weight: 13-14 ozs.
Price Paid: List Price

The first to write a review - why sure I'll take a shot at it! I am not a writer by trade, which will soon become evident as you read my review - but I do know what feels good on my feet.

Last month I was looking for a shoe that I could use whether in my kayak or walking my dog. Since I don't own a lot of shoes and am certainly rough on the ones I do own, I was looking for a stout shoe that could serve multiple functions. As someone who has difficulty with the sure-footedness of a typical flip-flop, I love the security of a shoe that bestows confidence with each step, regardless of the terrain. The Mion seems to address these needs very well. Whether on dry land, wet land or the inside of a kayak, the shoe provides excellent traction.

The shoes' liquid flowing, trek design also raises a lot of eye-brows. It's an incredibly clever design, melding an awesome footbed (w/memory), a unique lacing system all tied to a killer sandal-like molding. I'm intentionally sparring you a lot of very special trademarked descriptions for the technologies used in the Mion, bottom-line it's a very comfortable, breathable shoe that becomes 'one' with your foot.

In the last couple days I wore them while pressure washing my deck. After 8 hours of continuous water, and constant movement, my feet felt great and I never wavered in my stance. This is up and down ladders, stairs, kneeling and standing. Another nice mentionable is the fact that the front of the Mion protects your toes. For me that meant no stubbed toes or splinters, which is a definite plus.

Just today I was wearing my Mions, while picking up my daughter from swimming practice at the high school. While 'on deck' at the pool I had three 'swim moms' ask me about my shoes. They told me I looked very stylish. One of them even wanted me to let her try on my Mion’s, which I did. They were a hit, look out crocs!