Mocs rock - What's new? Holiday gifts galore - Merrell's Orbit Moc boots - Product/Service Evaluation

* Even as a kid, we always loved nasty weather, especially those raw, rainy days of winter and early spring that have people shivering at bus stops, train stations, taxi stands, or wherever else they might be stuck outside. When the neighborhood mothers organized a car pool to school for such days, we inevitably took a pass. "No thanks," was our blithe reply. "It's a great day to walk." Trouble was, we had to wear clunky boots or, worse, galoshes. Otherwise, our fate was an uncomfortable day at school with wet feet.

While the world is busy hailing the computer revolution, we've opted to celebrate a more-worthy cause. Can you believe how far outdoor footwear has come in the last five years? One of the leaders of this vital revolution for comfort is Merrell, Rockford, Mich., the company that pioneered the "affersport" category--in other words, those easy-to-slip-on mocs and slides. Personally, we've always felt that slides are a little too Pennsylvania Dutch for our taste, but we're obviously in the minority on that count, as one look around the mall, supermarket, or after-school events will attest. People wearing slides seemingly are everywhere. Still, this family is sticking to its guns and staying with mocs. Almost every member selected Merrell's Orbit Moc; there was one vote for the Jungle Moc. (The most-recent addition had no say, but he looks pretty satisfied with My First Merrells. Designed for infants three to six months old, My First Merrells, $25, have a soft pigskin upper, removable foam footbed, and rearfoot hook and loop closure system.)

The adult Orbit Moc ($110) for men and women has waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex construction, air-cushion midsole, and a flying V-tread giving it bur-season, all-condition capability. The Orbit Moc for kids ($45) is an all-weather shoe designed for use in every type of condition, a must when worn by active children. The great appeal, though, is the mesh/lycra/neoprene four-way stretch ankle gasket--which is a complicated way of saying they slip on and off easily. The Jungle Moc for kids ($40), while just as comfortable and durable as the Orbits, don't go on quite as conveniently. However, that proved a perfect excuse to introduce our son to the wonders of the shoehorn, which he will gladly explain in detail to anyone who asks.

For the nearest retailer that carries Merrell Performance Footwear, log onto www.merrellboot.com.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers

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