Mion Slacktide Review

FlashBack Friday

My Own Mions

So, why would I buy a pair of seemingly “rubber Croc-like clogs” when I have been so adamantly frustrated by the brand Croc's? First off, Mion clogs ARE NOT a Croc's knock off! They are superior in every way if you pay any attention to detail.

My “beef” with Crocs has nothing to do with their styling or inexpensive price point. My concern has to do with how people use them and overrate them. Croc's were designed to be ultra light weight loose fitting clogs that you throw on to water your garden, bring in the mail, lounge around your boat or pool NOT work 12 hour shifts in a hospital or kitchen setting. They do have great cushioning and lots of space for your toes but the looseness and squishy-ness do not support the feet and body the way a serious work shoe ought to. I do not recommend this kind of usage over the long run.

Returning to the Mion's, I know that they have specific arch support and actual adjustment, so if you have a medium to narrower foot they are more fit-friendly. The non-skid outsoles are siped for extra great grip. They are one of my favorite shoes to knock about in and their unique styling add a sense of fun. My Mom has a great collection of Mion's. The artist in her adores the fun colors and patterns and her feet like the arch support, cushy heel-cup and toe protection they provide when she is teaching her 1-2 hour art classes. We were both sad to hear that Martin Keen's (yes, the same guy that created Keen footwear) Mion venture was short-lived as we love our Mion's and get asked about them all the time. If you happen to find a pair on clearance grab 'em and say see ya later alligator to your “Crocs”!

Since Mion`s are no longer made :( you may only luck out finding a pair on ebay otherwise you will just have to envy mine :)

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Whole sizes in the Ebbtide and Slacktide models. The Slacktide has a flip flop toe grip and the Ebbtide does not thus making them sock friendly. Both styles have great adjustment over the instep allowing a great fit for most foot shapes. If you are between sizes, opt for the larger size to avoid your toes bumping the end creating callouses. Both Mion's and Crocs should be avoided if you have weak ankles.