MerrellBoys Jungle MocRunning

I am a Mom of two boys, 3.5 years apart. One is now 12 years old in a man’s size 10W and the youngest is 9 in a youth size 3W. I have purchased two pairs of these in brown and black since my oldest started school in 2014, starting at about size 1 youth. More often than not I am able to save the older son’s outgrown Jungle Mocs for my younger son. We have only had to replace a few pairs of the lighter tan colors, as they do tend to show stains more. The black are generally passed on to the youngest still looking brand new. I have even gotten away with hand washing them in the sink and air drying them with paper towels stuffed in them to ensure they keep their shape on the rare chance they can’t resist a mud puddle. I am amazed at some of the bad reviews these get, because these shoes hold up for multiple boys with some very basic care. First, always waterproof any suede footwear with 2-3 coats of Camp Dry spray before you let your young man wear them. Do that 2-3 times a year. A suede brush and a damp washcloth goes a long way at keeping daily dirt and grime off. Teach your little men to not drag their toes to stop while riding a scooter, bike, swinging on a swing, etc…point out how that habit destroys even the most sturdy shoes. Inspect their shoes often and snip or burn off any loose threads before your sweet boy can’t resist tugging on one while trying to sit still in class. Always purchase at least two pairs of shoes for your kiddos; it’s not healthy for their feet, or the longevity of their shoe, to wear the same pair everyday. Feet sweat a lot, and a shoe will last longer if you rotate between two pairs, and allow one to dry out for 24 hours. Always wear socks and a shot of Lysol weekly keeps them sanitary and stink free. Purchase a shoe sizer and make sure you are buying the right size and width; try to resist buying big for grow room. These Jungle Mocs have outlasted my two very active boys and been passed on to younger cousins with this basic care. These are truly bullet proof boys school shoes for us, and we haven’t had a P.E. teacher complain yet, that they aren’t supportive enough for running and exercising.

Purchased for my kiddo to wear to school some days to give his other shoes a break. He won’t wear anything else now, to the point where it’s ridiculous. They’re great shoes, probably not meant to wear with athletic shorts and a tank top, but there you have it. All he wears.

The shoe is nice looking. It fits well but feels a little stiff at first. I fell it is necessary to use a shoe horn so that the back of the shoe doesn't get broken down. I am an adult with a small foot, so I may be more sensitive to that than kids would be.

after a year of daily use, they still fit well, sole seals are still tight. There is extensive wear on the suede covering but as work shoes, they are still viable. I would purchase again.

For the last decade or so I have worn several pairs of these. Usually need to add additional insole because I work on cement floor all day and my feet hurt. It should not be needed if you are not walking all day. Very comfortable!