What began in the Green Mountains in Vermont, now roams the world. For more than 26 years, Merrell has been providing outdoor enthusiasts with quality performance footwear.
As the needs of the outdoor enthusiasts have changed, so too has Merrell's approach to addressing those needs. Over time, the concept of "outdoor" has broadened to include all types of activities and environments - both natural and urban. Merrell is driven to keep pace with this evolution of "The New Outdoor," and continues to evolve.
It's been written that what's important is not the destination, but the journey. So join us as we take you through The Merrell Journey - from all-leather hiking boots to plastic telemarking boots to the moc that created the Aftersport category.
The next 26 years? Like every outdoor enthusiast, we will continue to...
Air Cushion Midsole
The patented Merrell Air Cushion Midsole absorbs shock and adds stability. The Air Cushion compresses on heel strike to absorb shock up to four times the body’s weight for unmatched support and comfort. In addition, the Air Cushion creates a pronounced heel cup, which keeps the heel centered in the boot and helps stabilize the foot. In short, it offers the comfort and cushioning of a running shoe, with the stability and control needed for backcountry travel. No bladders or capsules to pop or explode!
Merrell Flex Insole System Technology (F.I.S.T.)
Flex - Six specific grades of flex to precisely match the design requirements of each boot, from stiff mountaineering flex to softer hiking/trail flex.
GORE-TEX®
Merrell uses GORE-TEX® bootie construction in several of our top-of-the-line waterproof hiking boots and shoes. Used in hiking construction for more than 20 years, GORE-TEX® fabric is the best assurance that your boots will provide unbeatable breathable, waterproof performance.
GORE-TEX® XCR, or Extended Comfort Range, footwear suppresses humidity to deliver optimal climate comfort and maximum performance during high-output activities. Highly breathable and durably waterproof, this versatile footwear also extends comfort during warmer seasons to meet the demands of avid adventurers, serious athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts.
As a measure of our confidence in GORE-TEX® footwear performance, Merrell uses GORE-TEX® fabric in both hiking boots and adventure travel shoes. Furthermore, Merrell offers a full one-year guarantee, along with the GORE-TEX® Guaranteed To Keep You Dry satisfaction guarantee, for the waterproof/breathable performance of our GORE-TEX® footwear.
Polartec®
As the inventors of fleece, Polartec revolutionized the market for thermal insulation clothing and accessories. Polartec fabrics provide warmth without the weight and bulk of traditional insulating fabrics. Air pockets on both sides trap body heat, creating thermal insulation. The fabrics breathe (allowing body moisture to pass through), dry quickly, and are non-pilling, outlasting other fleece fabrics. Demanding outdoor enthusiasts prefer garments made from Polartec fabrics. Now the same benefits of Polartec are available in technical footwear.
Thinsulate™ Insulation
What makes Thinsulate insulation so important to cold-weather footwear? Three words: thin, warm and light. Thinsulate insulation has nearly twice the warmth of foam, felt, or pile and is one of the lightest synthetic insulations on the market. Durable and compression resistant, Thinsulate insulation can take a beating and still retain the little pockets of air so important for keeping feet warm. Able to retain warmth when wet – absorbing less than 1% of its weight in water – Thinsulate keeps feet warm even in damp conditions.
200 grams of Thinsulate Insulation is recommended for cool conditions or for high activity levels where the wearer generate/builds a lot of body heat through activity.
400 grams of Thinsulate Ultra Insulation is recommended for cold conditions or moderate activity levels where the wearer generates/builds a normal amount of body heat through activity.
Microban®
Merrell water sandals are built with a compression-molded EVA footframe that contains the added benefits of Microban Product Protection. Microban is an anti-microbial product that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew that cause odor and stains.
Vibram®
Vibram® Sole Capabilities Merrell uses Vibram® soles on more than 75% of its hiking, multi-sport and trail running styles. Merrell/Vibram® soles showcase all of Vibram’s® design capabilities:
- Sharply angled braking studs and an under cut heel for descending.
- Multi-directional, “S”-shaped thrust studs for climbing.
- No lugs in the arch so the foot flexes naturally.
- • Highly slip-resistant “Yellow Label” Trek Compound rubber—the perfect chemical combination for stickiness and abrasion resistance.
Trek AND TC5+ Rubber Compounds
Vibram’s® Trek and TC5+ rubber compounds represent breakthrough technology in grip, stability and abrasion resistance for hikers. Numerous tests in the lab and in the field have confirmed this compound as being the best on the market.
GRIP—Excellent grip on dry and wet ground.
WEAR—The wear resistance of Trek and TC5+ rubber guarantees long life for the sole and its technical features. Abrasion and tear resistance are also excellent.
Behavior at High and Low Temperatures
Trek and TC5+ rubber performs consistently in varied weather conditions, maintaining its original traction and slip resistance in a wide range of temperatures, hot or cold.
Resoleable
You can replace some Vibram® soles when they wear out to extend the life of your boots.
ETC® Anti-Friction Lining
With ETC Lining’s lab-tested and field-proven comfort technology, friction is reduced to almost zero, reducing moisture and heat and bringing comfort and extended wearability to previously unattainable levels. Discomfort (heat plus moisture) is greatly overcome by ETC-On-The-Inside’s Comfort Technology. Etc Linings are designed for high durability, breathability, colorfastness and resistance to deterioration. Etc-On-The-Inside has the lowest coefficient of friction of any lining material available in the world today. Etc Linings also contain antimicrobial protection that provides a 99% deduction in bacteria.