Merrell Shoes is one company that believes all problems can be solved simply by going outdoors. And 95% of the time, they’re right.

In 1981, Randy Merrel was making handmade cowboy boots in the mountains of Vernal, Utah and decided to try his hand at a hiking boot that fit as comfortably as his cowboy ones.  He wanted to make a boot that fit perfectly in the heel without a slip but had a roomy toe to cut down on blisters and lower the shock delivered to the foot. So, together with Clark Matis and John Schweitzer, he created a hiking boot that perfectly accommodates particular fit of the North American foot. The $500 handcrafted hiking boots have a waiting list of 6 months yet they’re voted “most comfortable and functional in North America” by Backpacker Magazine. They’re such a success that the Bank of Vermont granted them an investment loan the very next year.

And that was the beginning of a great company that makes the most extensive line of outdoor shoes, sandals, and sporting and casual shoes on the market. The top-quality mountain boots are well known to be comfortable and durable, providing critical support for the feet during outdoor activities. You can buy Merrells for just about any activity – walking, hiking, mountaineering, off-road biking, kayaking, and the all important after sports activities. Since the shoes provide proper ventilation and encourage correct posture, they are the comfiest, most durable, and practical footwear around.

Merrell has come up with many different types of technology like the air cushioned midsoles to absorb shock from the rough terrain, Q-forms especially for the ladies to give that perfect fit, and the Omni-Fit lacing systems that,  combined with cutting edge designs and  intricate detailing, are the basic characteristics of the Merrell shoe. Much sought after are the hiking shoes with drains that actually dry out the feet after a river trek and another type with waterproofing to keep the feet dry when hiking in the rain or through wet ground, or trekking in the snow. Shoes like the Waterpro actually pass water while protecting the feet from sharp plants and rocks with its tear-resistant mesh.

Because of its use of high-quality materials like Vibram, Polartec, Agion, Ortholite, Thinsulate, and Gore-Tex, Merrel has become known for its excellent products that can last through any kind of abuse. These lightweight materials that were manufactured with advanced technology allow the company to experiment with faster, lighter footwear that are rip- and tear-proof, adding much to the mystique that Merrell can go through torturous terrain and emerge brand new. Merrells now actually employ anti-bacterial materials that keep your feet fresh no matter how much you push them.

Merrell has the gift of evolving over time. Outdoors nowadays doesn’t just mean out in the wilds. The urban environment has come to be recognized as part of the outdoor environment too, thanks to the surge in popularity of urban outdoor sports like street luge, urban gaming, and parkour. To fill that new need, Merrell has developed new lines for “The New Outdoor” with collections like Merrell Siren Sport and Merrell Chameleon for trail-to-street use. Then there is the Merrell Jungle Moc and the Merrell Tetra for casual lifestyles. The Merrell Waterpro was designed to push to the limits of amphibious sports and fun.

With their vast selection of outdoor footwear for men, women and kids, Merrell offers everyone their choice of the active life in the outdoors. In 2006, they launched a range of apparel for urban and natural activities, ranging from outdoor work, commuting, playing, to hiking, biking, and watersports, and winterwear plus everything in between. The apparel is complemented by a wide selection of accessories like socks, bags, hats, scarves, and belts to complete the look.

And Merrell Shoes is still making history. The company is one of the most popular outdoor brands to date, having experienced massive growth with its worldwide sales. As a footnote, in 2007 “Footwear Plus” magazine awarded Merrell a Design Excellence Award for Outdoor Footwear Brand of the year. That award was given to them for the fifth year in a row.

Wolverine World Wide, a U.S.A- based global shoe company operating outdoor and active footwear brands like Caterpillar, Sebago and Hush Puppies, acquired the international Merrell brand in 1997 from Karhu USA who had purchased it from Matis and Schweitzer. It is now marketed in more than 120 countries around the world.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get outside!

Merrell brands can be purchased in any department or sporting goods store of note anywhere in the world. The company also has specialized concept stores worldwide. Merrell can also be contacted at:

(800) 288-3124
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Home.mvc.aspx

Purchase your own pair of Merrell Shoes right now!