With the objective of building a better hiking boot, the Merrell Shoes company was established in 1981. From those humble beginnings, they have expanded their footwear collection to handle all types of terrain from the urban jungle of Chicago to the trails of the Shenandoah National Park. Their main objective both then and now is to promote an active lifestyle for everyone to enjoy with footwear that can handle the challenge. As a matter of fact, originally with their headquarters in the rugged terrain of Utah, this served as the perfect testing grounds for their hiking boots. Merrill invested heavily in cutting edge technology that could handle this demanding landscape which still appears in their diverse collection of moccasins, sports shoes, sandals, slides and boots today. As people became more fitness and environmentally conscious throughout decades since the 1980s, Merrill has evolved to meet their needs. So, whether the endeavor is rock climbing, hiking, running, or sight seeing, Merrill specifically designed their footwear to meet the unique demands of that particular sport. The impressive part is that they never sacrificed comfort or style along the way.

Advanced Characteristics of Merrill Shoes

Merrill stays on the cutting edge of its class by using state-of-the-art materials and exclusive footwear technology. They have invested substantially in research resulting in features that are only found in their product line and which deliver a superb fit and comfort level. By using such materials as Polartec, their shoes and boots keep your feet properly protected by being waterproof, cushioned, and insulated. Another unique element only found in their shoes and boots is the patented Air Cushion midsole. This unique Air Cushion will absorb up to four times the wearer's body weight and keeps the heel properly aligned in the shoe. The benefit to the wearer is unmatched stability, comfort and cushioning both on the trail or on pavement. Another feature specifically tailored to accommodate the unique physical properties of a woman's foot is the Q-Form cushion system. In order to maintain a secure and snug fit, Merrill employs the omni-fit lacing system. This lacing technique offers major advantages over the typical eyelet lacing system by threading the laces through the tongue and upper area using D-rings making for a more dependable fit. Finally, to ensure superior traction, maximum grip and increased durability, Merrill built in their exclusive Vibram Chameleon Sport sole and patented Sticky Rubber sole manufactured with a sticky rubber material which is dual-density. The final results are innovations pioneered by Merrill which represent new technology in footwear that deliver the highest level of  comfort, control and stability.

Well Earned Footwear Industry Accolades

The footwear industry is well established and has many designers who have been in and survived the business for well over 100 years and yet, the Merrill shoe company has made immense strides in a short twenty six years. The industry's leading publication awarded them this prestigious label in 2007. However, Merrill is no stranger to being recognized as a footwear leader before this. As an example, in 1988 Backpacker Magazine ranked their leather boot the Best Hiking Boot. In 1999, yet again, Footwear News Magazine named Merrell the 1999 Athletic/Outdoor Brand of the Year. So, with accolades like these, its not difficult to see why Merrill has flourished into a global member in the world of footwear designers.