Merrell boots. The leader among "off-road vehicles".

“The best hiking boots ever made”

 

Backpaker magazine on Merrell

16.05.2025

8139 views

The first Merrell boots

Although the brand's headquarters is now located in Rockford (Michigan), its history began in Utah. It was there, in Vernal, in 1981, that Randy Merrell started making shoes by hand. 

 

Although Randy had professional qualifications, he always made cowboy boots by hand. As a “personal signature,” Merrell used special blue laces. Now they can be found in the Wilderness series. 

 

Once, instead of another pair of “Cossacks,” Randy was asked to make boots. Merrell took the risk and agreed. So that small order became the first pebble in the Merrell avalanche. 

 

The first Merrell shoes that could be bought from Randy were hiking boots with good functionality and at an affordable price.

Handmade, the first sold Merrell shoes

The first footwear from Merrell 

Randy cut the first model using the same technology as cowboy boots. They had a thickened heel of about 3.5 centimeters, which was supposed to ensure comfortable wear for ten years or more.


By the way, at the very beginning, Merrell boots and ankle boots were made in Italy, which in the 80s remained a true footwear Mecca. Randy's patterns used a comfortable, proven last, a wide toe box, and a comfortable instep.


To create the brand, Randy teamed up with two experts from the tourism business — Clark Matis and John Schweizer. Matis focused on manufacturing and marketing, Schweizer ran the business and maintained contacts with factories, while Randy designed the footwear.


However, he preferred manual artisanal work, so when the 25-thousandth pair of shoes came off the assembly line, Randy suddenly sold his share and returned to what he loved.

How Merrell became popular

Innovation and recognition. Merrell's path to fame

It should be said that this did not stop the revved-up Merrell locomotive, especially since an active lifestyle and attention to health were just gaining momentum. Many wanted to buy shoes with the coveted Merrell signature, so by the end of the nineties annual sales had grown to six million dollars. 

 

In 1990, more than 300 thousand pairs of boots were sold per year. New models were constantly released; for example, Merrell sandals saw the light of day in 1992. 

 

At the same time, Merrell sneakers were also being improved, and the brand developed active Weather Tight Construction waterproofing. The Jungle Runner line of running shoes appeared, with durable suede based on pigskin on the sole, which greatly increased their “life” even on aggressive surfaces.

 

The Chameleon family for lightweight trekking became a hit at the start of the 2000s. In the mid-2000s, Merrell created the Continium concept. 

 

According to it, the official Merrell website offered “full-cycle” footwear — hiking and “post-hiking,” moccasins, mountain footwear, ski boots, sports sneakers, signature Merrell sandals, and much more. Backpacks and bags became additions to the footwear. 

 

Another legend from Merrell was the Overdrive summer sneakers in collaboration with Robin Beninax. The target audience for the new product was “survivalists” who like harsher conditions. 

 

The brand's innovations did not go unnoticed. In 1999, Merrell received the title of OUTDOR Brand of the Year, and in 2001 the brand also earned recognition in the field of design. In 2003, the brand once again won Award Plus among OUTDOR brands and another award for Gore-Tex innovations. Subsequently, the brand repeatedly won leadership among “off-roaders.”

Merrell sneakers and examples of products

Merrell sneakers. What is worth buying?

Climb Everest and not rub blisters the size of a pancake — that is exactly how the brand's mission is formulated. In other words, footwear must be comfortable, functional, and ergonomic.

 

And durable too. With Merrell, you will not be buying sneakers once a season. Moreover, ideally any pair should last at least ten years, which means the materials for each pair are strong, reliable, and tested. 

 

By the way, the brand pays a lot of attention to the environment. After all, Merrell sneakers and boots are made so you can admire nature, so it is logical for the brand to care for it. Which means long live recycling!

 

For example, in the sole of the Gridway, recycled raw materials make up 70%, and in the insole 50%. Recycled rubber, polyester, vinyl acetate, and other materials are used. 

 

Another reason to buy Merrell footwear is the functional, practical, and expressive design that pairs well with casual clothing or street style. 

 

So, the basic men's Nova 2 will cost you $ 110 (8 100 rubles). Nova 2  with GORE-TEX technology are also available. For lovers of minimalism, Trail Glove 6 for $100 (7 400 rubles) with natural foot support, increased abrasion resistance, and an excellent fit will suit you. 

 

Among popular women's models, we recommend paying attention to the hiking model Moab 2 Waterproof Wide Width with water protection for $125 (9200 rubles), the trail runners Agility Synthesis 2 for running on roads and trails for $88 (6500 rubles), or the hiking legend Bravada with a grippy sole and reliable ankle protection without stiffness or pinching. 

 

Here are some other popular sneaker models:

 

  • All Out Crush
  • Trail Glove Shield
  • Trail Glove
  • Mix Master
  • Vapor Glove
  • Agility Peak Flex
  • Bare Access Flex

 

Trending and popular Merrell sandals

A few words about sandals

 

Merrell sandals are versatile footwear. A walk, the seaside, a friendly dinner, the forest, or a park — you can find a pair for anything. On Merrell.com you will find leather slides, everyday pairs, sandals for all kinds of activities, and so on. 

 

The sole of each pair is designed for increased stability, and the insole has an air cushion that is intended to protect your feet from sudden impacts. The upper is well ventilated and dries quickly. There are also sandals with increased water permeability and passability; they are perfect for hiking. 

 

Pay attention to the “water” sandals Hydro Moc for $50 (3700 rubles), lightweight to put on and take off, anatomically comfortable, durable and long-lasting, or the elegant The Belize Convert Web on a comfortable air cushion for $100 (7 400 rubles) 

 

In addition, it is worth looking at these items:

 

 

 
Pochtoy.com delivers from the USA to Russia

Unfortunately, there is no delivery to Russia from the official Merrell website, but this problem is easily solved with Pochtoy.com. By ordering through us, you will protect yourself from counterfeits and be able to save money by choosing the best deals at hot discounts (this especially applies to seasonal discounts and the SALE section). 

By the way, our favorite stores:

- Amazon online store official affiliate website.

- eBay online store official affiliate website.

- 6pm online store official affiliate website.


You choose a product, pay for it, and use our warehouse as the American address. Our experts. can help with the checkout. After all your orders arrive with us, we will pack them and send them to Russia. In 5-10 days, the purchase will arrive at the pickup point or the post office in your city.

Looking for discounts and sales in the USA?

Indeed, almost all of America buys clothes and shoes at sales, where the cost is minimal. Black Friday guarantees the lowest prices on Merrell in many well-known stores.

The best intermediary in the USA is Pochtoy.com, according to our specialists and not only them. Our specialists strongly recommend themselves!

Purchase and delivery of orders from US stores to Russia
 
Intermediary mail forwarder Pochtoy.com.

Tags