Merrell boots. The leader among "off-roaders".

Although the brand's main office is now located in the city of Rockford (Michigan state), its history began in Utah. It was there, in Vernal in 1981, that Randy Merrell took up artisanal shoe production. 

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

Once instead of the usual “Cossacks” Randy was asked to make boots. Merrell took the risk and agreed. Thus a 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.

Merrell's First Footwear 

Randy cut the first model using the same technology as cowboy boots. They featured a thickened heel of about 3.5 centimeters, designed to provide comfortable wear for ten years or more.

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

To launch the brand, Randy partnered with two tourism industry experts — Clark Mattis and John Schweitzer. Mattis focused on manufacturing and marketing, Schweitzer ran the business and maintained factory contacts, while Randy designed the footwear.

However, handcrafted work suited him far better, so once the 25,000th pair of shoes rolled off the line, Randy suddenly sold his stake and returned to his favorite craft.

Innovation and Recognition. Merrell's Path to Fame

It has to be said that this did not stop Merrell’s fired-up locomotive, especially since an active lifestyle and attention to health were gaining momentum at just the right time. Many people 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 kept coming out — for example, Merrell sandals made their debut in 1992. 

At the same time, Merrell sneakers continued to be refined — the brand developed active waterproofing called Weather Tight Construction. The Jungle Runner line of running shoes appeared, featuring durable suede based on pigskin on the outsole, which significantly extended their lifespan even on aggressive surfaces.

The early 2000s hit was the Chameleon family for lightweight trekking. In the mid-2000s Merrell introduced the Continium concept. 

Under this concept, the official Merrell website offered “full-cycle” footwear — hiking and “post-hiking,” moccasins, mountaineering boots, ski boots, athletic sneakers, signature Merrell sandals, and much more. Backpacks and bags were added to complement the shoes. 

Another Merrell legend was the Overdrive summer sneakers created in collaboration with Robin Beninaks. The target audience for the new release was “survivalists” who love tougher conditions. 

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

Merrell Sneakers. What Is Worth Buying?

Climbing Everest without getting blisters the size of a pancake — that is exactly how the brand's mission is formulated. In other words, the shoes must be comfortable, functional, and ergonomic.

They must also be durable. With Merrell you won't be buying sneakers every season. What's more, ideally any pair should last at least ten years, which means the materials for every pair are strong, reliable, and well-tested. 

By the way, the brand pays a lot of attention to ecology. After all, Merrell sneakers and boots are made to admire nature, so it makes sense for the company to take care of it. That means long live recycling!

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

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

For example, basic men's Nova 2 will cost you $ 110 (8 100 rubles). Nova 2  with GORE-TEX technology are also available. For minimalism fans, Trail Glove 6 for $100 (7 400 rubles) with natural foot fixation, increased abrasion resistance, and great fit is a good choice. 

Among popular women's models, we recommend the hiking model Moab 2 Waterproof Wide Width with waterproofing for $125 (9200 rubles), trail runners Agility Synthesis 2 for road and trail running 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

A few words about sandals

Merrell sandals are versatile footwear. A walk, the seashore, a casual dinner, the woods or a park — you can find a pair for anything. On Merrell.com you’ll find leather slides, everyday pairs, sandals for all kinds of activities, and so on. 

Each pair’s sole is designed for superior stability, and the insole features an air cushion that protects your feet from sharp impacts. The upper offers excellent ventilation and dries quickly. There are also sandals with enhanced water permeability and traction that are perfect for hiking. 

Don’t miss the “water” sandals Hydro Moc at $50 (3700 rubles): easy to put on and take off, anatomically comfortable, sturdy and durable; or the elegant The Belize Convert Web on a comfortable air cushion for $100 (7 400 rubles) 

Also worth checking out:

• Convertibl
• Kahuna
• Choprock Shanda

Unfortunately, there is no delivery from the official Merrell website to the Russian Federation, but this problem is easily solved with Pochtoy.com. By ordering from us, you will protect yourself from counterfeits and can save money by selecting the most advantageous items at hot discounts (this especially applies to seasonal discounts and the SALE section). 

By the way, our favorite stores:

- Amazon online store official partner site.

- eBay online store official partner site.

- 6pm online store official partner site.

You pick an item, pay for it, and use our warehouse as the US address. Our experts can help with checkout. Once all your orders have reached us, we pack them and ship them to Russia. In 5-10 days your purchase will arrive at a pickup point or 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 prices are minimal. Black Friday guarantees the lowest prices on Merrell in many well-known stores.

The best US intermediary is Pochtoy.com, according to our specialists and more. Our specialists highly recommend themselves!