| Merrell | Road, Trail & Hiking Shoes

Merrell is an award-winning adventure footwear brand built on a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to performance, comfort and innovation. Born in the United States in 1981, Merrell was co-founded by Rossignol ski executives Clark Matis and John Schweizer, who teamed up with expert bootmaker Randal Ivan Merrell to create a new standard in hiking footwear. Their goal was clear from the beginning: build a high-performance boot that was both durable and affordable. That vision was quickly recognised when Backpacker Magazine named Merrell boots “the most comfortable and functional boots in North America”.

Best known for outdoor footwear that delivers on reliability and comfort, Merrell’s reputation has been shaped by standout products like the Merrell Moab hiking boot and the slip-on Merrell Jungle Moc shoes. The Moab, first created in 1982, is a trail classic and a symbol of Merrell’s commitment to rugged versatility and value. The Jungle Moc, released in 1998, offered a new kind of casual, all-terrain comfort. With features like a soft suede leather upper, EVA foam midsole, shock-absorbing Air Cushion heel and tacky rubber sole – it’s a campsite favourite that transcends the decades and continues to define off-duty adventure style.

Merrell’s focus on purposeful design extends beyond products and into the people who wear them. Since 1983, Merrell has kept the biomechanical differences of men’s and women’s feet in mind with a female-specific last – with a focus on shape, stride and skeletal structure that’s fine-tuned for female athletes. Recognising that adventure has no gender, Merrell committed to further advancements in 2003 with the introduction of QForm technology. Developed with Sport Biomechanics, Inc., QForm midsoles were integral to Merrell women’s shoes - offering tailored cushioning, alignment and support to give female athletes a truly custom feel.

As the brand evolved, Merrell’s footprint expanded worldwide, launching in the United Kingdom in 1989 and eventually arriving in our sun-drenched country, opening their flagship Australian store in Sydney in 2010. Today, Merrell products are available in over 150 countries and continue to be part of Wolverine World Wide’s portfolio of performance-driven brands. Throughout this global growth, Merrell has maintained its mission: “Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside. We believe the trail is for everyone.” They are passionate about creating gear that empowers all people to explore with confidence.

From waterproof Gore-Tex Merrell hiking boots to lightweight Merrell trail running shoes, to minimalist Merrell barefoot shoes, the brand’s innovations cater to every kind of explorer. In 1995, the addition of Vibram soles brought even greater traction and performance to Merrell shoes, reinforcing their place at the top of the adventure and hiking footwear category. 

From 1999, young adventurers were given access to the comfort of Merrell footwear. The release of Merrell kids’ shoes including waterproof kids’ hiking shoes and kids’ sandals, to thrive alongside Merrell men’s shoes and Merrell women’s shoes, helped inspire little athletes to nurture a positive relationship with movement and nature. 

Released in 2011, the zero drop Merrell Trail Glove brought wearers closer to the earth. The Merrell Vapor Glove road running shoes followed in its footsteps as an integral barefoot and minimalist running shoe for the brand. It delivered a super lightweight feel, foot-hugging fit and flexible sole. Together, these minimalist footwear offerings helped shape Merrell’s reputation for zero drop shoes that support a natural stride. Both the Merrell Trail Glove and Vapor Glove have evolved in each generation, introducing a higher content of recycled materials into the latest iterations.

Driven by a planet-friendly focus on performance footwear, Merrell also embraces a strong environmental mission. They continue to improve the sustainability of their production methods, incorporating more eco-conscious materials and striving to minimise waste. Partnerships with organisations like the U.S. National Parks Foundation reflect their dedication to preserving the wild spaces that inspire their products.

Merrell’s legacy of excellence has been recognised time and again, from early accolades for their leather hiking boots to being named Brand of the Year at the 2022 Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAA). In 2023, Wired recognised Merrell as leaders in barefoot running shoes for beginners, further cementing their leadership in both innovation and inclusivity.

From world-class athletes like adventure race champion and Team Merrell founder Robyn Benincasa, to everyday explorers, Merrell stands for those who find freedom in the outdoors - inspiring you to embrace the elements and conquer summits. Their philosophy is simple but powerful, with a belief that nature should be open to everyone, regardless of who you are or how you move. With Merrell, every trail and summit is an invitation to go further, and go comfortably.