Merrell is a world-renowned hiking footwear and apparel brand with a history spanning over forty years.
Back in 1981, in the small town of Vernal, Utah, local cowboy boot maker Randall Merrell accepted an order from a group of tourists to sew several pairs of hiking boots. Each pair was made individually, taking into account all the features of the foot.
The labor-intensive process of hand-sewing each set of shoes took several months and cost the customer a lot of money - about $500 per pair. But the quality of such shoes, of course, could not be compared with popular models of the mass market: a comfortable last, a perfectly selected instep, a wide toe and high-quality materials - these characteristics are still the hallmark of Merrell shoes.
First glory
Boots from Randy Merell quickly gained popularity and began to be in demand among outdoor enthusiasts.In the almost makeshift conditions of a home workshop, it was not possible to provide a growing number of orders, so Randy Merell teamed up with ski equipment manufacturers Clark Mathis and John Schweitzer. Together they opened a workshop for sewing hiking shoes.
In this union, everyone was responsible for the task entrusted to him: Mathis took over the control and management of production, Schweitzer was in charge of sales and attracting investments, and Randy Merell became the ideological inspirer and shoe designer. True, Randy, who was essentially a freelance artist, did not work for long with the company that bore his name. Just a couple of years later, he returned to Utah and began his usual business.
Meanwhile, Merrell shoes began to be sold in stores and immediately won the attention of specialists and the love of users. One of the journalists from Backpacker, a publication about science, lifestyle and adventure, said of Randall Merell's products: “These are the best hiking boots ever made!”
Merrell Innovation
During its existence, Merell has made a breakthrough in the industry. Consistent quality and the pursuit of ideal are the goals that allowed the brand not to stop there, but to look for design and technological solutions that have made the Merell brand a flagship in the production of sports and hiking shoes. Here are just some of the discoveries made by the company:
- One of the company's design features, invented by Randy Merrell, was blue laces; they were supplied with almost all shoe models in the 80s. Modern designers of the brand, paying tribute to the pioneers, have retained several models with blue laces in the line of sports shoes.
- The introduction of Gore-Tex technology in 1984: the upper of the boots began to be made using a special membrane that has a wind- and water-repellent effect, but at the same time allows the feet to “breathe”.
- The release in 1985 of a revolutionary model of boots with Velcro, as well as the first ski boots in history with plastic cuffs and fasteners.
- Development of separate lines of shoes for the European and American continents. “American” models of boots were equipped with a more massive last (by analogy with the favorite shoes of cowboys) and had increased wear resistance - up to 10 years.
- Active work on creating shoes with the Air Cushion cushioning system. The sole was equipped with air voids, which made walking softer and more comfortable.
- In 1992, innovative water protection technology WTC was developed and implemented.
- In 1995, the company was actively involved in the development of anti-slip soles.
What are Merrell products today?
Today, Merrell offers not only special footwear for walking, running, climbing or skiing, but also a wide range of casual walking shoes: boots, sneakers, sandals for men, women and children.
The shoes are made of high-quality environmentally friendly materials based on the latest technologies. The company cares about the environment and introduces the use of rubber and recycled polyester into shoe production. The company's principle, developed over decades, is preserved: the service life of a pair of shoes from Merrell is about 10 years.
The cost of branded sneakers is about $100 and is optimal for the price-quality combination.You can buy a pair of such shoes not only in a network of branded stores, but also through online applications with delivery anywhere in the world.
It should be noted that the shoe models are not only functional, but also made in an attractive design. Many models can be combined with tracksuits, and they will also successfully complement casual and street style looks. Since 2007, the company began to produce clothing, hats, backpacks, sports equipment and various accessories under the brand of the same name. The clothing design is quite simple, without excess. But she’s not made for going to a party. When sewing clothes, the manufacturer focused primarily on convenience and high quality: the models are made of breathable, water-repellent fabrics in discreet colors and equipped with reliable fittings. Merrell today offers its customers jackets, vests, trousers, sweatshirts, shirts, T-shirts, shorts and many other wardrobe items.
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