History of the Merrill Footwear Company

The metamorphosis of Merrill Shoes is an inspirational account of how a designer who acclimates themselves the needs of an evolving market can burgeon into a world-wide designer label. This tale begins humbly enough when the founder Randy Merrell decided to deliver a better hiking boot in 1981. Since that point in time, the consistent theme of the Merrill shoe company has been to encourage an active lifestyle whether it be indoors or outdoors. The company has developed some signature features in its footwear collection which exhibit significant advances in style and comfort. Regardless of the climate, landscape or conditions, Merrill has features which accommodate every situation you'll encounter. They believe in treating the urban jungle of a major metropolitan city the same as the hiking trails of Yellowstone National Park. As a result, their shoe collection is as diverse as the environments their clients use them in. The common thread you'll find throughout is the unsurpassed quality, comfort and performance they established their reputation on. Couple that with the contemporary style their shoes exhibit and you'll truly appreciate why Merrill has developed a passionate following around the globe.

Distinctive Characteristics of Merrill Shoes

The Merrill shoes company has made considerable investment in research to stay on the cutting edge of footwear technology. They have invested heavily in advances resulting in features that are only found in their shoe collection and which deliver a accurate fit and comfort level. By using such materials as Goretex, their footwear keeps your feet properly protected by being waterproof, cushioned, and insulated. Another feature exclusively 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 centered in the shoe. The benefit to the wearer is unmatched stability, comfort and cushioning both on the rugged trails or on urban jungle trails. Another feature specifically customized to accommodate the unique physical properties of the female anatomy is the Q-Form cushioning system. In order to maintain a secure and snug fit, Merrill utilizes the omni-fit lacing system. This lacing technique offers major advantages over the typical eyelet lacing system by threading the laces through the upper and tongue area using D-rings making for a more dependable fit. Finally, to ensure superior traction, a better grip and increased durability, Merrill integrates their proprietary Vibram Chameleon Sport sole and patented Sticky Rubber sole manufactured with a rubber compound which is dual-density. The final results are innovations pioneered by Merrill which represent new technology in footwear that deliver superior comfort, control and stability.

Well Deserved 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 magazine singled them out with 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 company in the world of footwear designers.