Merrell has one of those venerated and admired outdoor reputations that are rightfully reserved for trailblazers, visionaries, and true leaders. Companies that stand the test of time and transcend market trends generally have something in common; they start with a simple concept, focus on it entirely, and nail it.
Merrell was and is one of the key driving forces in outdoor footwear. A quick history lesson:
In 1981 a cowboy boot maker out of Vernal Utah endeavored to make a pair of hiking boots. He used the same materials, the same attention to detail and the same focus on fit as he had with the cowboy boots he was making. A snug heel, precise instep and generous toebox became Randy Merrells signature fit. Each pair of Randy Merrells new hiking boots cost $500 to make. The waiting list for his handcrafted boots quickly grew out six months.
Mr. Merrell made incredible boots, that simple. In that first year of making boots, Backpacker Magazine named Merrells boots the most functional and comfortable in North America. And that was year one!
Over the next 25 years, Merrell revolutionized the hiking boot category by constantly pushing innovation, improving materials and changing the rules of the game. Below is a list of firsts in the industry. And its only the tip of the iceberg�
1983 Merrell and GORETex team up to produce the first GOREtex hiking boot.
1985 Merrell combines runningshoe technology with Backcountry function to create the Merrell Eagle. The Merrell Supercomp becomes the definitive all leather backpacking boot. Merrell is officially the top of the heap.
1992 Merrell introduces the first technical sport sandal.
1993 Merrell goes green before green gets hip. Merrell uses recycled boxes with no glue or staples and recycles rubber outsoles. Insoles are made of recycled coffee filters and paper.
1998 Merrell creates new chapter in footwear Aftersport headlined by the Jungle Moc and Slides.
2005 Merrell introduces the Continuum concept and focus on creating a footwear solution for every outdoor adventure.
Make no mistake, Merrell has helped this market evolve and their contribution to hiking and backpacking footwear cannot be overstated.
Now to the present! Merrell has taken the technology of the hiking category and have applied it to a line of footwear that covers all of the bases. From the Kids Jungle Moc, to the Womens Encore Chill Stitch Slide, to the Mens Radius Hiking Shoe, Merrells generous product line will suit your needs across the board.
Altrec.com carries a bevy of topshelf Merrell footwear for almost every condition. Shop Altrec with confidence. Your order of Merrell Footwear is guaranteed for life. And if you order today, we will ship them for free.