Comfortable Hiking & Trail Running Shoe Technology

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The Magic is in the Fit

Comfort is personal. It’s situational. Often inexplicable. But when you find it, it’s magical. We call this comfort Merrell Magic.

Venn diagram shows that the intersection of performance, comfort and fit is Merrell Magic.

Comfort
Performance
Fit

Comfort

To deliver out of the box comfort, we consider cushioning, weight,
insulation and ventilation. Here are a few of the many technologies that
we use when approaching comfort:

FLEXCONNECT^™

Merrell FLEXconnect^™ technology supports the natural flexing of a foot in motion to enhance agility on any terrain. Anatomically-inspired, bidirectional flex grooves allow the foot to move naturally on uneven ground, providing improved ground connection and stability.

The Bare Access XTR features FLEXconnect^™ technology.

Shop FLEXCONNECT

Air Cushion

An impact-absorbing pod under the heel to reduce stress on the foot with each step.

The Cham 7 Slam Luna features Air Cushion Technology.

Shop Air Cushion

COMFORTBASE^™

The COMFORTBASE^™ footbed and midsole technologies are designed with breathable foam cradling your foot, increasing shock absorption and all day cushioning. Delivering an underfoot comfort experience that returns energy where it’s needed most – in your feet.

The Moab Vertex Vent Comp Toe Work Shoe features the COMFORTBASE^™ Technology.

Shop COMFORTBASE
Performance

In order to make GEAR that perform on – and off – the trail, we consider traction, waterproofing, breathability, and durability:

Vibram^® Megagrip

Vibram^® Megagrip is a high performance rubber compound featuring unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces. It offers the optimal balance of grippiness and durability for outdoor activities.

The Men's Ontario 85 Mid Waterproof features Vibram^® Megagrip technology.

Shop Megagrip

GORE-TEX^®

Shoes engineered with GORE-TEX^® membranes combine durable waterproofness and optimized breathability, offering enduring waterproof protection and optimized climate comfort.

The Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX^® features GORE-TEX^® technology.

Shop GORE-TEX

BackVent^™

RidgeVent features heat-mapped BackVent^™ baffles for warmth where it counts and breathability where it matters most.

The Ridgevent features BackVent^™ technology.

Shop RidgeVent
Fit

In order to make shoes that are designed to fit you better, we consider
shape, stability and insoles:

Engineered Materials

Certain shoes require the best fit possible so we developed customized, unique-to-Merrell knit and woven materials that meet the durability and quality standards you’ve come to expect from Merrell, engineered to perform during all of your adventures.

The Range AC+ features 3D Stretch Knit.

Shop Engineered Materials

BOA

BOA's patented system consists of three integral parts: a micro-adjustable dial, super-strong lightweight laces, and low friction lace guides. Each unique configuration is engineered to optimize fit and provide precision, adaptability, and control.

The Rove Mid Knit uses the BOA^® Fit System.

Shop BOA

Find your fit. Feel the magic.

True comfort is a unique combination
of features for all different kinds of
people pursuing all different kinds of
activities outdoors.

Find your fit for Trail Running

A runner rounds a corner on a trail. Behind and below her is a lake, and behind that a thick forest and a mountain.

Shop Trail Running

Clark Matis | Randy Merrell

There’s a saying in the shoe business: “the last comes first”. And while Randy Merrell and Clark Matis didn’t make it up, as Merrell’s original design Magicians, they created a design philosophy around it. One that is still used to this day, ensuring every shoe we develop starts with fit.

Clark Matis
Randy Merrell

The Perennial
Merrell Magician

There’s no doubt Clark Matis is driven. You don’t become an All-American Olympian and avid outdoor enthusiast without being driven to be the best! This ambition is a magical mix of dedication and desire that shines through in his ongoing role leading Merrell’s brand innovation team. Since the beginning he’s been known to put every pair of Merrell’s through its paces. Personally testing them to ensure they have the right combination of comfort, performance and stability.

Shop Moab

Clark is also the design wizard behind some of the most lasting and popular styles. His magic
can be found in the Wilderness, Moab, Chameleon and, of course, the iconic Jungle Moc. His
commitment to excellence is matched only by his passion for designing product and working to find
breakthrough innovations. Keep going Clark, we can’t wait to see what magic you dream up next.
The Master
Merrell Magician

Randy Merrell, originally a custom cowboy boot-maker, broke new ground when he first applied his craft to hiking boots. At that time, boots were ill-fitting, heavy and stiff. He knew he could do better. And he did, quickly gaining a small, but loyal following of outdoor enthusiasts, who appreciated the comfort and functionality of the lightweight hikers. Randy’s magical blend of materials and technique soon found their way to the masses in the form of a blue-laced hiking boot — the Wilderness. A style that’s just as popular today.

Shop Wilderness

Randy has since left Merrell, but his uncompromising approach to boot-making live on in
every piece of footwear we create. It’s the magic that remains – a commitment to comfort, design,
durability and versatility that was so important to Randy, and that we at Merrell have the
honor of continuing.